blurlettes

Blurlettes are a playful and informal term used to describe small, blurry, or indistinct objects that appear in photographs. They are often unintentional artifacts that can arise from a variety of photographic conditions. Common causes include motion blur, where either the subject or the camera moves during the exposure, resulting in a streaked or softened image. Out-of-focus areas, particularly in the foreground or background of a shallow depth of field shot, can also be perceived as blurlettes. Tiny specks of dust or debris on the camera lens or sensor can sometimes appear as small, blurry dots, especially when illuminated by strong light sources. These are distinct from sharp dust spots which are typically more defined. In some instances, particularly in digital photography, minor sensor noise or compression artifacts might also contribute to the appearance of blurlettes. While generally considered undesirable, in artistic contexts, intentionally created blurlettes can be used to add a sense of movement, dreaminess, or abstract quality to an image. Their identification and mitigation are often part of the photographic editing process for those seeking a sharper and clearer final result.