That final image was, indeed, very abstract and impressionist - really well done. I've been doing more and more ICM lately because it just feeds my soul. Also, I let go of that tendency to keep looking for the perfection of the image rather than the feeling of it - with ICM, the feeling takes precedent. I've tried multiple exposures and blending but I find that my best images are single exposures. But it does take more a few dozen clicks per composition! Thanks for taking us on your journey - can't wait for what comes next!
0:28 "...but we're not exactly surrounded by the Rocky Mountains..." I live in Colorado 😂 I'm so thankful for this beautiful place, and even after all these years it never gets old. Always breathtaking. ❤
I like that last one and the one with the sweeping rocks (can rocks be sweeping) leading up to the lighthouse.❤📷. It's great to experiment and it's the randomness that can bring the most joy.
I love the last photo. Moody, mystical and dreamy. I love that you can make out the lighthouse but that it’s not very defined. I’m not sure what style you’re looking for but when you said structured I thought about a video I watched the other day. Tom Woods from Australia I believe. He uses a fluid head for panning and gets very straight horizons . Not sure if that’s the look you’re going for or not, it may be too structured a look, but thought I would throw it out there. It’s all a fun journey and I am confident you will find your own style. I love the work you have done already.
I really love the final image. Thank you for giving me this inspiration. After your first video I found myself in London on a bland day and I came away with one image rather than a memory card full but it was an image I enjoy looking back on. I love your honesty.
I don’t want to sound like a “Thomas Heaton fan boy”, BUT I really like both the monopod and final image. They had that nostalgia feel, like looking through my grandparent’s photo album. The last one reminded me of a scene looking through a window at the ocean, as a child, on a stormy day.
Hello Mr. Heaton, Like your work. I don't do Photography, but I do Videography. I use a Bogen Manfrotto 3218 MonoPod. It's tall (good for me at 6'4") and rather heaver built than the unit you're showing. It doesn't have a Tri-Pod on the lower end as your unit does, just a simple single Rubber Tip, so no need for even a small flat surface area. I have added an Adjustable Strap, which I put round my neck, using one or both hands to hold the Camera/MonoPod combo in tension from the neck, allowing for very stable control of my Camera. Using the MonoPod "Free Hand" as you do, or just the Camera for that matter, simply failed to work for me. Insuficient control/stability for my use. Much easier than toting a full sized TriPod around. I've been using this system for 25+ yrs when I need a simple, quick, and mobile Camera mount with very decent stability. Something to consider.
Thomas, thank you for this final image. If you look at ‘waves on a Lee Shore’ by JMW Turner, you have clearly realised in photography what Turner realised with oils. I’m glad you are finding your artistic roots again.
@ Christopher Hawkes There is a big difference though ... Turner made every mark on his canvas with purpose and precision. The photography here is fundamentally accidental because the result is unpredictable.
I'm different, while all are interesting images, I like the one with the grass mixed in. Makes it feel like an old antique scratched print. Looking forward to more of this journey. :)
I just started out with ICM photography. You're right, its' fun and the time flies by; but, there is definitely a learning curve and it can be a bit frustrating to get an image that is a keeper. Thanks for sharing!!
ICM is a tough one to get "right" and certainly invites good and bad conversation. My dad does it a lot, and a big tip I got from him is to lock in the focus as the shutter releases, and make small, precise movements. It provides an abstract image without simply looking out of focus. That said, keep at it! It's not easy to show an audience as you start experimenting a new style. It's a vulnerable position to be in and people will be quick to tell you what they think. But thank you for sharing, I like your channel for the transparency and taking chances :) Hope the comments don't get you down
I agree with some of those comments below. The images aren't, to my eye, quite abstract enough. To that end, I will often shoot in continuous mode, moving the camera throughout the sequence, either in a vertical or horizontal orientation, depending on the shape of the subject. Sometimes I move the camera from corner to corner, again depending on the shape and orientation of the subject. I usually get two or so good images from a burst.
