A free flowing photo

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An introduction to intentional camera movement (ICM)

Intentional camera movement (ICM) is a technique used to create blurry photos that tell a subtle expressionistic story. It’s all about playing with your camera and having fun.

Equipment

A circular polariser or an ND filter is very useful during the day. Sunrise and sunset hours may be dark enough for slower shutter speeds.

Key elements

  • The secret to this type of photography is the shutter speed. A shutter speed of between 1/4 - 2 seconds works well. Keep the ISO as low as possible (100-200). The aperture is then adjusted to achieve the correct exposure. Turn the image stabiliser off. The longer the focal length of the lens, the more the movements will register. 70 mm+ works quite well.

  • Start with steady and even movements. Jerky movements will create an image that will give your viewer a headache. Follow the flow of the subject you’re photographing. Oceans with horizons lend themselves to horizontal panning, while trees lend themselves to vertical movements.

  • With mountains and hills follow the flow of the ridge line. Flowers work well with circular movements or jiggling movements. People work well with small up and/or down movements.

  • A blurry photo mishap is not ICM. ICM is a deliberate, intentional camera movement intended to produce a creative photo.

Tips

  • Embrace artistic freedom.

  • Paint the scene with movement.

  • Composition, like any photo, still plays a vital role.

  • Look for simple strong shapes. With ICM you lose detail so strong shapes and leading lines ensures some detail remains.• What you don’t want is burnt out highlights so watch for that in your composition.

  • Different movements will translate into different results.

  • With static subjects, the longer you linger in a particular position, the more detail you’ll capture and the stronger that part of the image will be in the final exposure. This means we can control the level of data and detail we want to capture. This technique lends itself to a studio situation.

  • Camera speed. If the image has too much detail, move the camera faster or use more sweeping movements. If there’s too little detail, you’re moving the camera too much or too fast.

  • Consider the end result before you take the photo. What feeling or mood do you want to convey?

  • Different subjects have Different characteristics and require Different camera movement techniques.

Movements

  • Horizontal

  • Vertical

  • Wavy

  • Circular

  • Twists and turns

  • Flipping the camera

  • Diagonal

  • Wobbling the camera

  • Vary the movement.

  • Incorporate multiple exposures into the ICM technique.

Subjects

Anything is up for grabs, but keep the subject simple. Here are a few suggestions: People, landscapes, architecture, flowers, trees, birds, animals and nature generally, street photography, pets and the beach.

Pay attention to your breathing. Relax the shoulders take a deep breath and embrace success and failure. Don’t panic, deep breaths. This technique goes against everything we’ve been taught. View the image in the back of the camera. A mistake will help you change your speed and/or camera movement to achieve an image you’re happy with.Embrace the process and have fun.

Amanda Luker 2025