I Was In A Creative Rut, So I Tried This

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

What a great coincidence! I received an order last night for six of my images to be used for an exhibit inside a pub. These were all impressionist images made around 2006 using an Olympus E-20 (my first digital camera) with 6 mpx. The client found them on my old web site and loved them. They were all made inside local pubs using the very colorful available light from indoor neon signs, back lighted liquor bottle racks and ambient light coming through the windows and overhead bucket lights. Customers are seated at the bar, or playing pool, or playing Texas Hold'em poke while bartenders are serving them. I made 16x20-inch prints for the gallery which added to some pixelation and turned them into "water color" prints. They all sold at the time and I have not made additional prints until now. This is some of the work that I loved best when I was doing it and I'm so happy someone else is sharing my enthusiasm for them. Long live photographic impressionist art !! I'm happy that you illustrated how you made these images and I really liked that first one!

[@andrewsgray]

Really appreciate the shout out Tom! 🙏😊 Good to see you're continuing to experiment!

[@amalieemmynoether992]

Your the master of ICM Andy ❤️📷 I love the way you turn scene into something ethereal

[@sundeepsembi6091]

Andy Grey is an absolute master at this , especially his post processing. Don’t understand why he has so few followers. He turns blurred images to Impressionism . Well worth watching .

[@GarethHUE]

I've been going through my own creative block/perspective confusion lately and I love that you still embrace something new regardless of whether your audience will like it. I've always been a landscape photographer, but I've found recently that my photos were lacking emotion. A human element and emotion was what I was lacking in my own creative desire - creating a sense of dissatisfaction. My photography has taken a massive turn and I don't care what others think. It's what makes me feel fulfilled in my art. And that is all that really matters. Audiences will shift - art will always be self expression.

[@seantomlinson3320]

I thought about that video 3 years ago immediately. Neat to see you do this again.

[@samwestenskow]

Shoutout to Thomas who makes clickbait titles and then actually delivers, unlike 90% of photography KZbinrs.

[@ratgirl13]

For a moment there Heaton you weren’t making any sense, and I am not even intoxicated nor high-and I was like what is this guy waffling on about now? I decided to continue listening and I get what you mean, although I have to write that I liked the snapshot of the non-ICM tree. It seems gimmicky this new way of photographing, but the results are quite nice-shows energy and movement.

[@doorstepmile]

Your first point Taking a picture of a tree that looks like a tree. That is all I need to set off on a tangent of ideas! Thank you! Here is an idea in return. Most images are visual fast food. Easy to see the point . Try visual slow food!

[@Suhailkhan53]

Lovely 🥰

[@petesuchon7340]

Thanks Thomas, inspiring as always.

[@c.augustin]

The second image is my favorite one - there your idea works best for me.

[@CamperVanya]

Fascinating idea and outcomes. Very inspiring.

[@alanclark9691]

Definitely food for thought Thomas. Many thanks. I certainly need a new string to my bow!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Great idea! I’ll try it this weekend.

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@TudorSmith]

Murr! No one has ever worked out what Murr is. You have revealed the forever secret. It's Motion Blurr (Murr). Fab video because you've highlighted the fact that A) You're still learning (as we all are) and 2) Just keep going because it gets you out of the rut. Thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@wendybagnall1353]

I have been doing in-camera multiple exposure / ICM for 3 years now. It forms a big part of my work and I have a collection called 'Imagined', two of my pieces are on their way to Canada for an exhibition. Have I got it right Thomas, that the resulting Nikon file is a jpeg not a raw file? I use Canon and the resulting file is raw, which is better for post processing. I have wanted to switch to Nikon but am put off by the lack of raw file on the Nikon resulting multiple exposure image. I also do everything in-camera as I don't like time with photoshop and I find it more of a challenge to get the composition right when working in camera. If you enjoy this style I would really encourage you to look at the work of Valda Bailey and Jo Stephen too.

[@texas8322]

I really liked them. They gave me an oil painting on a high tooth canvas feeling.

[@Mr_Ev1]

My 3 year old does the same kind of photos. Impressive stuff.

[@colliegardenmaintenance2560]

Wow. Love the shots. Have to try this at the weekend. Feel inspired. Thank you Thomas.

[@coreyc000]

I took a picture years ago from a cruise ship, the vibration and zoom made the picture look like a painting. Love these tips!

[@bagamingshow]

dude DUDE DUDE! YES! I have been doing ICM for years. Sometimes it's cool and sometimes it's incredible.

[@nb7524]

Hey Thomas, nice images! I look forward to seeing more 🙂

[@Creativecavemanagain]

Love the impressionist photography. Cool Andy Grey and Pep Ventosa vibes

[@dbugatto]

Great exercise , lovely results .