Wow what a superb final image. Frankly I get why you don't like it, but from the photographic perspective outside of your head, I think it's one of the best images you have taken in a long time. And I'd have that on my walls any day. But hey it's your work and your opinion/taste/frustration... Maybe the monopod was more of a hinderance, but the final image is what's important. If the monopod messed with your creative mojo, then remove that, but keep up with the ICM work = spot on!
As someone who was born and raised in Whitley Bay, I've got to commend you for a fresh and interesting take on St Mary's lighthouse, and for the energy to break through the mental rut of taking images of those most familiar of places...
That's a pretty fancy Mono Pod there sparky 😝😂😂👍 That final abstract is definitely interesting, something that could hang in some dens or even an Arboretum🤔
I love the last image! I've had a similar experience with ICM. It's a love-hate relationship. However, I value the freedom it offers and the "chance" it involves. It reminds me of the feeling I had when I first picked up a camera and began seeing each image from the camera. Every shot was like opening up a Christmas gift. Enjoy and embrace the freedom and uncertainty!!!
I love your final image, the colours and the emotions it evokes. I've been playing a bit with multiple exposures but hadn't thought of bringing icm into them, now I need to try this! Thanks for this video :)
Well despite like you feeling like I'm disconnected from the final image I have produced a reasonable ICM. The hit and miss approach of ICM is so counterintuitive to most photographers who are at heart technicians of their craft. That last shot though is beautiful and like the one I shot you should be proud of.
It is always difficult to keep finding new stuff to photograph or new ways to photograph it. So trial and error is sometimes a great way to create something beautiful. It is wise to always plan a shoot, but never get disheartened when things don't go to plan. Being creative is about experimenting and seeing what results you get. The Plan - Do - Review approach that is done in teaching / education, is key. As for the monopod, great for assisting with a heavy lens or if you shake like a pooping poodle, but at times, just extra ballast you carry with you.
Never been a fan of multiple exposure photography other than maybe Sandra Bartochas works. But I think you are on to something. Really enjoyed the last image.
I believe the meaning of photography is painting with light. Well you definitely painted on that last image! Would be perfect in a museum full of painted masterpieces and nobody would question why it's there. Great video it's nice to get out of the comfort zone sometime! Grt guido
Practice. It takes intentional practice to create with this type of technique. When I am creating a new image (or series) I practice over and over again until I develop a technique that I like. Then I will iterate on that technique until I get what I thinks is near final. Then I will iterate on that - usually to create a series. Granted, as of now I do this in studio, but it could also be done in the field.
Thomas thanks for this and your last ICM vid. I’m a photography student and my end of year project is about shooting landscapes with a painterly feel and these 2 videos have been a great source of inspiration!
I laughed when you said "Not surrounded by the Rocky Mountains" since I live 90 minutes away. I constantly wish I lived somewhere with trees, fog, and vegetation similar to I see on your channel and others. I've never found the mountains inspiring though many here do. The grass can be green on the other side.
Do really like the last one, as previous post said impressionist style. Not having tried this myself has inspired me to experiment. Suppose the more you do as with everything you identify the technique and best lighting conditions that work, then you develop your style, as you have clearly mastered in your landscapes.
The final image is very Turneresque, which I guess what you were trying to achieve. Not being a rabid fan of impressionism in art (more of a pre-Raphaelite), I doubt I'd try this at home. Thanks for showing the proces, nonetheless.
The line that really struck me was "although I like some of the images I'm making, I don't feel as if they're fully mine." I think know what you mean. When I say I'm "being intentional" I mean that I have a vision in my head of the final image before I push the shutter. Playing and learning with new techniques is often a matter of trial and error to see what I get, and then feeding that back into my next attempt, so even if some turn out it still feels random, more to do with luck than intention. I've tried ICM a little bit, but not enough to cross that boundary where I can envision the image before I make it.
I very much liked the image of the lighthouse and rocks, I felt compelled to pause the video to really look the image. I also liked the final image, I liked the tones and minimalism; it reminded me of the style of Turner's paintings. Good stuff Thomas.
