followICM goes to the beach
I feel it important to explore the boundaries of any experimental method, this latest experiment using the followICM technique does just that.
Previous discussions have focused on utilizing followICM in urban settings, where blending into the bustling environment allows for inconspicuous photography. I've since conducted further experiments in rural settings to broaden my understanding of what might be achieved.
A recent trip to the Maine coast provided a fresh opportunity to test the technique in an entirely different environment, which presented unique challenges.
A primary concern here is visibility as the photographer is far more likely to attract attention from a questioning public eye. Unlike the city environment where one can blend into crowds, here photographers stand out to suspicious observers relaxing in the sun.
Considering the nature of followICM—where one must track a subject over time to capture an image—it's clear how challenging it can be to remain inconspicuous. Consequently, subject choice was severely limited on this occasion, although future visits with willing models may yield more fruitful results.
Given these considerations, initial experiments primarily involved photographing agreeable participants, and individuals on less crowded parts of the beach.
A further challenge was presented by the wide-open environment. Unlike urban settings where compositional elements are typically close to the camera and thus more affected by movement, beach landscapes are characterized by distant features.
This results in background elements like the horizon and cloud-filled skies appearing relatively sharp, often losing the desired impressionistic quality. The solution to this particular issue was to either exclude busy backgrounds as much as possible or incorporate additional camera movements to blur the definition of such objects.
While experimenting with followICM on the Maine coastline posed unique challenges, it also provided valuable insights for adapting the technique to broader environments.
I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite shots taken during this project, including experimental images where the subject remained motionless throughout the exposure.
