ICM - Intentional Camera Movement
There are many ways to enhance a photograph, whether it is in the field or during post processing. Although I feel like I’m primarily a documentary style photographer (meaning I like to have my photos look like the scene did when I took the photo), there are times when I like to play with some creative processes in my landscape or still life wok. One of those is ICM, or intentional camera movement.
This is when the photographer moves the camera while taking the photo. Intentionally. This is NOT the ‘camera shake’ that reduces the clarity of the image that we hate to see in our images. But, by slowing down the shutter speed and moving the camera while depressing the shutter, we can achieve a beautiful fine art effect.
Here are four ways to implement Intentional Camera Movement.
Vertical - Select a subject with strong vertical lines. Adjust to a slow shutter speed. Move the camera up or down while depressing the shutter.
Horizontal - Select a subject with strong horizontal lines. Adjust to a slow shutter speed. Move the camera from one side to the other while depressing the shutter.
Zoom - Using a zoom lens, set a slow shutter. Begin at the widest setting of the lens, and zoom it to the longest setting while depressing the shutter.
Twist - Again, using a slow shutter speed, depress the shutter while twisting or turning the entire camera.
To get a better idea of these ICM techniques, you can watch my YouTube video where I give a little more detailed information about this creative method of adding to your fine art images.
video explaining the creative photography technique of intentional camera movement
Remember - Just Go Shoot!
““Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.””
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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
Join other advanced photographers who are recognized for their technical and creative work. Learn more HERE.
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