An augmented-reality filter reveals the hidden movements all around us

In this video essay, the Dutch filmmaker, photographer and artist Michiel de Boer introduces viewers to an innovative digital effect he’s created called ‘motion extraction’, which draws out the movement in scenes, sometimes making it the only thing visible. He showcases several crafty examples that, made with his own footage, highlight motion of various types and timescales. This simple technique produces dazzling results, causing tree branches to shimmer as they sway in the wind, dust particles to become bold beams of light, and camouflaged insects and animals to be instantly unveiled. De Boer’s montage serves not only as a free and easy tutorial on the possibilities of this creative tool, but also as eye candy for anyone keen to witness the hidden patterns of movement that surround us.