[@adamwhiting2104]

These shots are my favourite. Amazing compositions, thank you for the inspiration.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Really like the images you got , I've been doing this with city shots and street in black and white .

[@O.Persson]

Return of the fuzzy-wuzzy photography as the f/64-group called this kind of photography. Personally I love myself some pictorial photography, and I'm glad if it would get a bit of a modern rebirth. As always lovely video, and there's something to this fuzzy-wuzzy photography.

[@bbrown6574]

Really enjoyed the images and their difference.

[@ianharper6015]

A good point about creative rut and a new avenue for me to explore. Thanks for a great video.

[@ares5858]

I love these photos. ICM images feel more like art I think.

[@BryanNelsonca]

I really enjoyed the colour and feeling of the second image.

[@karenwalter5784]

Oh my goodness, this video could not have come at a better tine for me. First if all I want to say I think all of those images are beautiful! This technique fascinates and intrigues me. The Impressionist look it gives to photos is soft, moody, mystical, artistic and beautiful . Second of all, I have been doing the sane thing for the last couple of weeks!! For basically the same reasons. I went out one day and everything was flat and ugly and then it hit me to try ICM! It transformed flat and ugly into beautiful! I’m hooked but I do have to try the multiple exposure technique too. I have the Z7ii also. I forgot to add that I am having so much fun with this technique not to mention the beautiful images I an making. Your enthusiasm is a joy to watch! Thank you Thomas!

[@davidskinner274]

Hi Thomas. An exponent of ICM & ME, using Nikon is Stephanie Johnson.... been at it for years. I recently completed a 6 session course with her and learnt heaps. Worth checking out. I wil check out your link too. Good luck with it, it is such fun and rewarding when you get a good one. And yes, the beutiful landscape that you spend so much time on can produce very impressionist magical painterly images .I am specifically going to Sydney in June for Vivid and a workshop in the day time with Stephanie and, then I will have all night turning Sydney Icons with Vivid colour into magical ICM images. Can't wait. Cheers. PS... Kim Grant, one whom you mentioned a while ago now, I have been following her ever since, also is an ICM photographer from time to time.

[@dougheizenrader2280]

Another great video, Thomas. Well done! I am inspired!

[@iscoguy]

Not even all the way through the video. So good. Inspirational. Great work Tom!

[@GodIsReal]

That green tree image is stunning! So beautiful. Indeed like an impressionist painting. Well done!

[@alanevans9246]

Thomas, great art work! Keep snapping!

[@fredjcarss7788]

Food for thought. Thanks for the inspiration 👍👍

[@tjsinva]

Good way to be productive during a hangover. ICM kinda comes naturally. 👍🥂

[@iamdebmiller]

Those images are so dreamy, like mists of the mind. Very creative!

[@overlandphotography]

Tks Thomas. I really like it so thanks for your inspiration. Any chance of showing us how to blend those images ?

[@andrewroland]

I love painterly too Tom.

[@rcl-crafter8]

I love that you are experimenting and trying new styles. The results are fantastic and you seem so happy and animated. Love that you are doing hand held too. Thanks for showing us new things to try. We just didn't understand the first wrist flick.

[@calvinwon5113]

I'm such a big fan of you for so many reasons. One of which is creative inspiration. When you first worked with IR photography, I immediately went online and purchased an IR filter. And now with ICM photography, it gives me yet another thing to try!

[@valpayne2963]

Totally agree with you about trying new things. One of my favourite shots is when I was having my car washed whilst I was in it and the guy soaped the front windscreen which then made an amazing pattern.

[@Peter_Reed_Photography]

Thanks for the ideas in this Tom. Personally haven't always been a fan of ICM, however there are a few places locally where it may work quite well so will give it a go. Need to see if my D7500 does multiple exposures to. Must say, from your last few videos it did seem like you weren't 100% with your photography, but your enthusiasm levels on this, It was like having a photography video done by the Duracell bunny. It's certainly worth challenging yourself when stuck in a rut. I've found other ways to spark the enthusiasm again, are photographing at a single focal length, only using one lens, no tripod, no filters, photographing a different genre, just wandering round a location.

[@julianhignell8452]

I tried this years ago with my Canon 760d and never went back to it for some reason…thanks for this, going to get back into this rabbit hole! 👍🏻

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

I loved the video Thomas, something I do a lot of, Thanks for sharing, the evergreen tree shot is awesome.

[@Northumberlandwoodlands]

One day I will bump into you in them trees and yes I will say hello...Great video thanks

[@dmystify1381]

...certainly an interesting concept....loved the results you achieved.

[@johannaknowles8569]

So cool! My favourite was the second picture

[@tbillington]

I'd never heard of this technique, it creates some great shots. Hope we see more in future.

[@Colinpowellphotography]

Great one Thomas. It reminded me of when I did that in the days of film when I was able to take mutual images on a single frame and had no idea how they would turn out for days. Perhaps I'll give it another go as my DSLR has the same feature. Thanks for sharing.

