4 Intentional Camera Movement Techniques You Should Try! (Landscape Photography)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

🌟QUICK QUESTION: ICM, ever tried it?

[@travelwithlenses]

I have never tried it before, but I will try it this weekend! It seems fun!

[@davehallock3102]

Not intentionally....

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@travelwithlenses Yeah it’s a super fun technique to try👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@davehallock3102 🤣🤣🤣

[@bkc1965]

Not intentionally.....😁.

[@TedsFishroom]

A method I use for zoom ICM is to use a ND filter to make a long exposure of at least 4 seconds. Start focused on the subject, let the shutter open for half the exposure and then slowly zoom in or out for the remaining exposure. This will help to make the details of the subject more clear. Try it on a distant waterfall starting zoomed in. Or on an interesting building with a colorful garden around it.

[@davejsullivan]

My Olympus camera excels at this. It's live composite mode allows long exposures without over exposing, plus you can watch it form before your eyes.

[@garybeat6637]

Mark, after watching your video on ICMs I left a comment, but I forgot to add that the technique that I have found that works best is to use continuous shooting mode; it eliminates the need to be perfectly timed, and I always get several usable images from each burst.

[@laurentchauveau2904]

I've developped my own technique : very long exposure using a tripod, staying still for the first seconds to fix the scene then zooming and panning (by rotating the tripod vertically aroung 2 of the 3 feets) simultaneously for the remaining time of exposure. It creates nice effects especially on buildings which are seeming to lift off... But quitte tricky to combine smoothly panning & zooming !

[@wglassiter2876]

Mark, its so good to see you stop being so serious and have some fun experimenting, you were wearing genuine smiles the whole time. I'm a real amateur but I have tried some of the zooming as well as movement. When zooming I liked the results best with a wider lens, it seemed the photos were more explosive. I enjoyed this video, thanks.

[@paulasimson4939]

The left to right swipe effect works really well with ocean waves or at sunrise/sunset over water. Good on you for trying out some new techniques.

[@chrispoulsen_]

Right to left also works great.

[@ChristianThueringer]

great tip, cant wait to try

[@nancyq5821]

I did a sunrise challenge (every morning in February). I did some ICM of Lake Michigan and found side to side worked very well for that.

[@MilfordFriedrich]

Finally, atutorial on ICM that actually discusses the techniques. Thanks, very helpful

[@adventuresofjandk]

Anyone can take a sharp photo and we’ve seen millions of them. I have much more appreciation for those that try to create art.

[@brianholland2191]

Hi Mark a fun video not sure if you are fully into this type of photography but I find yellow and green compliment this technique also a tip unless you already know is you can turn it up side down thanks for the video mark great fun

[@galensinkey]

Really like the on-location trial and error of this.

[@LucasPitcher13]

ICM is cool! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. For rotation ICM, I like to loosen the tripod collar and use that to hold the camera steady whilst rotating the body - even better if you have a tripod or monopod. Have you tried focus shifting? Works a bit like zoom panning, but using the focus ring and gives frankly amazing results with fireworks and other small, bright light sources.

[@jimshannon9956]

The tree at 5:38 is Mountain Laurel. The State Flower of Connecticut,

[@lindakrugman6534]

Yesterday I watched a detailed ICM video. The photographer said she only moves her camera a cm or so on her vertical and horizontal ICMs, and uses 1/4 to 1.6 sec shutter speeds. ICMs can be addictive lol!

[@timwood6401]

The flowering shrub? Mountain laurel - Kalmia latifolia. Thanks for the tips. I have found ICM to be especially fun when I real want to do some shooting but the weather is a bit blah. Much like in this video.

[@tedsimonett431]

yessir! Stepping outside the box is not just fun but also rewarding and an education. If you haven't already done so, have a look at Michael Orton's website....Also now that you've graduated from ICM 101, why not find a good subject, say an individual tree and do a multiple exposure sequence of at least 9 images, moving between each image a yard or so but trying to maintain the same focus point you established on the first of the sequence. Fun and fabulous. Keep experimenting Mark -We'll keep watching!

