Trying a Monopod for Better ICM Photography. Does it Help?
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- I tried a monopod to improve my ICM landscape photography. It turns out that the flexibility of being handheld is much better. All photography in this video was shot at St Mary's Lighthouse. 10% off your first Squarespace website or domain: www.squarespac...
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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!
I really loved that last one. It was abstract enough to make you want to keep looking with just enough details to ground you.
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.
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.
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.
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. ❤
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...
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.
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. 😎
that last shot is fabulous! Turner would indeed be proud of that :)
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.
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.
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
the final image. wow. just wow. really reminds of a painting. bravo
The last image was spectacular. Like a Monet.
That final image is like a painting not blurry; hence my eyes is not struggling to find a focus. Lovely. Thanks Thomas!
I love the fact that you're such an accomplished photographer and your final statement was "I still have so much to learn".
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. :)
Whilst ICM isn't for me, probably for the same reasons as you, I really loved that final image. Well done.
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!!
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.
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.
Aaaaaargh, the last one reminds me of William Turner. Marvellous!!!
You have definitely gone on an abstract journey 👍🏻
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 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.
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
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!
Lots of fun, Tom. Keep experimenting! Cheers!
Your final image is tremendous - JMW Turner-esque!
Couldn't agree more👌
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’m not a big fan of ICM but that last image is pretty inspirational Thomas.
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
Even if it's completely random and a total hit or miss, that last one is GORGEOUS. Keep at it!
Really like the last image personally and that is what all images come down to personal preference.
Like the mood of these images...childhood visits to coast and rain-blurred vistas for me, at any rate. 👍
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.
That final image is (say it with me) STUPENDOUS!! Really it is.
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.
I've never really been a fan of abstract photography/art, but I do like that last one! 🙂
That last image is gorgeous
Yeah loved that last image... Looks stunning!!
Wow, that last image is stunning!
You got there in the end. Loved the final image. First just looked like camera shake. Keep up with your originality, its inspiring.
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.
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.
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!!!
That last one was lovely.
Great video about just experimenting and being open minded about different techniques and artistic expression. Happy to see your videos as always.
that last one, that is the one, it is gorgeous
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 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 :)
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.
That last lighthouse shot at 01:28 is stunning 😊
That final image was great, your best ICM yet I'd say!
I love the last image!! It‘s a little like a question and i love that about it
Really liked that last photo.
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!
No idea what I dont like abour the icm style. But love how honest you are about icm.
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
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.
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.
Thomas, the last one is a winner. Question. Are you able to stack those images in camera? If so, which camera were you using? Thanks, Dave
I have to say I'm not a fan of ICM......... BUT...... I do like the last picture you made, it's probably the fact you can make out its a lighthouse and the birds just add a bit more to the atmosphere.
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.
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.
Love the last image.
Thank you for sharing your idea
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 like your final image, well done!
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 👍🏾
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.
Thomas, I love your final image!
Another brilliant video. Loved it.
Loved the last image 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...
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🤔
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.
Hmm! Good luck!
The last image was definitely the strongest of them all I think Thomas and will be interested to see where your ICM journey takes you. All part of the challenge and the enjoyment of continuous learning
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.
Keep experimenting I love the final image. Enjoy the process and if anything good happens then that’s a bonus. But I am interested to see if you find a formula that works
what a great and mystic image at 9:47. Well done
I tried some ICM a few weeks ago with some dead rushes at sunset. Likewise I used multiple exposures but I had to combine them in post. Which I find better as you can adjust the opacity to your liking. Got a nice dreamy image form it too.
Actually after your video I started to think about utilizing a bit more control over ICM / multiexpo, and I thought about using my gimbal head, but with the camera pointing sideways (so the L bracket would be attached to where my tele lens would go, camera turned 90 degrees). I only tried in my garden, but certainly will experiment with it in a more interesting area.
Obviously it is very simple to do the rotation shot, and then just loosen all controls on the gimbal, and shoot with applying small movements to the camera. I don't know yet if it would work, I just throw it up as an idea.
Have you thought about using your Infrared converted camera for ICM experimentation? Just a thought.
I really like the final image. Very Impressionistic.
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
Oh the last one was worth the effort!
I actually like the final image. I think Camille Pissarro would approve. 😊
I have shot ICM, But didnt stick with it for long. It served a purpose of getting me out of a photographic rut and trying new things. Maybe I will go back to it one day. But Tom I think you should look up using texture layers Thats kind of what you were doing with the grass. I have had great success with this on some projects.
I thought the black and white one of lighthouse blended with grass was great, like an old damaged negative..the final shot however is my favourite. You ticked all the boxes and I think it looks like a moody Turner seascape ...many thanks
That's just what I was thinking about the last image, too.
Cool ideas! Gonna have to try this. Also maybe use a tripod but instead of moving the camera, adjust focus for each exposure. Or zoom. Or move camera. Or all 3. Couple more days working then I have a long weekend to experiment.
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.
For ICM I think it's better to "go big or go home". You're all about controlling your image. Good ICM needs more freedom and chance, which is why your last image is the best one. And a lot of work in post, going by watching Andy Gray and my own somewhat limited experience.
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!
It's cool, I do like your videos Thomas, you're so honest
It's great to see you venture into a new styles although I seem to remember you doing some ICM with Andy Gray at some point. Your final image is excellent and reminiscent of his work but with your own twist. Your journey, should you persist with ICM will be interesting. The Monopod might still work in some scenes but I wonder if a gimbal might give some more freedom of movement and give you the smooth results that I think you might be looking for.
This is a pretty interesting technique. It stretches some creative muscles that someone like me has never really used.
Issue with the monopod is it deletes the up/down motion so the images end up looking like an accident, say you kicked the tripod mid exposure. The full 360 degrees of freedom is what elevates the handheld images. Another option is to keep the monopod and press down with a finger on the front of the lens to get that vertical component. Works on a tripod too (the longer the lens barrel the better), but you'll lose the side to side freedom.