ICM field examples
The sight of bare trees set against a blanket of mid-winter snow presents a lucrative opportunity for those interested in minimalist photography. This equally provides opportunities to those focused on ICM, with the contrast of stark limbs against the white backdrop ideal for this abstract artform. The simplified form and lack of distraction also works well to experiment with using a variety of ICM techniques. This is demonstrated following to help better understand how ICM may be used to advantage in varying scenarios.
Base image
All ICM captures following stem the composition to the right. I was initially drawn to the subject from an ICM perspective due to the contrast between tree limbs and snow and the consistent angle of the tree trunks. A consistent angle allows for more uniform results when panning ICM exposures (ie ICM effect on trees will be similar throughout). A well-balanced composition rounds off the choice for this subject.
All following ICM images utilize a shutter speed in the range of 1/10s - 1/15s, and using differing camera motions that achieve varying results. ISO and f-stop have been consciously ignored as they have little consequence - effects are largely the result of the shutter + pan speed combination (the slower the shutter, the faster the pan speed, the greater the effect).
It may be rightly assumed that faster camera movement results in a challenge to get the composition in frame, for this reason I would suggest starting with a really slow shutter speed that will allow a much more controlled pan.
In all examples below my goal was to pan following the form of the trees, this leads to a more pleasant contrast between darker limbs and snow-covered branches. Note that pan direction makes a difference - panning up during the exposure will bring high-contrast elements down through the frame, whilst panning up will result in the opposite.
Linear pan
The two images following demonstrate the effect pan/camera movement speed can have on results. Both images were panned with the camera in an upward motion, using a similar shutter speed.
In the first image the pan was slow enough to retain recognizable features of the trees and retains more of the original composition. The second is the result of a much faster movement, creating an abstract that relies on the bold contrast of tree trunks to maintain a sense of subject.
Imprint + pan
This example employs a hybrid technique, holding the camera steady as the shutter is released (to imprint the initial image on the sensor), and then panning quickly to incorporate camera movement effects.
This can be a difficult technique to control due to variables surrounding imprint time and camera movement during the exposure. Success typically relies on perseverance through numerous failed attempts.
Note the results of an upward pan on extension of trees at the bottom as they are ‘brought down’, and diminished contrast as the sky impacts the image in the same way.
Switching to a portrait format, following are other ICM examples worthy of note. To gain a better appreciation of the effect I would recommend that readers click on images to open full frame and enlarge to gain a better understanding of the underlying camera movement.
Linear pan variations
The first displayed on the left offers a slight variation of the straight pan technique. In this instance the pan still followed the form of the trees but added a wavy element to the movement. This can be seen by closely inspecting lines of contrast, and presents in what I feel (in this example) a slightly more appeal to the eye.
The second image is the result of ‘jittering’ the camera during the exposure. (I have seen this motion described as ‘shivering’ during the exposure). This provides yet another option for ICM images that may produce interesting effects.
Rotational pans
Moving on from panning the camera in a more or less linear motion, rotational pans require rotating the camera during exposure. Challenges encountered using this technique include the ability to balance the rotation (ie keep the composition upright in frame), selecting an optimal amount of rotation, and decisions surrounding the center point of the rotation.
The first example in this case is the result of a centered, and more extreme rotation. As can be seen the effect, although interesting, may be overdone in this instance, or even not best suited to the subject.
The second image shows a much more subtle use of the technique. Here camera rotation is much more conservative, with the center of rotation focused on the tree to the right.
Zoom pans
Zoom pans are yet another tool in your ICM toolbox that can add interest to an image. In both these examples the zoom is centered around the central subject, the left being a more extreme use of the technique, the second more controlled and subtle.
Execution of this technique requires the use of a zoom lens (duh!) and involves zooming in (or out) through the duration of the exposure. As with other ICM techniques this is very experimental in nature, requiring an amount of trial and error to gain optimal results. Subject matter is important (not suited well to our subject in this case) but can create an interesting layer when used judiciously and as stated with the right subject. My recommendation in using this technique would be to keep an open mind and consider experimenting when in a creative mood.
Conclusion
These examples are not driven by any desire to write yet an article on the subject of ICM. They are truthfully the result of a recent activity where I pushed myself to run through a variety of techniques just to see what would result, and to use that experience to gain a better understanding of what works in the hope of making better educated decisions going forward.
It must also be noted that the images included here are just some of the better results of that project - as with all ICM there can be a lot of trial and (mostly) error before acceptable results are achieved, but with practice and a willingness to fail the chance of success increases significantly over time.
My recommendation would be to keep experimenting, start with low expectations and ensure you are having fun during your ICM activities.