When winter closes in and the bare bones of trees are revealed, I like to create abstract images using ‘intentional camera movement’, or ‘panning’.
This technique is very easy. Simply select a slowish shutter speed and move the camera while the shutter is open. It helps to start the movement before pressing the shutter and to finish just after the exposure, to avoid jerky shapes in the image, unless that is what you’re after, of course! I also find the results generally much more pleasing if you move the camera in the direction of the dominant shape in your view, so vertically for trees.
Trees are not the only subject for this sort of technique. I have also panned landscapes, although there I move the camera horizontally rather than vertically. But winter forests do seem to be particularly suitable subjects.
I couldn’t resist including a mysterious figure in the last two images. The final one is for my son’s horror film project.
Do you ever play around with this technique? Please feel free to share your panned/camera movement images or other winter abstracts in the comments below; I would love to see them!
Focused Moments 
I particularly love the first image, don’t be surprised if a painting of mine ends up looking very similar!! Just an inspiration your devotion to your craft, cx
Hi Chelsea. Yes,the first one is my favourite too. I like the way the colours bleed into the white. I do have a lot of fun with these. I love the random nature of the technique, never knowing exactly what you’re going to get.
Nice, like the last two best..
Thanks. My son is very happy with the last one as inspiration for his project 🙂
Amazing! Love the creativity here. I’ve never seen anything like it. Looks very ethereal and haunting. Especially the one with the figure in. Perfect for a horror film!
Really need to experiment more like this, thanks for sharing this 🙂
Thanks, Jaina! It is a lot of fun :). I have had a short break from on-line activities, but am looking forward to catching up with everyone over the Christmas break.
Wonderful photos, Rachael. I cannot pick a favorite, I really like them all! And like what Jaina said on her comment above, the last one is perfect for a horror film.
Thanks, Gracie. Yes, my son’s film is based on the slender man meme, so the panned figure had to be included 😉
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Wow, I needed an idea for what to write about my boring backyard today and found inspiration in your post. Thanks! My photos at: http://bybio.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/black-and-white/
Thanks, Sue. It is a huge compliment that my post inspired you. The best reward possible 🙂
Very nice, I have done a few of these (even with books on a shelf!), great abstract fun. Nice to see you online again 🙂
Hi Karen. It’s fun, isn’t it. Perhaps we should go for a walk in Jan where we only allow ourselves to do camera movement images. Could be fun.
Really love the mystery figure, I must have a go at panning.
Thanks! Do give it a whirl – it is great fun. 🙂
These are quite lovely, Rachael. They remind me of some muted glass artwork I’ve happened upon. Perhaps I should give this technique a whirl this winter in chilly Bavaria!
It works very well indeed with snow, Tricia! Definitely give it a whirl.
Nice work! I’m a big abstract fan. I have not played with this technique yet though. I really like the image with the person, I like the color one best.
Thank you. I think you’ll enjoy experimenting with the technique.
Love the effect, I’ve not experimented much with abstracts but will have to give it a try.
I look forward to seeing the results! It is so easy and so much fun.
mmmmmm not tried this but will
You’ll enjoy, I am sure, the unpredictability of the technique. I know I do!
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These are marvellous and I must have a go at this technique sometime!
Thanks, Helen. It’s a lot of fun. Another thing I have been tempted to try is the camera toss. But I cherish my camera too much 😉
Lovely, very effective technique.
Thank you very much, Evan.
I love these – I sometimes get these effects, but always by accident! Now I’ll try them on purpose!
Happy New Year to you, Rachael, and thanks for visiting my blog.
ViV
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