[@Kayahdog]

ICM images are perfect under less than typically ideal photographic conditions. The cloudier day the better and I almost always use at least a 4-stop ND filter. That allows me to slow down my movement with a longer shutter time. By exaggerating the shot panning you can easily crop out unnecessary or undesirable elements in the image. Then when you edit for contrast and color, that’s where the fun begins as your art takes on many new dimensions. I love it and have turned on many of my friends to this technique who also seem to enjoy the freedom it offers.

[@antoniodesiderio1984]

Hi Mark. today I went to the woods where I go alone to experiment with this technique. what to say? I don't believe my eyes. When you find the right combination of time and movement, the photo acquires a look like oil painting, or watercolor. fantastic!

[@bekahlynn3446]

I have put photography on the back burner for so long and have just started getting back into it. Thank you so much for all of your helpful videos. They have given me so much valuable information and inspiration.

[@johndoherty6448]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm afraid ONLY enthusiasts and above would appreciate the "abstract-ness" of this technique. Definitely for the trained eye, methinks!

[@jlid1]

Yeah the zooming effect can be fun to do if you are ever at a concert, I've got a cool shot of Joe Bonamassa where I used that technique. Another one I've tried is done on a windy day, where you have your camera on a tripod, pointed at a tree being blown about pretty good, and you use a slow shutter speed. Parts of the tree stay still while other parts are blurred, sometimes it works. Thanks for another thought provoking video!! I always enjoy your work.

[@DanaPushie]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. While I have yet to try ICM photos I have seen a few that I really like. Thanks for sharing your experience using the technique. I'm more intrigued than ever after watching your video. Must give it a try. Thanks Mark.

[@garybeat6637]

I have been making ICMs for the past several months; I love it, and find it a little addicting.

[@carolinezaramati9193]

Thank you Mark for this inspiring video! After I've finished watching it I looked up this topic on the net, and found really beautiful work of landscape photography done with ICM. Although I've tried ICM in the past, I am motivated to give it a second try. A quote I saw in one of the videos on the subject by Edward Weston " Why limit yourself to what your eyes can see when you have such an opportunity to extend your vision".

[@maryannmachi5822]

So happy you are experimenting with ICM! I do it almost every time I go out shooting. Anything can be the subject. One gal ICM'd her Kleenex box. I experiment with different movement speeds & directions as you are. Sometimes I use a ND filter. You can get really different effects when on a tripod compared to handheld. Little jiggling motions are fun. When you zoom, have cam in manual mode as you can damage the lens if in autofocus (at least on my Sony). Thanks Mark!!!

[@blujeans9462]

I've seen others do this, but I never think about it. But these look amazing - I hope I'll remember this...someday!! (oh - it looks like your mountain laurel bloom so much sooner than in the northeast - ours usually come out around Father's Day; but it's my favorite bush! If you are ever in a grove full of them, the aroma is heavenly).

[@blivieriphoto]

Very cool video. I've played with ICM a lot and found that matching the movement to the subject works best. And if something looks too muddy or mushy, slow the movement of the camera. I used to think it was crazy too until I started really experimenting with movements and speeds. All about having fun!

[@c.alcazar2584]

i like rhe one with the trees, I used tondo that a few years ago on and off is fun to do it you never know what you are going to get, enjoy and stay safe....

[@sallyanderson8540]

It’s a fascinating thing to try as you never know what you’re going to get. I find the left to right works best for seascapes and top to bottom for woodland.

[@larrycitra300]

I love this ICM photography, do it all the time, the possibilities are limitless and very shot is different (even if you don’t want them to be!) If you have a camera that does “in camera” multiple exposures you can incorporate that into the mix for another and totally different look.

[@scottplumb227]

I was taught by Joe Gaeza and Nick Selway, in a Colorado workshop, to put the shutter on multiple shots, then start at the top and swipe down while holding the shutter button down. Very cool results. This looks fun too! Thanks for showing this!

[@markgubbins1958]

Wonderful video !!!! I love ICM photography. When I do it with trees, I like to move slow enough , so the texture in the bark is visible. When I post them on Facebook, there is no in-between. People either like them or dislike them.

[@davidwilson9821]

Hi Mark, try blending multi exposures. Say 1 with ICM twist then just 4 straight handheld shots. You get a more defined image of what your subject actually is but with an eerie ethereal blur to it.

