Creating Abstract Art with ICM Photography and a Sony 85mm 1.8 Lens
I’m always exploring new techniques to push the boundaries of what's possible with a camera. One of the most exciting and creative techniques I've discovered is Intentional Camera Movement, or ICM. This technique involves deliberately moving the camera while taking a photograph, resulting in abstract and often surreal images that blur the lines between photography and painting.
One lens that I have found particularly effective for creating ICM images is the Sony 85mm 1.8 lens. This lens is known for its shallow depth of field and its ability to create beautiful bokeh, but it also has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it perfect for ICM photography.
Before I dive into the specifics of how to create ICM images with the Sony 85mm 1.8 lens, let me first explain a bit more about what ICM photography is and what makes it so compelling.
Why ICM?
ICM photography is all about capturing motion and movement in a still image. Instead of freezing a moment in time with a fast shutter speed, ICM photography embraces motion and blurs the lines between what is real and what is imagined. By intentionally moving the camera while taking a photograph, I can create images that look like they were painted on canvas rather than captured with a camera.
To create ICM images, you'll need to experiment with different types of camera movement, such as panning, tilting, or rotating the camera. You'll also need to play around with shutter speeds to find the perfect balance between motion blur and clarity. This is an art in itself and is very difficult to replicate from image to image. You have to be prepared to practice a lot and fail even more. It’s not uncommon for me to blow through 1,500 shots or more in a 45-minute session. And the keeper rate is extremely low, something like a dozen or two in how I shoot, edit, and post-process. It’s a lot of work!
How I Use My 85mm 1.8 to Create ICM Images
Now, let's get into how I use an 85mm 1.8 lens to create ICM images. I want to point out here that I’m rarely if ever at f 1.8. It just so happens that I use this particular lens for street photography and for portraiture. Shooting that wide open isn’t really necessary (nor possible usually!) if you’re shooting ICM.
When using an 85mm 1.8 lens for ICM photography, I typically set my camera to Manual mode at f22 and a low ISO (100 or lower). I also set my shutter speed to around 1/4th of a second to start, although this will vary depending on the lighting conditions and the specific effect I’m trying to achieve.
If you’re shooting outdoors, especially in sunny conditions, a neutral density filter is a must. I use a 10-stop variable ND filter and leave my camera settings pretty much the same (unless I’m experimenting with shutter speed). Then I simply turn the filter until the image is properly exposed in the viewfinder. It’s also important to note that I never use the viewfinder – I’m always using the LCD screen on the back of my camera. This helps me when I’m working with moving subjects, which is more often than not since my primary subjects are people.
Next, it's time to start experimenting with camera movements. One technique that works particularly well with an 85mm 1.8 lens is a simple tilt. To do this, hold your camera level and then tilt it up or down while taking the photograph. This will create a vertical blur that can be quite striking.
Another technique is to use a rotational movement, which involves twisting the camera while taking the photograph. This can create a circular blur effect that is very dreamlike.
Another technique for ICM photography with an 85mm 1.8 lens is to use a slow panning motion. To do this, you'll need to find a subject with a strong horizontal element, such as a horizon or a line of trees. Set your camera to a slower shutter speed (around 1/8th of a second) and then pan your camera slowly from left to right or vice versa while taking the photograph. This will create a beautiful, painterly effect that emphasizes the horizontal lines in the scene.
Once you've captured your ICM images, the real fun begins in post-processing. While you can certainly achieve striking results straight out of the camera, there are also many creative possibilities to explore in Photoshop.
One technique that I love to use is to apply a motion blur filter to the image. This can help to enhance the sense of movement and create even more abstract and surreal effects. You can also experimenting with different blending modes and layer masks to combine multiple ICM images into a single composite that emphasizes different elements of the scene.
Another fun technique to try is to convert your ICM image to black and white and then use the dodge and burn tools to selectively lighten or darken different parts of the image. This can create a striking contrast between the blurred and sharp areas of the image.
When working with ICM images in Photoshop, it's important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules. Each image will require its own unique approach and experimentation is key. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for the specific image you're working with.
I find that using an 85mm 1.8 lens for ICM photography is one of the best ways to create abstract and surreal images that push the boundaries of traditional photography. By experimenting with different camera movements and post-processing techniques in Photoshop, I’m always trying to create something new that doesn’t always have the tell-tale signs of ICM photography. There’s a lot that can be done in this genre, and I seldom see photographers pushing the boundaries beyond the expected. But there’s a universe of potential in ICM and I’m going to keep myself busy exploring it for the near future.
Join Me in India, Europe, and Japan for One of My 3-Day Fine Art Street Photography Workshops in 2024
I am thrilled to invite you to join my upcoming 3-Day Fine Art Street Photography Workshop Series! This is an opportunity to join me on a journey of discovery through the vibrant streets of Mumbai and Goa, as well as several cities in Europe, and finally in Tokyo. With limited spaces available, each workshop will provide an immersive and personalized experience, allowing for a more meaningful exploration of the art of street photography.
During the workshops, I will share my expertise in fine art street photography, including techniques such as framing, composition, and lighting, among others. You will also have the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on your work and engage in group critiques and discussions through a series of Zoom calls after each workshop.
To ensure a personalized experience, each workshop will be limited to just five participants. Early bird bookings are available until June 1st, 2023, at the price of $1,299 per person. After that, the regular rate of $1,499 per person will be available until August 1st, which is the booking deadline.
Whether you choose to join me in India, Europe, or Tokyo, you can expect to capture the essence of each location in a unique and captivating way through the lens of your camera. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your street photography skills and join a community of like-minded individuals.
I look forward to embarking on this journey with you!
