How to paint with light (ICM)
AVENUE WITH TREES
ISO 100 / 18mm / f18 / 1.8 sec
Walking down the avenues of this botanical garden in autumn I was thrilled with the way nature was speaking to me - slowly I was unwinding and my thoughts slowing down. If I had kept my camera still, I would be less pleased because it might have been too “ordinary” and so I decided to experiment with camera movement. I was pleased with the mix of nature’s palette.
In the world of photography, Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) stands out as a technique that defies convention and unleashes creativity. Instead of freezing a moment in time, ICM allows photographers to explore movement, abstract forms, and emotional depth within their work. If you've never experimented with this technique, here’s why you should and some tips to get you started.
5 Reasons to Try Intentional Camera Movement
Break Free from Conventions: Traditional photography often focuses on sharpness and clarity. ICM, on the other hand, allows you to push boundaries, break the rules, and embrace a new kind of beauty—one that captures movement and essence rather than precise detail.
Enhance Emotional Expression: With ICM, you can translate emotions through your movement. A slow, gentle movement might convey calm, while quick, erratic motion can evoke excitement or intensity. This freedom to visually express emotion is something unique to ICM.
Discover Abstract Art in Photography: Through ICM, your photographs often take on abstract forms. It’s an exciting way to look at your subjects differently—capturing, for instance, the spirit of a forest through soft vertical streaks rather than individual trees. This is ideal if you want to incorporate an artistic dimension into your photography.
Increase Mindfulness: ICM demands that you be present in the moment, deeply attuned to your surroundings. Instead of simply taking a photo, you’re intentionally engaging with your environment and adjusting your movements to capture its essence and “painting with light.”. This mindful approach can turn each shot into a meditative experience, promoting relaxation and focus.
Unique and Unrepeatable Results: ICM often produces images that are difficult to replicate. Each shot is affected by your unique movement, making every image a one-of-a-kind creation. This originality means that every ICM photograph holds a distinctive personal touch.
WATER REFLECTIONS
ISO 100 / 16mm / f18 / 5 sec
I looked down into the water in the yacht basin and saw a pleasing mix of reflected colours. I was happy with this art because of the colourings, the bright oranges throwing forward and the more neutral colours forming a strong background. The movement was an added bonus.
Five Tips on Intentional Camera Movement - The Recipe
ONE
Set your Mode Dial to A or Av (Canon) When you set your mode dial to Aperture Priority, you won’t have to worry about shutter speed calculation. .You’ll need a longer shutter speed, so set your ISO to its lowest number. Another advantage of a low ISO is lower noise levels. Then decide on what aperture to use. The smaller the aperture (say f/16) the longer the shutter speed.
TWO
For this technique, use a longer shutter speed—anywhere from 0.5 to 8 seconds, depending on the lighting conditions. Refer to the example images in this blog to see how varying shutter speeds affect the results. If the shutter speed isn’t long enough, try narrowing the aperture or consider using an adjustable ND filter. An ND filter can help control light, especially in brighter settings, but it’s not essential if your shutter speed is within the recommended range and light isn’t overly intense. If you do use an ND filter, lower settings typically yield better results, depending on the glass quality.
THREE
Switch to manual focus and set the focus pointer on the lens to the infinity symbol. I recommend this approach, though feel free to experiment. Focusing on infinity helps maintain some sharpness in the image and prevents the autofocus from struggling with the camera's movement.
FOUR
Press the shutter button and, while it’s open, move the camera in various directions—vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or circular—or even combine these movements. In my examples, I’ve primarily used a slow vertical movement, but it’s essential to experiment and find the style that resonates with you most.
FIVE
When selecting your subject, aim to create contrast within your image. This contrast can help extend your shutter speed without needing an ND filter, thanks to the darker areas. Be ready to fill up your memory card with experimental shots as you fine-tune your techniques—adjusting the speed of your camera movement and observing how different lighting conditions shape the overall light-painting effect.
WINDING PATH
ISO 100 / 18MM / F18 / 1.8 Sec
The little squiggle of light you see was a point of light focused on the head of a soapstone carving. Although the carving disappeared with the movement, it appeared to me as a signature of the artist - placed on the right place as the pathway veered to the right.
Conclusion
Intentional Camera Movement offers a refreshing departure from traditional photography. It allows you to blend movement and creativity, producing unique, expressive images that capture more than what meets the eye. Whether you're drawn to abstract art, seeking a mindful photography experience, or simply eager to try something different, ICM can deepen your creative journey. So, grab your camera, slow down, and enjoy the meditative beauty of capturing the world in motion.
CROSS-HATCHED YACHTS
ISO 100 / 10mm / f20 / 2.0 secs
I loved the cross hatching that appeared on this image of yachts in the harbour basin. To get this, I moved the camera vertically and at 45 degrees. You really have to twirst your mind to discover the boats, and in a way it’s not really that important that you do. The pink squiggles you see are my signature - a serendipity play of luck and growing skill.