[@ledesclos5321]

Your swinging camera ditty is hilarious. Martin Henson does ICM with old film camera. Magical.

[@Peter-df1br]

For the zoom effect hand holding the camera, try holding the zoom ring and turning/twisting the camera instead. Gives a little more stability.

[@laurenceranking810]

The first time I saw the swipe effect it was a series of images a guy took of some bushfires - the smoke and the blacks and orange looked absolutely amazing

[@nancywebb25]

Thanks for the video. I love ICM. I've been doing it about two and a half years. I've gotten lots of great shots. You got several great shots.

[@chrisbrowne6027]

Also try holding the lens and turning the camera. I saw a lot of the zoom ones at Christmas and with one you turned the lens and the other you turned the camera body. It did give you two slightly different affects. Still very cool.

[@scottmcbride2237]

We did this same thing in class in college. We did it like this and you can do it at night but make sure there are different light sources that your shooting at.

[@IjUstcAntAnymOrE_SMH]

I actually tried ICM this morning and over the weekend. I'll just say it was experience I don't think I'll revisit anytime soon.

[@btnhstillfire]

When I had my Canon last year I had a picture that was 2 photos glitched into 1 image. It was really weird but really cool how it came out. Ive never had it happen besides that 1 time so not exactly sure what happened lol. The pictures were of 1. A concrete slab that descends down into the lake where its next to the lake dam. 2. A shot of underneath a tree branch w vibrant green leaves. It created this mashed together image that was actually very appealing.

[@robinmartin1395]

The plant I believe is a mountain laurel, I have tried ICM a couple times, it is very fun.

[@michaelhale416]

Very interesting. I personally have never tried nay of these, but plan to in the future. I enjoyed your comment about being able to create art no matter the circumstances. Awesome goal. Cheers.

[@derekcrook3723]

I immediately went out into a forest and shot some trees swiping down .. awesome effects ..thanks !

[@drmathochist06]

What if you slapped an ND on so you could take a 2s exposure. Hold the camera still for like 1.5s and move in the last 0.5s, so you get a strong image with streaking added over the top.

[@leniehulse1621]

I have done the zoom effect but I focus, then don’t zoom until about a split sec so your middle is in focus but the rest is blurred. This worked great with an Xmas tree!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ahhh I'll have to try it that way!

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

First of all, awesome comedic moments. Now I gotta try this. It looks like fun.

[@Pj-ey5fl]

Try combining movements. When you're moving the camera, horizontally or vertically rotate the camera slightly as you're moving it. Sometimes I also combine soft focus with intentional camera movement

[@tonyjohnson2256]

Hey Mark. The zoom technique is fun at Christmas time at night with Christmas lights.

[@seangaffney581]

I do ICM along the shoreline using a horizontal pan time depends on lighting I've done 6 sec to 1 sec to 1/3. Always use a tripod .

[@bobbowring1702]

That zoom effect is great on a push and pull lens and christmas lights are great for the zoom effect.

[@colinbrewer6507]

Hi Mark you have me hooked on ICM I have found a beautiful woodland of beech trees WOW what an effect love it Thanks Mark

[@ScottEGrainger]

The white flower plant/bush/tree is a Mountain Laurel from the sheep laurel family. Gorgeous images

[@TLeppur]

Thanks for putting this video out there Mark. I didn't know I was looking to do something different with my camera until I watched. Enjoy your content - keep up the great work.

[@jasongerdt2521]

Great video as always. Do love the NC spring. Flower looked like the mountain laurel.

[@jackielarena-lacayo9884]

I enjoy ICM it is my “go to” when I am just not feeling a location or I am having an off day and nothing is working! The side to side works best with scenes that have horizons - great for beaches or seascapes, deserts! Great video Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Jackie! Yes - I can't what to try the side to side at the coast!

[@luzr6613]

I'm sorry... but your ICM rig is amusing me no end. Sure, there's no objective 'right' or 'wrong', but it's such a contrast to what I use - old Kodak CCD sensor Olympus and vintage glass (or any lens that I've got that doesn't meet my sharpness requirements). So, also known as maintaining the relevance of outdated kit. Your point about having a way of creating satisfying images no matter what the situation is spot on - and always carrying a macro lens is Plan C. Lot's of fun and some cool images. Thank you!

