Top ten tips For creative Abstracts

1 icm abstract images

For ICM (intentional camera movement) shots, take your time, observe and really engage with your surroundings to capture great images.

2 Patterns and textures

Look for patterns, textures, reflections and interplay between different subjects. walk around and see how the light catches subjects differently.

3 different surfaces

Look for surface tension and bubbles in water, watch how the light plays on the surface. need an nd filter to create a slow-shutter blur, or do you want to capture energy with a continuous burst?

4 Shutter speeds

Use shutter Priority (tv mode) unless you’re very comfortable with Manual, and start with a shutter speed of around 0.3 sec and work from there.

5 More or less blur?

If you need more blur, either increase the speed of your movement or use a longer shutter speed – and vice versa you want less blur.

6 lens setup

turn off any image stabilization on your lenses and use manual focus – you’re in control.

7 Be very open-minded

with the right technique, bubbles in water or a bunch of old sticks can make just as great a picture as a beautiful vista.

8 Types of movement

Follow similar lines to the subject when moving your camera for blur – for example, vertical for trees or side to side for horizons.

9 Soft and flowing, or abrupt and choppy

bear in mind that your shutter speed depends on the speed of the water and how much you will need to move to create intentional blur.

10 Patience leads to perfect

It can easily take 20-30 attempts at doing essentially the same thing to really nail the shot.