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

I've tried slow shutter speed motion blur many times over the years with wedding photography and landscapes and, unintentionally by kicking the tripod. Ooops, another piece of abstract art, hahaha! Experimentation is is all part of the fun with photography!

[@dlsb1234]

Mais um excelente trabalho realizado. Parabéns pelo empenho e dedicação. Sucesso no canal...

[@simon.revill]

pulling and pushing the focal length on a zoom works well too

[@msingrey14]

Very creative images. Thomas Monet has returned!

[@davidtaranzaphotography3324]

Thanks for a great tip! Did a little experimenting with zoom blur and will definitely try this thing out. Many days are just grey and dull and this may be a way out. Thanks again, mate!

[@nikon7511]

Thanks for this inspiring video Thomas. Here in Québec this time of the year is the same with remaining dirty snow and green not yet visible. Its time for experimentation! I will also do some pinhole digital photography.

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

Love that you credit where credit is due! Fantastic to see what you do with the new technique (and your humility of only showing the ones that turned out)

[@LamboThomas]

Wow, never thought that motion blur can create such a impressive and abstract artistic photo. The first black and white image really amazed me and opened my eye of seeing abstract images. Nice job Thomas!

[@doghouseriley4732]

People can see art in anything, apparently.

[@ares5858]

​@@doghouseriley4732 Seems like you just don't understand art

[@doghouseriley4732]

@@ares5858 "Understand art" - that's so funny. Like it is something, literally by definition, that you can understand. That's made my day, thanks.

[@jimt249]

@@doghouseriley4732 That's what makes it so interesting.

[@mattdavis9986]

@@doghouseriley4732 just because pieces of art don’t have to have meaning or purpose, it doesn’t mean that you can’t understand the concept of art. As someone as knowledgeable about art as yourself, I’m sure you know that real artists don’t care what you think about their images

[@joaquintrigueros]

You're right. You need to transform the photo into what your brain-imagination saw. Please keep pushing the envelope! It's inspiring. After your infrared post(s) I was a convert to IR.

[@philcoleborn5851]

An interesting introduction to ICM, there is so much more out there in ICM when you get into it a bit deeper.. Like you said gives you more choice when you rock up somewhere and have another style to shoot with.. ICM is really starting to become more popular and the boundaries are being pushed and explored all the time. I have been shooting with it for the last few years now and so much more to learn..Have you come across Stephanie Johnson she is another good starting point to look at. Different to Andy Gray..

[@esrAsnataS]

Love how these shots came out. Something I shall definitely be trying. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@rachelleggett1634]

I love the surreal quality of these images!

[@Myles995]

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you Thomas

[@michaelkhalsa]

I was doing something like this just a couple days ago, which discovered by accident. Using handheld long exposure shots with good ibis, like from 1 to 1.5 seconds where i managed to get most of the image pin sharp, and then a slight motion to create the superimposed movement all in the same exposure. At first it was accidental, and then intentional. With beautiful seascape past sunset colors, some waves, full moon - looks stunnig on the camera screen, and when zooming in. Have not taken it off my card yet to see how it holds up..

[@AdrianIII]

Fascinating! Would you give us more on how you combine the images in post-processing? Thank you!

[@keithswindell6212]

It never even occurred to me that this was possible. Well done, Thomas, very well done.

[@teresababer5310]

Thanks Thomas - I just happened upon this video and it was just what I needed to hear. I’ve been playing with ICM for only a little bit and I’ve shot some that I’ve loved and others that I feel not so much. I love the ideas that you demonstrated here today - and can’t wait to try this and I already subscribe to Andy’s channel but I will definitely check out the other artist you mentioned. Thanks so much for sharing! Your images, btw, are amazing! And the reflection image that you said was just ok….I loved!

[@waltervermeiren6860]

You give me inspiration!!! Have you used image stabilization? Thanks, Thomas!!!

[@AlanBrownPhotography]

Excellent video Tom. I have been entranced by ICM for some years now and am happy you are promoting this fun technique to the masses.

[@tompetersphotography]

Love it when you branch out Tom. Some nice abstracts

[@graemedarling2852]

Always good to experiment, ICM is ht e Marmite of photography you either do or dont and some do it exceptionally well

[@millymucci]

these ideas have given, what conditions had thus far felt so flat a whole other depth and dimension, to explore. much needed the injection of inspiration. couldn't''t have been better timed. looking forward to delving into it all, myself. thank you thomas!👏🏼

[@danncorbit3623]

I very much liked the 'pencil drawing' image of the two birch trees. I liked the green trees. The pond reflection was not my cup of tea, but you can't please everyone. The main idea is very worthwhile. A manual stack can achieve similar results if your camera does not have good multiple exposure features. I think the main idea to try new things is excellent, since we can all get in a rut.