[@dianeschuller]

I enjoyed how you were doing something you aren't totally familiar with and being such a sport over it. I've done ICM but it's always a learning experience. I enjoy it. Oh and the zoom is called zoom burst, but it really doesn't matter. Thanks for a fun and frank video.

[@teeranlallramgopal]

Once again, thank you for this - ideas to play with. I like the possibility of creating abstract images

[@timagoston4712]

Just started doing it myself. It is additive for sure.

[@Trish12303]

You made me laugh out loud with that intro!! 😂 I just started playing with ICM, it’s actually pretty fun and addicting. My husband thinks I am crazy! lol

[@beolba1]

I use the technique on the regular. I have taken some of my favorite photos using it.

[@bradzaruba9686]

ICM is great since you can get plenty of images right near home. I look for anything vertical and enjoy the out of the ordinary look to the photos. You had some great examples.

[@lukasbenjamin_]

Icm isn't really my thing, but I have to say, every week I look forward to Wednesday because I know you'll upload a new video.

[@melissam731]

The ICM movements were too funny 😆 what about #5 The Wave? Multiple Waves?

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Adding a flash to longish exposure with a moving camera or a moving subject can get cool effects.

[@levijanssenphotography4751]

I love experimenting with ICM. I have created some of my favorite photographs using ICM. Anytime I am at a location and nothing is popping out as interesting I try ICM. I was on a fall photography workshop and I was doing ICM and I got the whole group trying it out.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yeah it's a great thing to know when nothing else is working.

[@raewebb6365]

Mark. I love to do ICM. was in a bluebell field just yesterday doing it. BUT the coolest ICM I have done so far is Blue Hour facing a city skyline & using the zoom. Turned out great !!

[@catheokuniewicz4953]

Now I want to go out and swing my camera around! BTW that flower is called Mountain-laurel found up and down the east coast.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I’ve had fun with this before and gotten some nice shots. Need to go back to it again. Thanks for the idea.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

THanks for checking out the video!

[@gabrielmeyer7661]

Well, first of all Mark, you look rested and in good shape..!!. Thanks again for a very interesting video.

[@cody484848]

Excellent video Mark! I could be mistaken, but I think this ICM photography genre is becoming very popular and I've seen a number of photographers that strictly harness their style to ICM. I watched a video a couple days ago by Kim Grant, who was interviewing a very successful ICM photographer who has a very unique style and has been very successful with it in her business. Plus, its actually a lot of fun doing something outside of the typical rules of photography. Keep the videos a coming!

[@brendab55]

Impressionism photography is fascinating and ICM is one of my favorite techniques. Like you said, you can go anywhere and still manage to take a few good photos no matter the conditions. ICM works great wherever you are no matter the subject. Tree scenes don't usually work well with the "side to side swipe" but work well with ocean/water scenes. ICM shots also work well for using as an overlay on an in focus shot of the same subject. Looked like you had a lot of fun trying these out and hope to see more of them in your future videos. 🙂

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Very much enjoyed it!

[@ProfMary]

This sure looks like fun, Mark! Thanks for revealing your childlike enthusiasm for ICM. You have inspired me to try more of this.

[@warrengh5647]

I have done the up and down tree one with varying success but one I am trying to accomplish a sky, sea, beach side to side movement trying to separate the blurred colours. Trouble is the coast is some two to three hours drive away 😡

[@mahgirbsti]

Try the zoom effect at night with some lights in the composition, and try it in a moving car to go warp speed.

[@brettbaker7049]

Thanks for inspiring me to get back out and try something new.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking out the video Brett!

[@paulperdew7278]

This is fun to do. Have you ever watched any of Bryan Peterson's videos? He does a fantastic job with how-to on this subject.

[@williampetersen2899]

A fun video Mark! I use ICM when the "normal" landscape shots just aren't happening. My favorite technique is to use at least a one-second shutter speed and then SLOWLY move the camera during the exposure. Up and down movement for more vertical subjects and side-to-side for horizontal subjects. The results remind me somewhat of impressionistic paintings with enough detail to make the subject recognizable.

[@ayeshamartin_868]

This was fun and will try it! Thanks Mark! 😀

[@allenoakley1799]

Our state has so many great parks with such a variety of landscapes and vegetation. I have not been to Raven Rock w my camera. Will plan to do it this fall. Not sure what type of tree that is either.

