How I Came to Shooting in ICM and Multiple Exposure Style
My name is Oleksandr Shapovalov. I am originally from Mariupol, Ukraine, but in 2022, I was forced to
flee to Germany due to Russian aggression. I have been engaged in photography for 17 years, and in
recent years, I’ve been focusing on the ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) style, often combining it
with multiple exposure to expand my creative capabilities.
flee to Germany due to Russian aggression. I have been engaged in photography for 17 years, and in
recent years, I’ve been focusing on the ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) style, often combining it
with multiple exposure to expand my creative capabilities.
A Journey Through Photography
My journey into the world of photography began with a variety of genres. Initially, I was fascinated by
motorsport photography, where every fraction of a second could create a unique shot. Motorsports
helped me see the magic of motion and taught me how to capture its energy through photography. This
genre required precision, quick reflexes, and attention to detail. Over time, however, I realized I was
more drawn to conveying the feeling of motion and energy than merely freezing dynamic action.
I then moved on to street photography and studio portraits. In the studio, I experimented with lighting,
creating dramatic shadows and highlights. Street photography, on the other hand, allowed me to capture
spontaneous moments, focusing on composition and the interplay of light. I was deeply inspired by the
works of Saul Leiter, whose unique approach to color and use of reflections motivated me to search for
unconventional solutions and perspectives. Nevertheless, I felt the constraints of traditional photography
limited my creative expression.
Inspiration from Impressionism and Discovering New Techniques
The turning point came when I discovered the works of Impressionist painters.
Claude Monet’s paintings
mesmerized me with their atmosphere and lightness. I realized I wanted to convey the same fleeting,
ephemeral sensations in my photography. However, I didn’t want to rely on Photoshop to achieve these
effects—it felt insincere and lacked the immediacy I sought.
In search of alternative techniques, I came across Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and multiple
exposure. These methods allowed me to convey emotions and create abstract images without resorting
to digital manipulations. Each shoot became an experiment where I could express my feelings and mood
through the movement of the camera.
mesmerized me with their atmosphere and lightness. I realized I wanted to convey the same fleeting,
ephemeral sensations in my photography. However, I didn’t want to rely on Photoshop to achieve these
effects—it felt insincere and lacked the immediacy I sought.
In search of alternative techniques, I came across Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and multiple
exposure. These methods allowed me to convey emotions and create abstract images without resorting
to digital manipulations. Each shoot became an experiment where I could express my feelings and mood
through the movement of the camera.
Early Challenges
When I first started experimenting with ICM and multiple exposure, I encountered some frustration. My
initial shots looked good but lacked depth and uniqueness. I didn’t yet have the experience or
understanding of how to control the camera to achieve my desired results. However, I chose not to give
up and began immersing myself in daily practice, trying new approaches constantly.
At first, I even attempted to enhance my images in Photoshop, but the results felt overly artificial. The
photos were technically flawless, but they lacked soul. I wanted to convey the feeling of the moment
rather than create illusions on a computer. That’s why I focused on shooting “in-camera,” striving to
minimize post-processing.
Upgrading My Gear: From Fujifilm to Lumix
Back then, I was using the Fujifilm S5 Pro—an old but reliable DSLR known for its excellent color
reproduction. This camera is still part of my arsenal for specific tasks. However, I felt its capabilities were
insufficient for my experiments with ICM and multiple exposure. So, I decided to upgrade my equipment
and chose the Lumix S5.
The Lumix S5 became a game-changer for me. It not only offers excellent color reproduction but also
allows me to view the previous frame during multiple exposures, opening up vast creative possibilities.
This helped me better control the process and create more complex compositions directly in-camera.
Now, I can focus on what matters most—conveying the atmosphere and mood of the moment.
Experimenting with Shutter Speeds and Techniques
A key aspect of ICM is selecting the right shutter speed. I constantly experiment with different settings to
achieve the desired effect. Usually, I start with a 1/20-second shutter speed. This serves as a starting
point to see how lines and light form textures in the photograph. I then gradually increase the exposure
time to 0.5 seconds or even 1 second to create more expressive and abstract images. Sometimes, I
extend the exposure time to 2 seconds for even more unique effects.
Textures and lines play a significant role in my work. I always pay attention to them, trying to capture
unique combinations of light and form. Camera movement itself is an art form. There’s no universal
formula—each photographer develops their own techniques. I experiment with smooth movements,
wave-like patterns, and even slight camera vibrations to add an element of unpredictability.
Recently, I’ve started combining different approaches. For instance, I might begin with a long-exposure
shot, moving the camera smoothly to the left or along an arc, and then take a short-exposure shot at
1/120 seconds to add sharpness. This creates a kind of “skeleton” for the image, onto which other layers
are added. The result is a complex, multi-layered composition that conveys the atmosphere and feeling
of the moment.
The Role of Emotions and Mood in My Images
For me, ICM and multiple exposure are not just techniques—they are a way to express my feelings and
emotions. I aim to capture not just the physical reality but my perception of the world at a specific
moment. When I look at an image, I want it to convey not only visual information but also sensations—
the warmth of the sun’s rays, the chill of morning fog, the whisper of the wind. Each photograph is a
small story, reflecting what I felt while holding the camera.
Final Touches: Focusing on Color
While I strive for minimal post-processing, color remains a crucial element of my photographs. I use
Capture One for final color corrections because it provides precise control over color and mood. I
appreciate the program’s flexibility, especially for working with complex color gradients. I aim to keep
the editing subtle, preserving the naturalness and freshness of the image.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
Experiment constantly—this is a never-ending process of self-learning. Focus on one shooting method
and strive to perfect it. For example, try camera movement in one direction and work with varying
shutter speeds, both shorter and longer. Observe the results. Then adjust the speed of the camera
movement—slightly faster or slower. You’ll achieve different outcomes. Choose what you like best and
continue refining that method. With practice, you will gradually develop your own unique style.
Continuous Growth and Discovering New Horizons
Every shoot for me is an exploration and an experiment. You never know what the outcome will be. It’s
like painting with a brush, but instead of paint, you use light, motion, and time. ICM and multiple
exposure allow me to discover something new every time, and this is where the magic of these
techniques lies.
I believe that photography is not just about what you see but also about what you feel. And it’s this
feeling that I strive to convey in every frame. Thanks to ICM and multiple exposure, I’ve found a way to
express my emotions and reveal new dimensions of perception for myself and my viewers. This is a
unique and captivating genre that gives me the freedom to create and inspires me every day.
