Crafting Images

With Intentional Camera Movement

As I begin this journey of sharing how art can enhance healthcare and assisted living spaces, I’m also excited to occasionally write about the creative process behind my work. These posts will offer a glimpse into how I craft serene landscape and seascape images designed to inspire calm and tranquility.

Today, I want to share about a specific technique I love: Intentional Camera Movement (ICM). This approach allows me to create ethereal, painterly images that feel like they’re dancing between photography and abstract art.

What is ICM?

ICM involves using slower shutter speeds while deliberately moving the camera during exposure. The movement can be subtle or bold, vertical or horizontal, smooth or chaotic—each variation produces unique results. The interplay between the motion and the chosen shutter speed determines the final image. For me, it’s an act of creativity and experimentation, where nature becomes a canvas, and my camera, a brush.

These images go beyond traditional photography. They evoke a sense of flow and movement that mirrors the rhythm of nature itself—waves rolling, trees swaying, or grasses rippling in the wind. The result is a series of images that are not only visually soothing but also emotionally resonant.

Why ICM?

I find ICM particularly effective for creating art that feels calming and meditative. By softening the details of a scene, these images invite viewers to focus on color, light, and mood rather than specific objects. This abstraction can evoke a sense of peace, encouraging the mind to wander and relax.

For spaces like healthcare facilities, where stress and anxiety are often present, ICM images offer a unique opportunity to transform the environment. They introduce an element of serenity that can comfort both patients and staff. I’ve received lots of feedback on how these pieces create a tranquil atmosphere that enhances well-being.

Explore My ICM Collection

If you’d like to explore more of my work, including my ICM images, I invite you to visit my virtual gallery. As you navigate the space (use the arrow keys!), you’ll find my ICM images displayed on the left and back walls. Each piece is a celebration of nature’s beauty, reimagined through the lens of movement.

I hope you’ll enjoy this creative journey as much as I do, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you have about the process. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of art and its ability to soothe, inspire, and transform.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend,
– Emory

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