What is ICM?
Intentional Camera Motion (ICM) photography is a creative camera technique that uses intentional movement of the camera to create abstract or impressionistic images. The method is easy to do and allows you to capture the essence of landscapes, cityscapes, and natural scenes, turning familiar settings into painterly compositions.
One of the great things about the technique is that it's an easy way to start getting creative with your camera. As example of an ICM image (a scene of Wistman's Wood, Dartmoor, created by moving the camera upwards while the shutter was open) is shown below.
1. Essential Equipment
ICM doesn't require much specialized gear, but the following items can give you greater control over creating ICM images:
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls is best. While smartphones can achieve some ICM effects, cameras give better results.
Tripod (Optional): Although not strictly necessary, using a tripod with controlled movement can help with some ICM techniques (e.g. left to right panning of a sunset coastal scene).
ND Filters: ND filters help you to achieve slower shutter speeds, especially during daylight. ICM is often possible on cloudy days, near to sunset and in shady woodland when light levels are naturally low, but an ND filter allows you more flexibility to do ICM with slower exposures or on brighter days.
2. Camera Settings
ICM requires experimenting with different settings to achieve the desired look. Although it's possible to do ICM using Shutter priority (where you set the shutter speed and the camera attempts to produce a well exposed image by setting Aperture and ISO for you), using Manual mode gives you greater flexibility. So, on Manual mode, start with the following baseline settings. On manual mode, your camera doesn't ensure a good exposure, so you will need to do this yourself by understanding how to use your camera's light meter. See this blog on how to nail your exposure.
Shutter Speed: Set a slow shutter speed, typically between 1/10s and 2s. The exact speed depends on the desired effect and the amount of camera movement. Faster speeds (1/10s to 1/4s) create softer motion blur, while slower speeds produce more abstract effects. If you can't get to the shutter speed that you want, without overexposing your image then you will need to use an ND filter to reduce the light entering the camera. See this blog on ND filters.
ISO: Use the lowest ISO to avoid unnecessary noise. Usually, this will be ISO 100.
Aperture: Select a narrower aperture (e.g., f/11 to f/16) to maintain overall sharpness in the blurred elements. This will also often allow you to do ICM in low light without needing an ND filter. If you're photographing in low light, you can open the aperture to let more light in.
3. ICM Movements
Your ICM result will depends on how you move the camera. Here are some popular techniques to try:
Vertical or Horizontal Panning
Vertical panning works well particularly well with trees, and other tall structures such as buildings.
Horizontal panning works well with coastal scenes, such as a beach sunset.
Start with a shutter speed of around 1/10s, then adjust based on your movement speed and ambient light.
Zoom Burst
This technique involves zooming the lens in or out during the exposure, creating a radial blur from the center.
How to do it: Set your camera to a slower shutter speed (around 1/2s to 1s), then twist the zoom ring while the shutter is open.
Best subjects: Any symmetrical architecture work beautifully with this. Try it with your Christmas tree lights this year!
Swirl and Twist Motion
By twisting the camera around the lens axis, you can create a circular blur, giving your image a sense of spinning motion.
How to do it: Experiment with very slow shutter speeds (around 1s to 2s). Move the camera in a circular motion while the shutter is open.
Best subjects: Gardens, autumn foliage, and cityscapes work well for this effect.
Random Movements
ICM is ultimately about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try random jostling or unpredictable movements, and don't be surprised when every ICM photo that you take is completely different to the last; that's half the fun!
4. Best Light & Weather for ICM
You can try ICM in any conditions, but those below are often the best:
Overcast and Cloudy Days: These are ideal for ICM, as the provide a natural soft light, reducing strong shadows and helping colors blend seamlessly in ICM images. The lower light levels also mean there is more chance of doing ICM without needing to use ND filters.
Golden Hour and Blue Hour: During these hours, colors are warmer or cooler, which can add emotional depth to your ICM photos.
Rainy Days: Raindrops and water reflections enhance ICM shots, especially in cityscapes.
5. Composition for ICM
Composition matters for ICM images, as it does for all other styles of photography. In particular make sure you think about the following:
Rule of Thirds: Even in abstract images, dividing the frame into thirds (horizontally and vertically) helps balance the scene and guide the viewer’s eye through it. Placing points of interest, like brighter or contrasting areas, at intersections of these lines can enhance the sense of structure.
Leading Lines: ICM is perfect for creating dynamic, flowing lines that can guide viewers through the image. Consider how natural lines—such as trees, paths, or waves—can help lead the viewer’s eye from one part of the frame to another.
Focal Point: Having a subtle but intentional focal point, such as a brighter or more textured area, can help anchor an ICM image. This keeps the photo from feeling too chaotic and gives the viewer something to focus on.
Layering: Creating layers in ICM—whether through color, light, or texture—adds depth to an otherwise flat image.
Symmetry and Balance: Even in abstract compositions, symmetry or balanced elements can create a feeling of calm and stability.
6. Final Words
ICM photography is all about experimentation, so experiment with different movements and shutter speeds, and remember every shot will be different. The beauty of ICM lies in its unpredictability, so enjoy the process and try ICM until you find what works best for you.
Want to improve your photography skills?
Don't forget that if you want some direct help with your photography, I offer a range of 1-2-1 photography courses for Devon based folks. If you're not nearby then I also offer residential weekends for beginners or improving photographers.
About me
I first got into photography after walking the beautiful South West Coast Path: I was so disappointed that my photos didn't do justice to the beautiful coastal scenery that I decided to walk all 630 miles all over again, but this time to also teach myself photography along the way!
A few years later and I find myself as a professional photographer, widely published and with landscape photos which have won national awards. But I do much more than landscapes, providing photography training to businesses & individuals on how to take beautiful photographs, and providing professional photography services to businesses across the South West. My commercial specialisms are property photography, business photography, people photography & aerial (drone) photography.
I’m also an author with a number of published books and I give regular talks about my passion for photography, and for Devon, to camera clubs and other groups.
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