Hello beautiful souls,
Thanks for opening my email! I'm excited to share some of my Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) photography. I discovered ICM about four years ago and was immediately captivated. It felt deeply resonant, something rare in my photography. It opened up a new way for me to explore and express emotion.
For me, ICM has significantly enhanced my creativity and sense of exploration. The potential for unique compositions was right in front of me, waiting to be discovered. Although I had much to learn, I began practicing diligently. Suddenly, my perspective shifted. Despite its seemingly "loose" technique, I realized that I needed to focus on essential elements like composition, consistent exposure settings, and selecting the right lens. Simplicity was key, and careful planning made a big difference. I have practiced in various locations, but not all yielded the emotional depth I sought.
My success rate with ICMs is about 1 in 20. A regular photo takes 3-6 minutes, but ICM often requires 20 attempts. I carefully review each image. It's all about practice, experience, and planning. This means sometimes I put aside my regular photography to focus on ICM, which can feel a bit risky with my time in the field.
Many years ago, I sketched some image ideas in watercolor. I wanted to capture the delicate feeling of balsam root dancing with the wind but didn't know how. Last year, a collaboration between 301 Gallery and Friends of the Columbia Gorge (an exhibition called Inspired) pushed me to try something beyond my usual photography, something more refined and artistic. That's when I finally experimented with balsam root and that ethereal feeling.
During the last two summers, I had the incredible opportunity to visit remarkable international museums, including the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Munch Museum in Oslo (among others in Mexico city). These visits exposed me to astonishing works by talented artists and pure forms of Impressionism. They not only enriched my understanding of painting techniques but also deepened my appreciation for how ICM can reflect an impressionist aesthetic in photography.
I have always tried to improve the quality of my work. These pieces represent my current best effort, reflecting the skills and understanding I have at this time. As I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, I am committed to refining my techniques and consistently creating impactful and meaningful work. I hope you find something within the ICMS that resonates with you. Maybe this particular technique does not align with your personal preferences. However, it's an important part of my artistic journey, a process of exploration and experimentation that pushes me beyond familiar boundaries. I believe that true artistic growth comes from accepting curiosity and venturing beyond the comfortable, even if it means taking failures and risks.
These images are infused with the soul of the Columbia River Gorge. They feature scenes from Astoria, Cascade Locks, Spring Creek Hatchery, the Cherry Orchard Trail, Dancing Rock, the Mosier Plateau, The Hook, Dog Mountain, Chicken Charlie Island, Post Canyon, Hood River Bridge, Memaloose Hills, Rowena Oaks, and a couple from the Steens, Oregon.
Click here to go to the gallery I curated for you.
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