The adoption of ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) as a creative artform continues to rise, with wonderfully unique works created by equally skillful artists. Yet so many proponents fail to reach their potential, with results appearing more novelty than masterful in nature.

What differentiates those who have mastered the craft and others who follow behind? One contributing factor may simply be level of thoughtful consideration each applies.

ICM demands a shift in mindset over other forms of photography, visualizing outcomes that are not obvious to the naked eye and planning camera motions that produce that desired result. It is therefore important that adequate attention be paid prior to picking up and moving the camera.

Unfortunately, it is far easy for photographers to become overly focused on the capture process, at the expense of other critical needs.

So, let’s put Intent back into Intentional Camera Movement and see if the following considerations can help elevate our work to a greater level.

Subject selection

This may be perhaps obvious, but we need to start with appropriate subject. Not all subject matter is suited to ICM - camera movement tends to remove detail, blend colors and decrease contrast. With that in mind scenes that start out with highly contrasting elements (light/color) are well suited to this type of work.

Additionally, a recognizable subject can provide an anchor to build a story around, repetitive forms help build abstraction.

Developing a story

The skillful ICM artist is one that can interpret a subject and visualize the camera movements that may build on its primary characteristics. This may be soft, gentle movement to emphasize the flow of water, motions that will enhance a vibrant flower or more extreme movements that highlight the form of tall trees in a forest.

It is important to note that ICM is just a building block for what already exists, utilizing mindful and controlled movements to add value to the story.

Composition

Composition cannot take a back seat, rules must be applied as with any other case. The additional challenge faced with ICM becomes the need to visualize composition right through to a final image.

Perseverance

With so many variables in ICM photography that have to be overcome we simply cannot expect desirable results from each ICM frame we shoot. Success comes from building an initial foundation by shooting in a mindful way, analyzing results and making controlled adjustments in subsequent attempts.

As such ICM artists should be prepared to take an excessive number of shots to achieve desired results. It must also be stated that even with the best intent and effort there will be many instances where results will disappoint. Use as a learning experience and move on.

I will leave you with a video presented by Eva Polak, providing further advice on how to avoid many of the pitfalls of taking ICM. Eva is a seasoned impressionist photographer, book writer and exhibitor - https://evapolak.com/