Intentional Camera Movement Photography - Revisited

R. Scott Duncan July 3, 2019

Back in 2016, I started experimenting with intentional camera movement photography or ICM. You can read the original post here. I wanted to briefly revisit the subject and share a few of my favorite new images.

As I mentioned in my first blog post, the idea of intentional camera movement photography is to introduce blur into the photograph using a slow shutter speed. Shutter speed should be somewhere between 1/4 of a second up to a few seconds while moving the camera vertically or horizontally. This technique can create some wonderful abstract photos.

Tip - When pressing the shutter button, move the camera slow for a shot and then try it faster. Results vary tremendously, so experiment, try different shutter speeds, and move the camera at a slower or quicker motion. This is a total trial and error process. Have fun!

Now more than ever, I find intentional camera movement photography a super-fun way to try new things with no rules. Most times, multiple images are required to achieve “the shot” that I’m looking for, but it’s all worth it.

**California Pacific Ocean Abstract - 2.4 seconds at F10**

Florida Seascape Abstract - 0.5 seconds at F36

California Excursion

R. Scott Duncan September 20, 2017

After nearly 3 years living in Florida, I was finally able to make it back for a quick excursion to California. A place I called home for 26 years and found that I still miss it like crazy. It's such a melting pot of people, excellent food, cool places, and scenic landscapes. The journey was way overdue and it was great to see old friends too.

I visited several familiar places in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Pedro, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cambria, San Simeon and Big Sur. I also checked out a few places that I had either wanted to see or haven't even heard of.

While in San Simeon I've always wanted to see Piedras Blancas Light Station up close and never had the chance. Tours are available on certain days. I also went to the amazing Montana De Oro State Park. Go, both are totally worth it! My only regret is that I wasn't able to visit either at sunrise or sunset. Plans just didn't pan out.

Below are just a few of the photos during my trek. I'll be visiting again sooner than later and it won't be 3 years this time. Hope you enjoy.

More products and better selection at the Fine Art Photography & Ocean Art Print Store

R. Scott Duncan February 12, 2017

Until now, I was only offering a handful of images as canvases, prints, and metal prints through my shop. I was getting requests that were challenging for me to self-fulfill plus the time it took to input things manually got to be a little too time-consuming. I thought I'd try something different...

I recently integrated the Fine Art America shopping experience with my online Fine Art Photography & Ocean Art Print Store. Available now is a larger selection of photos and a wider variety of products to choose from such as framed prints, acrylic prints, wood prints, posters and greeting cards.

Sort by products, size, shape or check out the galleries. When you place an order, I'd like to know how your shopping experience was; how was check out, did the item arrive promptly, was it everything you had hoped for? Like I said I am trialing this and want to ensure my customers are happy. Go to the store.

Shop with confidence - If you're not happy with a purchase that you make for any reason, you can return it to us within 30 days of the order date less shipping charges.

The Beauty of Florida - Year In Review 2016

R. Scott Duncan December 26, 2016

The Beauty of the Treasure Coast

Last year I vowed to get out more and photograph the beauty of my new home here in Florida. Unfortunately, most of my travel plans which included a trip to St. Augustine, Florida and a return trip home to California were postponed because of health issues with my dog Logan. (He's making great progress but he is getting older).

The year started off with a trip down to Fort Lauderdale for a couple nights. While I was visiting I had the opportunity to check out Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Pampano Beach. Both have terrific piers. One of my highlights was dining at Casa Fida Mexican Cuisine. If you haven't checked it out, it's worth a visit. Very good eats and vibe.

Most of the year was spent photographing local area locations that I've found along the Treasure Coast since relocating from California. Some of my favorite go-to spots are in Sebastian (Sebastian Inlet State Park), Wabasso (Rock City Gardens), Vero Beach (McKee Botanical Garden), Fort. Pierce (Fort Pierce Inlet State Park), and Stuart (House of Refuge & Bathtub Reef Beach). Below is a round up of images taken this year that I haven't added to the portfolio page plus a couple newly processed images. Hope you enjoy!

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

Intentional Camera Movement Photography - Ocean Wave Series

R. Scott Duncan December 11, 2016

Earlier this year I started experimenting with a technique that I wasn't too familiar with. The technique is called "Intentional Camera Movement Photography" or ICM. The idea is to introduce blur into the photograph using a slow shutter speed (Somewhere between 1/4 of a second up to a few seconds) while moving the camera vertically or horizontally.

Intentional camera movement photography is different from long exposure and camera panning photography. Generally, long exposure photography involves the use of a tripod to avoid shake while producing a sharp, in-focus image of fixed structures. Night shots, car headlights, fishing docks, etc. Camera panning photography uses a low shutter speed while following a moving car, bicycle or surfer.

Some photographers may frown on ICM as they do at HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography but I find it quite fun to do and pleasing to the eye. I've only experimented with ocean seascapes but look forward to trying it on other subjects. My philosophy is to try something new, experiment, learn, have fun, repeat.

Ocean Art Wave Photography Series -

This morning I went to the beach and tried a slight variation of the intentional camera movement photography technique. Rather than moving the camera vertically or horizontally, the lens is either zoomed in or out while the shutter is open. While this is nothing new, I had yet to try it. Interesting results. Let me know your thoughts.