How To: Intentional Camera Movement
Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) is a technique where the photographer intentionally moves the camera during an exposure.
Instead of maintaining stillness and freezing a moment in time ICM employs controlled motion to create dynamic, often abstract images. Think of it like panning, except there's no subject to follow or freeze in frame. The background becomes the subject. This movement can vary from gentle rocking or circular movements of the camera to varying sweeping motions across the scene.
ICM offers a way to unleash creativity and imagination. By introducing movement into the photographic process it transforms scenes into abstract art. However, despite what appears to be a random technique producing unpredictable images, with practice it becomes a deliberate and considered process.
Achieving compelling results with ICM requires a combination of technique, experimentation, and intuition. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when exploring this technique:
Shutter Speed: Experiment with different shutter speeds to control the extent of motion blur in your images. Slower shutter speeds (typically ranging from a 1/30-2 seconds) tend to produce more pronounced blur, while faster shutter speeds can retain some level of detail.
Camera Movement: The direction, speed, and fluidity of your camera movement greatly influence the final outcome. Try experimenting with vertical, horizontal, or diagonal movements, as well as combinations thereof, to discover the most compelling results for a given scene.
Composition: While ICM is about creativity and abstraction, composition remains an important aspect of creating visually striking images. Consider elements such as lines, shapes, and contrasts within the frame to guide your movements and enhance the overall impact of your photographs.
Subject Selection: While ICM can be applied to a wide range of subjects, certain scenes lend themselves particularly well to this technique. ICM is about trial and error, so allow yourself the freedom to play and experiment.
Considering the Final Image: In the image above I wanted to capture the colours of the Atlantic Ocean whilst referencing the island of Taransay across the bay. The ratio of the colours of Taransay and the Atlantic are similar to how they were viewed by the naked eye, a relatively small height of land compared to the vast expanse of water between us. As the scene was viewed from the beach of Luskentyre I made the deliberate decision to include the surf of the breaking waves at the base of the image, grounding the viewer and balancing the overal frame.
Intentional Camera Movement can give photographers a fresh perspective on the world and really does allow the camera to paint with light. So, grab your camera have fun and embrace the blur!