Regarding LUCK.... I remember when I first started fly fishing, I commented to my Dad on why my brother was being more successful at catching fish than me.... I said "he is just getting lucky"... My Dad turned around to me and said "The more he practices the luckier he gets..." - It was true, my brother would practise casting / fishing more than me. He got "luckier and luckier" as he experimented, and learned where to cast, how to make the line dance over the water as to not disturb the fish, how subtle changes in how he pulled the line in could cause the fish to bite.... I think the same is true for this photography. It is only going to be through practise and experimenting that you actually get better. Its probably no different to what you had to get better at composition in Landscape photography... you just have to learn an entirely new composition toolbox...
I tried a mono pod a few years back when photography local places and could never get on with it for the things I like to shoot, it was like I would rather have nothing and go hand held or have my tripod with me all the time, now it's used as a office camera stand when filming.
Leaning towards William Turner with that last image ...also a bit of the Freddie Mercurys there with the twirling monopod Thomas :) Enjoyable watch as always.
Though not a big fan of ICM, I did like the final image. ICM is certainly the photographic method of impressionist painting, but without the paints, canvas, easel, and mess. While having fun, perhaps you're struggling is because you're seeing ICM through the eyes of a photographer. It might be worth trying to think about it, in the way a painter considers their canvas. Generally they start with a basic sketch, then build up layer upon layer upon layer of paint, until they have something they feel is acceptable. If you've ever watched Landscape Artist or Portrait Artist of the Year on Sky Arts, you'll have seen what I'm trying to say. And don't forget most painters never feel a painting is 'complete'. Maybe trying to see ICM as painting, will help you 'see' the ICM image you're trying to create. Hope I'm not coming across as patronising and pretentious, it's really not an area of expertise for me, just had some thoughts about it. It is really interesting to see you experiment in these latest videos.
Try movements that emphasis the dominant lines in your composition such as straight up & down and left to right at around 1/3 sec. exposure. Contrast is your friend as well.
I wasn't sure on the final product initially, but the more I look at it (paused) the more I like it. Texture, movement , salt air. Yeah. I like it. And it's different 👍🏾
Curiosity question, I can’t remember if you’ve talked about it recently… how are you finding the DJI mic? I was tempted by the Rode GOs for a long while, but heard DJI’s offering has been quite a bit better for many.
Being down the road to you - your final image is actually interesting - for me the birds in flight add the detail needed for balance. I have photographed St Marys a few time always looking for that NEW angle or composition. Well done.
Hi Thomas - was delighted to receive your book. I think the last image is by far and away the most successful. I think for a static subject like lighthouse that has strong verticals, it really has to be abstracted, otherwise it just looks like a shaky camera! But the final image is properly abstract and lovely for it.
I like you experimenting and taking us along in your trials :-), the one before last image was my favourite, maybe because I like the stones to be still part of the image, giving me something to hold on to, although I also liked the birds in the final image. But as much as I like to see you experimententing, I don't think this ICM multiple shot images are something I would personally go for.
I am going through the same with ICM. Hit and miss, lots of rejects, not necissarily ME, a single exposure can be magic. Practice really does work, and you get to know what movement is required to bring your perception to reality. I prefer a hint of the literal in an abstract, and I suspect you do as well. Kim Grant can give you a few tips too. Love your journey. I want to play just with the ball head loose on the tripod as well. Holding the camera still for a miniscule of a second at the start of your 1/3 second exposure movement will give you that reference of literal, but I suspect you have worked that one out. And yes, know what the composition is in your head once you find a scene to work with. Always comes back to good composition. Bear in mind a straight landscape comp may not necessarily mean it will work with your ICM version of the scene, as you are moving beyond the original frame edges with your movement. Keep going, loving your journey, you can tell you are having fun.
When I visited that area the other year there was a school of dolphins near the lighthouse and later jumping in Whitley bay too. Maybe Thomas you could work on getting an abstract seascape photo incorporating them somehow, if their still about that is?!. Obviously you'd need a longer lens and is telephoto ICM photography doable at all I wonder?, that would be a challenge eh?!. I love the last image btw. 'Absolutely stunning' ; p
The image reminded me a line from classic English literature about the picture that was like a salad thrown against the wall, ha ha. Well, I admit the last one is good )
I really loved that last one. It was abstract enough to make you want to keep looking with just enough details to ground you.
