Supernova I: Single-Sided Ghosting for Creative Portraits

A portrait can feel still in one part of the frame and full of movement in another. The Supernova I ghosting filter offers a way to explore that balance: a recognisable subject, an unexpected repeated outline and a sense of motion captured in-camera. For portrait, fashion and wedding photographers, the creative question is where that effect belongs in the composition.

What Does Supernova I Do?

Supernova I is an optical camera filter that creates single-sided ghosting, motion blur and image duplication. Its long-exposure-inspired appearance is produced during capture and can be used in photographs or video. Part of the frame can remain more defined while another area carries the effect.

Single-sided describes the placement of the ghosting rather than a fixed level of subtlety. A frame can still look strongly stylised. Lighting, your lens and the filter's orientation influence the result, so use the live view to decide how much of the scene you want to transform.

Build a Portrait Around One Direction of Movement

In the street portrait in the product gallery, a woman in a grey outfit stands against a city backdrop. Horizontal ghosting extends towards one side, while her pose remains the main point of attention. The image suggests an approach to environmental portraits: give the subject a clear position, then leave room for the effect to travel through the scene.

Start with a simple pose. Frame a little wider than you normally would and inspect the edges before shooting. If a repeated outline competes with the face, rotate the filter or change your camera position. Compare a few compositions before asking your subject to move.

Use a Simple Background for Studio Portraits

The studio photograph with a raised arm shows how clearly ghosting reads against a pale background. The pose gives the eye an anchor, while the repeated arm and profile introduce another visual rhythm. You do not need an elaborate set to explore this idea.

Choose one gesture, such as lifting an arm or turning the head. Keep the pose consistent while you test filter positions. Look for a relationship between the subject's outline and its repetition, rather than assuming that the strongest blur will make the best photograph.

Add an Expressive Frame to a Wedding Series

Supernova I can be used for selected creative photographs during a bridal session. In the gallery's window portrait, the bride's profile is set against the window while streaking crosses the lower part of the dress. The contrast between a readable face and a softer area makes the image a useful reference for composition.

Begin with the portrait you need, then try a second interpretation with the filter. Ask the couple to hold a comfortable pose while you inspect the effect. When reviewing a wedding series, consider where an expressive frame adds variety alongside the other photographs.

Explore Stage Lights and Concert Portraits

The orange-lit performance photograph offers a different direction. Bright stage lights form streaks around the performer, giving the background an active role. A concert setting provides changing combinations of subject position, light and contrast to explore.

Watch how the frame changes when the performer steps into a different pool of light. Test your composition during a quieter moment where possible, and keep attention on the expression or gesture that makes the shot worth taking. Let the effect support that moment.

How to Approach Your First Supernova I Shoot

Begin with a clear visual anchor. Choose the face, pose or detail the viewer should notice first. Build the rest of the composition around it.

Rotate the threaded filter. The threaded version has an RFL Infinity Ring™ that lets you change the filter's orientation after mounting. Compare several positions in live view before choosing a direction.

Change one variable at a time. Try the same composition with a different aperture or focal length, if available. Keeping the other conditions similar makes each change easier to judge.

Review more than the amount of blur. Check the eyes, background and edges. Choose the version in which the effect contributes to the photograph you want to make.

When to Choose Supernova I

Choose Supernova I when a one-sided effect fits your idea. The beach portrait in the gallery shows a repeated profile extending away from the subject, creating an asymmetrical composition. This is one way to suggest motion within a posed photograph.

If you want ghosting on both sides of the subject, explore Supernova II. For a closer comparison, read our Supernova I vs Supernova II guide. The choice is about how you want to organise the frame.

Supernova I FAQ

Does Supernova I need a slow shutter speed?

The filter creates its ghosting optically, so a slow shutter speed is not required to produce that effect. Choose your exposure settings for the subject and available light.

Can I use Supernova I for video?

Yes. It is designed for both still photography and filmmaking.

Can I change the direction of the effect?

Yes. Rotate the threaded version using its RFL Infinity Ring™ and preview the composition as you adjust it.

How do I choose a filter size?

For a threaded filter, check your lens's filter-thread diameter before ordering. Review the selected product option carefully if you prefer a handheld version.

Want to explore directional ghosting in your next session? Discover Supernova I and choose the version for your setup.