Nature Photography How To

Under most circumstances we strive for sharp images by using a tripod and employing proper exposure settings to minimize camera shake. But as you’ll see in the video below, it’s possible to make beautiful images by intentionally moving the camera while using slow shutter speeds,

As Scottish landscape pro Kim Grant says, “Intentional camera movement (ICM) is a great way to get creative with your photography.” In this nine-minute episode she explains how easy it is to use this technique for travel and landscape images with a unique look.

This style of shooting enables you to leave the cumbersome tripod at home, turn off image stabilization, embrace the blur, and capture artistic images. As Grant explains, the trick is to move the camera in specific ways, and choose shutter speeds that are neither too fast nor too slow.

Grant demonstrates how ICM photography involves using your camera as a paintbrush to create shapes and patterns, and achieve an “optical illusion effect.” As you might suspect, the most important camera setting is the shutter speed you select. Grant explains how the proper choice depends upon the effect you’re after and how fast you move the camera.

While watching this behind the scenes video you'll see the different results Grant achieves as she captures the same scene using a variety of exposure settings while moving the camera in different directions at various speeds.

She also explains that with this form of abstract photography depth-of-field isn’t a relevant consideration; so you can choose whatever aperture you want depending upon the light.

Grant’s YouTube channel includes a wide variety of helpful tips, so be sure and take a look. And check out the tutorial we recently posted from another pro, explaining how to shoot great outdoor photos with a telephoto lens.