[@I_Am_Bone]

In one of my favourite images ever, I created a swirl somehow. I was balancing on a log over a creek trying to get a centered shot of a small cascading waterfall. After taking a bunch of shots we headed back to camp. It wasn't until a few days later that I noticed I had captured this unique image, and I haven't been able to reproduce it since. It's odd because the centre is still in focus.

[@marcvalade94]

I wonder if this technic could not benefit with a flash in isolating a nice subject from a bad background? Exemple you have a very nice mushroom growng among garbages at the dump. By makung sure the flash light up only the mushroom at the end of the intenrional movment, where it stay steady during the flash only?

[@HR-wd6cw]

I think this creative technique works fine with some subjects (like in nature, a forest full of trees perhaps) but other subjects, not so much). Sort of can create a watercolor effect in some cases.

[@ilesmic]

Mark-- This is fun-- Try the zoom effect on a tripod on a Christmas tree-- the light trails zoom out are so cool- Another thought for you to try- is a multiple exposure in camera and rotate the camera a bit after after each shot -- I did a 4 shot multiple on a mini blind and it made a very geometric shape. This works best with a zoom with a tripod collar-- loosen the collar and rotate- I have tried that on plants and flowers not quite as cool but could be fun

[@nealschneider6554]

I have played with ICM a little bit and it is fun. The side-to-side motion is difficult. What I found to work with that is to pause the motion at some point to get a more clear image of the subject.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ahh I'll have to try it that way!

[@exposureseries3747]

You’ve really got my mind going. I will be trying this out myself on a few subjects that I think will create some interesting photos. I really liked the zoom effect and the up down movement. Thanks for showing us the process and the images as you went along. Awesome so interesting!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for checking it out.

[@darrellhornick7764]

What in the world kind/brand of pants do you have on or are they chaps?

[@jimswift2400]

You might find interesting results by applying ICM technique while the camera is on the tripod, loosen the ball head slightly and sweep the camera horizontally or vertically. The other method would secure the camera to a "lazy susan" type platform. Just a thought.

[@klausschleicher523]

Hey Mark, it is nice to watch the fun you have;-)

[@jvkperspective]

ICM is also kind of fun at night in cities. I did a bunch when the city had the Christmas lights out.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Oh yeah I bet that is!

[@lindaheidle1914]

Fun techniques! I'll anxious to try them out.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hope you have as much fun with them as I did!

[@lacochran3699]

Thanks for the inspiration! My first efforts actually turned out to be decent. 👍

[@debbiesamsonwhite308]

I LOVE ICM! So glad you experimented again AND it looks like you had fun doing it! Side to side works really well at the beach. I do mostly the zoom effect with my 70-200m and the horizontal side to side. I never tried the twist the camera motion but will this weekend! What brand of hiking pants are those? Another fantastic Mark Denney YT video! I always get something out of them!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Debbie! My pants are made by Fjallraven. Expensive, but the the most durable article of clothing I've ever owned

[@michaelt7320]

Thanks, Mark, for demonstrating the different techniques. I've tried ICM only a few times. You can achieve good results with small amounts of movement or even moving the camera for only part of the exposure, depending on the subject and the desired effect. I've got to ask whether there is any difference between the 26MP XT4 and the 102MP GFX 100 for ICM.

[@JasonLorette]

Literally LOL'd at that opening sequence! I've never tried ICM shots...may need to try that too!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahahah - thanks Jason!

[@dougsphoto]

Hi thx for the video and advice but for someone who are just starting with icm and that’s on a tight budget which filter would you recommend as first filter. Is it polarizing or ND and would it be for example Nisi VN 1-5 and 5-9 or just a fixed 3, 6, 10 stop. Thx

[@callmehank88]

So many different techniques. I really like the work of Olga Karlovac who primarily does ICM in B&W

[@DaveKingMusic]

What camera backpack did you use on this one? Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Same one - fstop Tilopa.

[@teresababer5310]

Great video! I’ve recently been playing around with ICM so this video is timely. You are so right, it is addicting and it fails more often than not. Just like IR - you never quite know exactly what you’ll get. I quite like the mystery factor, I think 😊