I had been wanting to create a dreamy abstract image using ICM ( intentional camera movement) ever since I noticed abstract photos of trees. So I used a family hike as the perfect time to challenge myself with a new photographic technique.
How to Create An ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) Photo
The short and simple to getting started with ICM is to use a slow shutter speed and when you click the shutter move the camera. You can move the camera fast or slow. A swipe up or down, horizontally, or even in a circle. Your shutter speed can range from the multi-seconds to 1/50th of a second. The key at first is to experiment!
I found that my first take of in-camera abstracts of nature were simple, invigorating, and left me wanting more.
It was a cold day and I was surrounded by muted tones of Grey and Brown… I loved it.
Grey days always called to me and after 3 years of living in Hawaii I was long overdue. My chest felt full as I walked on the nature trails in the back country of Illinois.
The first bit of tall grass I came to I knew that I would be flicking my camera around and trying to create abstract effects with my shutter.
I pulled my shutter speed down to 40th of a second and closed my aperture to f/11. Positioning my camera low in the grass I clicked to shutter and flicked my camera to the sky. I was instantly impressed with the outcome of the abstract nature image.
It was wonderful seeing the strokes of the camera. I never had the hand for painting (though I tried and surely will try again) and this filled my chest and sent chills to my already chilled skin.
I walked a little further up the paved trail and found a patch of cat tails. This would be interesting.
Abstract nature in black in white feels like looking at longing. Like hearing whispers from the land.
There are always tiny treasures to find in Nature.
When walking in nature I always find something to obsess over. On this day, Every where I walked I found these tiny little fluffs of lovely scattered along the woods edge.
Since my family was with me I kept my time with my camera short. When we got to the end of the trail though, and found the water like glass, mirroring the tall creamed brown grass that grew along its edges, I let them wander ahead.
Here I played with the framing and composition until I was slightly satisfied. I could have stayed and taken many more, but sometimes its best to have limits on your time. When it comes to photography you never know what will pull out your best work or a new idea.
Right before I headed off I decided to get one more image for my abstract nature photography. This one ended up being my favorite. The muted tones and minimal theme with open space, along with the way the “camera stroke” made the image flow. This all gave me such a unique feeling of contented searching. Peace, yet a desire to see more.
After my short but sweet walk in the woods, I knew that abstract nature photography would be something I would continue to do. I already have a few ideas that I can’t wait to try and feel abstract fine art will be showing up a lot in my future.