That final image was, indeed, very abstract and impressionist - really well done. I've been doing more and more ICM lately because it just feeds my soul. Also, I let go of that tendency to keep looking for the perfection of the image rather than the feeling of it - with ICM, the feeling takes precedent. I've tried multiple exposures and blending but I find that my best images are single exposures. But it does take more a few dozen clicks per composition! Thanks for taking us on your journey - can't wait for what comes next!
that last one, that is the one, it is gorgeous
0:28 "...but we're not exactly surrounded by the Rocky Mountains..." I live in Colorado 😂 I'm so thankful for this beautiful place, and even after all these years it never gets old. Always breathtaking. ❤
That final image is (say it with me) STUPENDOUS!! Really it is.
I like to see what you start with and then the end result. Great in my respect. Greetings and have a good weekend in advance. Martin
Like the mood of these images...childhood visits to coast and rain-blurred vistas for me, at any rate. 👍
That last image is gorgeous
Aaaaaargh, the last one reminds me of William Turner. Marvellous!!!
Sometimes the subtle or mundane light is all that's needed to make a stunning minimalist image. Its not until one slows down to see it.
the final image. wow. just wow. really reminds of a painting. bravo
It's cool, I do like your videos Thomas, you're so honest
The last image was spectacular. Like a Monet.
Love that final image of the lighthouse with the birds and the sea a fine impressionist "painting" which I am sure has Claude Monet smiling :)
I love the fact that you're such an accomplished photographer and your final statement was "I still have so much to learn".
I like that last one and the one with the sweeping rocks (can rocks be sweeping) leading up to the lighthouse.❤📷.
It's great to experiment and it's the randomness that can bring the most joy.
i love your video titles so much
I love the last photo. Moody, mystical and dreamy. I love that you can make out the lighthouse but that it’s not very defined. I’m not sure what style you’re looking for but when you said structured I thought about a video I watched the other day. Tom Woods from Australia I believe. He uses a fluid head for panning and gets very straight horizons . Not sure if that’s the look you’re going for or not, it may be too structured a look, but thought I would throw it out there. It’s all a fun journey and I am confident you will find your own style. I love the work you have done already.
that last shot is fabulous! Turner would indeed be proud of that :)
That last lighthouse shot at 01:28 is stunning 😊
Thomas, I love your final image!
Loved the last image Thomas
Great vlog as always. I like that you try new ideas, good or bad you try. Nice Funko Polaroid on the shelf at the house. 😎
I really love the final image. Thank you for giving me this inspiration. After your first video I found myself in London on a bland day and I came away with one image rather than a memory card full but it was an image I enjoy looking back on. I love your honesty.
I don’t want to sound like a “Thomas Heaton fan boy”, BUT I really like both the monopod and final image. They had that nostalgia feel, like looking through my grandparent’s photo album. The last one reminded me of a scene looking through a window at the ocean, as a child, on a stormy day.
Whilst ICM isn't for me, probably for the same reasons as you, I really loved that final image. Well done.
Even if it's completely random and a total hit or miss, that last one is GORGEOUS. Keep at it!
That last one was lovely.
Love the last image.
Really liked that last photo.
Hello Mr. Heaton, Like your work. I don't do Photography, but I do Videography. I use a Bogen Manfrotto 3218 MonoPod. It's tall (good for me at 6'4") and rather heaver built than the unit you're showing. It doesn't have a Tri-Pod on the lower end as your unit does, just a simple single Rubber Tip, so no need for even a small flat surface area. I have added an Adjustable Strap, which I put round my neck, using one or both hands to hold the Camera/MonoPod combo in tension from the neck, allowing for very stable control of my Camera. Using the MonoPod "Free Hand" as you do, or just the Camera for that matter, simply failed to work for me. Insuficient control/stability for my use. Much easier than toting a full sized TriPod around. I've been using this system for 25+ yrs when I need a simple, quick, and mobile Camera mount with very decent stability. Something to consider.
