Jul 1, 2014 - 1 min read

Unique Views of Yokohama's Beauty

Images of Japan (old and new) using ICM techniques

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

A couple enjoying the sunset at Osanbashi Pier

Minato Mirai as the sky dramatically darkens

ICM (or Intentional Camera Movement) techniques can produce some startling and beautiful results. I'd like to share some examples with you here of what I consider to be interesting (abstract) and sometimes quite beautiful shots of 'things Japanese'. Included are photos of Yokohama's Minato Mirai at night, Osanbashi, Boats in Yokohama Bay at night, Mt. Fuji taken from Enoshima, and Kimono. I'm still not sure how interesting this is to others in general, and to the JapanTravel community specifically, but I thought I'd give it a whirl! Please ignore this photo story if it doesn't interest you. Comments welcome!

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By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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Christie Petrakopoulou 10 years ago

Beautiful photos! :)

Somrak Bhakdisuparit 10 years ago

Thanks Larry. I will definitely give it a try. I got a similar effect once but it was because someone bumped into me while I was taking the shot! Have been trying to do it again but can't, now I know how ;)

Larry Knipfing Photographer 10 years ago

Somrak, it's something I do with the camera, not afterwards (although you can adjust contrast, etc., later). It works best when it is dark or starting to get dark. When you take your shots, start a bit higher or lower, to the left or right. Then as you snap the photo, move your camera. Try various combinations. Move it slowly. Move it quickly. Move it up. Move it down. Move it in a semi-circle. Move it at an angle. BTW, I ALWAYS take good, normal shots first. After that, I use this technique and have fun! Thanks, and enjoy it yourself!

Somrak Bhakdisuparit 10 years ago

I love it Larry! Can you tell me how it can be done? Is it a technique while taking the photo or an effect put in afterwards?

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

I like that I learned something new: that ICM is a thing. Am I into the technique or think the pics are appealing? Well not so much to me at least. The exception is the Cosmos Clock and Intercontinental. With so many ideas of what looks good to different people, I think this was a worthwhile experiement. I wouldn't mind seeing another attempt at some black and white images or more lit up night scenes as they work best from my immediate impression. I think shooting izakaya alleys might be interesting as they are abstract but also literal as if you were walking through it after a drink!

6 comments in total