[@ruthboon18]

And there I was thinking my tremors would only be a bad thing for my photography 😀

[@allansisson355]

Love the content, I'm huge believer of always learning. Great way to expose people who may not know of this technique. Great video

[@davidjoyce3467]

Hi Tom, I did this somewhat unintentionally while taking a shot of a tree I liked in a grave yard. It was overcast and dull but I liked the tree. 18-200mm nikon lens/D5500 with the VR turned off and a bit of movement - loved the shot I got.

[@ashstubbings2603]

Yep. That's a tree..in a field! 🤣🤣Tom, you've got no idea how much I can relate to this! (Well, maybe you have, that's why you made this video. The number of times I've been out in flat, boring conditions and come home with flat, boring images! D'ya know what I liked the most about the photographs you took? It's that they didn't even look like photographs!😊 Nice one!

[@onecolorist]

love this episode Thomas!

[@noreenoshea2883]

love them, but the first one was my favourite..so good full of feeling

[@aaron-bieber]

Mainly, I love any style of photography that minimizes tripod use. I now only travel with a quite small tripod, which is rather short for me at 6'3", because I'd really rather not use one at all. I've really leaned more into high-contrast daylight architectural shots, which allows me to shoot handheld essentially all the time. I also love that Thomas is both willing to experiment with different methods, but open to sharing with the world his "peaks and troughs." This happens to everyone. Embrace the troughs as moments for play. Abandon whatever you think you "should" do.

[@nigelkneale6809]

I actually like the image at 1:46 with you walking away through the snow. If that were poster size, I could watch it for hours.

[@gary344]

I found this to be a rather interesting an inspiringly video. Think I shall give it a go. Thank you. Bless 🕊

[@imagejon]

I like to experiment. Never tried multiple exposures. It’s working great - thanks for this Tom!

[@fgalaxie123]

I'm not good enough with straight images to try these curvy ones, but I am still practicing. It is interesting to see, I didn't even know what that menu was or did. Thank you for something interesting as always.

[@stefanzimmermann6912]

Thomas, this is your best video in a while, to be honest. It shows me a new technique and inspires me, to try it out myself. It might be very helpful in bad conditions. I dont enjoy every outcome, but thats how art works, I suppose.

[@TheOnlyOne939]

Thanks a lot for this video! Your words resonate a lot with my current situation, being in a rut for almost a year and having this feeling of "being done with photography". I feel excited right now of trying this and being playful again instead of always hunting for the perfect moment/scene/image.

[@markcamm5330]

I've experimented with motion blur and purposely trying for truly abstract images, but without a lot of enthusiasm. It never occurred to me to incorporate ICM and multiple exposures. A simply brilliant idea, Thomas, so sincere thanks for opening my eyes to it. My next excursion will be wholly focused on this technique. I think what I'm feeling is your actual excitement!

[@freetibet1000]

Great vid Tom! Another great thing with ICM is that we can blow them up as large as we want since the sharpness is not an issue. Same thing with some of the reflection shots on water surfaces as well. Personally, I prefer combining multiple exposures in the camera, just like Tom in this video, but it is of course also possible to do it in the post processing phase in either Photoshop or Affinity.

[@shaun53355]

Been watching your channel for some time, because your good at it. The video, ideas ,photos and the delivery. All good work.

[@markbonham]

As ever, another interesting vlog and will try that out on my kit. ICM can be really interesting and love the stacking. 👍👏

[@andypotts8062]

Enjoyed the video ...I've found myself doing ICM in the past when having a creative block...the first image reminded me of a pinhole image...loved the colour one of the tree...many thanks and best wishes

[@neilcousineau4956]

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try and I bet we see a bunch of ICM - Multiple exposure photography soon. Anyway, I just tried a long exposure shot using the built-in Art filters and I'm very impressed. I usually don't use the Art filters but I wanted to try something new in an old location. It has been a long dull Canadian winter this year and we also do not have any new growth yet.

[@peterwallace5680]

Inspirational as always Thomas and will certainly give this a go, many thanks.

[@raunak.u]

Being able to see your own art form from a different perspective is one of the most exciting experiences and I am definitely sure you are going to do this a lot more. Amazing to see you so excited. Cheers.

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I have noticed a lot of photographers who use their pro equipment all day for a living own a whole different kit for their fun photography. Maybe a Fujifilm that can shoot film simulations, maybe a film camera, maybe a range finder. The more different and impractical for their professional work, the better.

[@mucklark6943]

Yes, that's a picture of a tree .... 😂 Thank you so much for this few minutes of entertainment! It brought such a smile to my face within the first minute. By the end I had picked up my camera and tried out this technique with a 2 shot composition that my camera allows.