Lots of fun, Tom. Keep experimenting! Cheers!
Thomas, thank you for this final image. If you look at ‘waves on a Lee Shore’ by JMW Turner, you have clearly realised in photography what Turner realised with oils. I’m glad you are finding your artistic roots again.
@ Christopher Hawkes
There is a big difference though ...
Turner made every mark on his canvas with purpose and precision.
The photography here is fundamentally accidental because the result is unpredictable.
Yeah loved that last image... Looks stunning!!
Absolutely love that last image! For me the one at 6:34 just isn’t quite blurry enough but that’s just my thoughts. Keep experimenting!
I'm different, while all are interesting images, I like the one with the grass mixed in. Makes it feel like an old antique scratched print.
Looking forward to more of this journey. :)
I just started out with ICM photography. You're right, its' fun and the time flies by; but, there is definitely a learning curve and it can be a bit frustrating to get an image that is a keeper. Thanks for sharing!!
ICM is a tough one to get "right" and certainly invites good and bad conversation. My dad does it a lot, and a big tip I got from him is to lock in the focus as the shutter releases, and make small, precise movements. It provides an abstract image without simply looking out of focus.
That said, keep at it! It's not easy to show an audience as you start experimenting a new style. It's a vulnerable position to be in and people will be quick to tell you what they think. But thank you for sharing, I like your channel for the transparency and taking chances :) Hope the comments don't get you down
No idea what I dont like abour the icm style. But love how honest you are about icm.
I’m not a big fan of ICM but that last image is pretty inspirational Thomas.
I agree with some of those comments below. The images aren't, to my eye, quite abstract enough. To that end, I will often shoot in continuous mode, moving the camera throughout the sequence, either in a vertical or horizontal orientation, depending on the shape of the subject. Sometimes I move the camera from corner to corner, again depending on the shape and orientation of the subject. I usually get two or so good images from a burst.
That final image is like a painting not blurry; hence my eyes is not struggling to find a focus. Lovely. Thanks Thomas!
Nice One Thomas. I really like it
Wow what a superb final image. Frankly I get why you don't like it, but from the photographic perspective outside of your head, I think it's one of the best images you have taken in a long time. And I'd have that on my walls any day. But hey it's your work and your opinion/taste/frustration... Maybe the monopod was more of a hinderance, but the final image is what's important. If the monopod messed with your creative mojo, then remove that, but keep up with the ICM work = spot on!
the last one. Great.
Really like the last image personally and that is what all images come down to personal preference.
As someone who was born and raised in Whitley Bay, I've got to commend you for a fresh and interesting take on St Mary's lighthouse, and for the energy to break through the mental rut of taking images of those most familiar of places...
Thank you for sharing your idea
You have definitely gone on an abstract journey 👍🏻
That's a pretty fancy Mono Pod there sparky 😝😂😂👍 That final abstract is definitely interesting, something that could hang in some dens or even an Arboretum🤔
I love the last image!! It‘s a little like a question and i love that about it
Hmm! Good luck!
Yes! Final image was lovely. Like a moody Tirner.
I love the last image! I've had a similar experience with ICM. It's a love-hate relationship. However, I value the freedom it offers and the "chance" it involves. It reminds me of the feeling I had when I first picked up a camera and began seeing each image from the camera. Every shot was like opening up a Christmas gift. Enjoy and embrace the freedom and uncertainty!!!
The final image is probably my favourite image of yours that you have taken. Beautiful.
Loved it, great energy in the presentation too.. I use a monopod for filming in the van, but also knock it over a lot 😂😂 cracking vlog as usual
When you first put up the final image I thought Well Heaton has went around the bend, but once you zoomed out I have to say the photo is pretty nice.
I love your final image, the colours and the emotions it evokes. I've been playing a bit with multiple exposures but hadn't thought of bringing icm into them, now I need to try this! Thanks for this video :)
Well despite like you feeling like I'm disconnected from the final image I have produced a reasonable ICM. The hit and miss approach of ICM is so counterintuitive to most photographers who are at heart technicians of their craft. That last shot though is beautiful and like the one I shot you should be proud of.
Wow, that last image is stunning!
It is always difficult to keep finding new stuff to photograph or new ways to photograph it. So trial and error is sometimes a great way to create something beautiful. It is wise to always plan a shoot, but never get disheartened when things don't go to plan. Being creative is about experimenting and seeing what results you get. The Plan - Do - Review approach that is done in teaching / education, is key. As for the monopod, great for assisting with a heavy lens or if you shake like a pooping poodle, but at times, just extra ballast you carry with you.
Never been a fan of multiple exposure photography other than maybe Sandra Bartochas works. But I think you are on to something. Really enjoyed the last image.
Wow, just wow.
You got there in the end. Loved the final image. First just looked like camera shake. Keep up with your originality, its inspiring.
I believe the meaning of photography is painting with light. Well you definitely painted on that last image! Would be perfect in a museum full of painted masterpieces and nobody would question why it's there. Great video it's nice to get out of the comfort zone sometime! Grt guido
what a great and mystic image at 9:47. Well done
I like your final image, well done!
Another brilliant video. Loved it.
I really like them!
Practice. It takes intentional practice to create with this type of technique. When I am creating a new image (or series) I practice over and over again until I develop a technique that I like. Then I will iterate on that technique until I get what I thinks is near final. Then I will iterate on that - usually to create a series. Granted, as of now I do this in studio, but it could also be done in the field.
Thomas thanks for this and your last ICM vid. I’m a photography student and my end of year project is about shooting landscapes with a painterly feel and these 2 videos have been a great source of inspiration!
I laughed when you said "Not surrounded by the Rocky Mountains" since I live 90 minutes away. I constantly wish I lived somewhere with trees, fog, and vegetation similar to I see on your channel and others. I've never found the mountains inspiring though many here do. The grass can be green on the other side.
I've never really been a fan of abstract photography/art, but I do like that last one! 🙂
Do really like the last one, as previous post said impressionist style. Not having tried this myself has inspired me to experiment. Suppose the more you do as with everything you identify the technique and best lighting conditions that work, then you develop your style, as you have clearly mastered in your landscapes.
Your final image is tremendous - JMW Turner-esque!
Couldn't agree more👌
That final image was great, your best ICM yet I'd say!
The final image is very Turneresque, which I guess what you were trying to achieve. Not being a rabid fan of impressionism in art (more of a pre-Raphaelite), I doubt I'd try this at home. Thanks for showing the proces, nonetheless.
Oh the last one was worth the effort!
Great video about just experimenting and being open minded about different techniques and artistic expression. Happy to see your videos as always.
The line that really struck me was "although I like some of the images I'm making, I don't feel as if they're fully mine."
I think know what you mean. When I say I'm "being intentional" I mean that I have a vision in my head of the final image before I push the shutter. Playing and learning with new techniques is often a matter of trial and error to see what I get, and then feeding that back into my next attempt, so even if some turn out it still feels random, more to do with luck than intention.
I've tried ICM a little bit, but not enough to cross that boundary where I can envision the image before I make it.
I very much liked the image of the lighthouse and rocks, I felt compelled to pause the video to really look the image. I also liked the final image, I liked the tones and minimalism; it reminded me of the style of Turner's paintings. Good stuff Thomas.
Having just came back from a week in the Faroes I can totally relate !! Terminally normal now...
9:46 - Just LOVE it!!! 🩷📷🩷📸🩷
Regarding LUCK.... I remember when I first started fly fishing, I commented to my Dad on why my brother was being more successful at catching fish than me.... I said "he is just getting lucky"... My Dad turned around to me and said "The more he practices the luckier he gets..." - It was true, my brother would practise casting / fishing more than me. He got "luckier and luckier" as he experimented, and learned where to cast, how to make the line dance over the water as to not disturb the fish, how subtle changes in how he pulled the line in could cause the fish to bite.... I think the same is true for this photography. It is only going to be through practise and experimenting that you actually get better. Its probably no different to what you had to get better at composition in Landscape photography... you just have to learn an entirely new composition toolbox...
I tried a mono pod a few years back when photography local places and could never get on with it for the things I like to shoot, it was like I would rather have nothing and go hand held or have my tripod with me all the time, now it's used as a office camera stand when filming.
Leaning towards William Turner with that last image ...also a bit of the Freddie Mercurys there with the twirling monopod Thomas :) Enjoyable watch as always.
The final image takes me to what might be a pair of sailing ships in the distance.
Though not a big fan of ICM, I did like the final image.
ICM is certainly the photographic method of impressionist painting, but without the paints, canvas, easel, and mess. While having fun, perhaps you're struggling is because you're seeing ICM through the eyes of a photographer. It might be worth trying to think about it, in the way a painter considers their canvas.
Generally they start with a basic sketch, then build up layer upon layer upon layer of paint, until they have something they feel is acceptable. If you've ever watched Landscape Artist or Portrait Artist of the Year on Sky Arts, you'll have seen what I'm trying to say. And don't forget most painters never feel a painting is 'complete'. Maybe trying to see ICM as painting, will help you 'see' the ICM image you're trying to create.
Hope I'm not coming across as patronising and pretentious, it's really not an area of expertise for me, just had some thoughts about it. It is really interesting to see you experiment in these latest videos.
Omg I have seen you taking these photos in Whitley Bay how strange. I think I have taken a photo of you taking photos 😮 Great video!
Try movements that emphasis the dominant lines in your composition such as straight up & down and left to right at around 1/3 sec. exposure. Contrast is your friend as well.
Loved the final image !
I wasn't sure on the final product initially, but the more I look at it (paused) the more I like it. Texture, movement , salt air. Yeah. I like it. And it's different 👍🏾
Curiosity question, I can’t remember if you’ve talked about it recently… how are you finding the DJI mic? I was tempted by the Rode GOs for a long while, but heard DJI’s offering has been quite a bit better for many.
Being down the road to you - your final image is actually interesting - for me the birds in flight add the detail needed for balance. I have photographed St Marys a few time always looking for that NEW angle or composition. Well done.
Hi Thomas - was delighted to receive your book. I think the last image is by far and away the most successful. I think for a static subject like lighthouse that has strong verticals, it really has to be abstracted, otherwise it just looks like a shaky camera! But the final image is properly abstract and lovely for it.
I like you experimenting and taking us along in your trials :-), the one before last image was my favourite, maybe because I like the stones to be still part of the image, giving me something to hold on to, although I also liked the birds in the final image. But as much as I like to see you experimententing, I don't think this ICM multiple shot images are something I would personally go for.
I am going through the same with ICM. Hit and miss, lots of rejects, not necissarily ME, a single exposure can be magic. Practice really does work, and you get to know what movement is required to bring your perception to reality. I prefer a hint of the literal in an abstract, and I suspect you do as well. Kim Grant can give you a few tips too. Love your journey. I want to play just with the ball head loose on the tripod as well. Holding the camera still for a miniscule of a second at the start of your 1/3 second exposure movement will give you that reference of literal, but I suspect you have worked that one out. And yes, know what the composition is in your head once you find a scene to work with. Always comes back to good composition. Bear in mind a straight landscape comp may not necessarily mean it will work with your ICM version of the scene, as you are moving beyond the original frame edges with your movement. Keep going, loving your journey, you can tell you are having fun.
When I visited that area the other year there was a school of dolphins near the lighthouse and later jumping in Whitley bay too. Maybe Thomas you could work on getting an abstract seascape photo incorporating them somehow, if their still about that is?!. Obviously you'd need a longer lens and is telephoto ICM photography doable at all I wonder?, that would be a challenge eh?!.
I love the last image btw. 'Absolutely stunning' ; p
Funny thing is I don’t live in a bland place. I do live in the Rocky Mountains. That being said, your photos are beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing.
The image reminded me a line from classic English literature about the picture that was like a salad thrown against the wall, ha ha. Well, I admit the last one is good )