During the month of January my Facebook group Develop with Light practiced manipulating slow shutter photography and ICM to create more dynamic and captivating images. The most common question I was asked was how to be more intentional about using slow shutter speeds. I am here to explain the long awaited question: why and under what circumstances is this technique used?

What is Slow Shutter Photography?

Slow Shutter photography is a technique in which the camera’s shutter is left open for a long period of time. In doing so, movement is captured in form of lines and blurry colors instead of tack sharp details. From moving vehicles to ocean waves, this technique can create eye-catching results.

Here is an example of slow shutter photography, mixed with ICM, that I took last month. Taken with the Lensbaby Edge 80 at f/22, ISO 100 and 1/6 sec.

Equipment

Shooting slow shutter images produces very striking and artistic photographs. Traditionally photographers use neutral density filters and tripods to be able to reduce the incoming light, extend the time the shutter stays open and keep the image stable.

But it is also possible to use slower shutter-speeds without additional equipment. Especially on overcast days or around sunrise/sunset, you can get away with handholding your camera and a very small aperture (a good starting point for this method is: f/22, 1/25 and ISO 100). The key to a successful slow shutter image is low light and movement. Remember, you can either photograph a moving subject (and hold the camera still) or move the camera while you shoot (this method is called ICM, short for Intentional Camera Movement).

Taken with the Lensbaby Edge 80 at f/22, ISO 100, 0.4 sec

Benefits of going slow

Overall, slowing your shutter will help you make better decisions, connect deeper with photography, have more meaningful experiences, all while improving your skills and hone your eye for composition.

My personal list why I practice slow shutter photography:

Warm up before a photo shoot - especially on days where I look at a subject and don’t know where to start or have no idea how to make it look special, I tend to use slow shutter photography. While moving with my camera around the subject I lose myself and this oftentimes feel like dancing. The fluid moves bring me joy and allow my brain to work in a different, more creative way. Another benefit of this technique is that you quickly become aware of the color palette you’re dealing with. Sometimes all the tones in the image work together, at other times there are too many colors and things need to be rearranged.
Shake things up during a photoshoot - imagine you have been shooting for a while, tried different view points and angles, but now you just don’t see another way of creating an image. Slow shutter photography is a wonderful technique to find new ways of looking at things, when you feel stuck and need inspiration. Just like during the warm up, I love to switch gears while I’m shooting. Regardless of if you are portraying a person or a landscape, this method will surprise you and allow your brain to see new ways of presenting the subject.
Make better choices - With practice, you can improve your ability to decide which shutter speed is needed to express your creative vision. The more often you use slow shutter speeds the better you will become at guessing the right speed for a certain situation. I’m the first one to admit that you need to practice a lot when it comes to slow shutter photography. Depending on your subject and the direction you move your camera (up, down, left, right or even going in circles) you will see different patterns and textures in the resulting image. Slower movement will add more texture to the image, while faster moves create solid lines of tone and color.
Try something new - photography for me is an important tool to express my creative side. In trying new techniques I always feel inspired and my creative juices flow in a new direction. I hope I inspired you to try something new today. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Examples :

The following images were created by the participants of my creative photography group Develop with Light during the month of January:

Helene Gey: (click here to find out more about the artist)

"Joining the Develop with Light group was my best decision over the holidays! I have found a whole family of like-minded image-makers. I also love working under the constraint of a monthly theme. Nothing is better than focusing on a technique to get inspired. You learn new skills, look for previous artists' work, and develop your approach. I am always looking forward to the next theme to see what everyone comes up with!” ~Helene

2. Cathy Kuhlman: (click here to find out more about the artist)

"Being a visual learner I've enjoyed looking at everyone's posts this month! There is so much inspiration in trying to figure out how someone did something. It's usually the spark that gets me motivated to go outside my comfort zone and just play! I'm looking forward to what next month holds for us! " ~ Cathy Kuhlman

3. Mary Craig:

4. Charlotte Graydon Hickman

5. Sabine Hoveling:

I usually try to avoid camera movement due to spinal issues. So I am a little more wobbly on my feet than most photographers. I love that my camera has IBIS, as it really helps me to get sharp images and I can use longer shutter speeds. Still, I usually try to avoid movement. Even though I had some mixed feelings about last months theme, I decided to give it a go. It was surprisingly fun and I may play with this more often. ~Sabine Hoveling

6. Paul Hornsby

I first came across your name watching a you tube video featuring yourself. A few things struck me about watching was your open mindedness about the process of creating interesting images and the benefits for well being and mental health. I naturally followed on to your Facebook page. Having joined the site I really enjoyed seeing the contributions from fellow followers. All very open about the processes used. Inspirational images that encouraged me to get involved in my own experimentation. There's a wonderful friendly vibe that is so vibrant. A fantastic community of like minded image makers. Thank you for all that you do. Best wishes from Wales. - Paul Hornsby

7. Abi Coop (click on here to find out more about the artist)

I love being part of Ute's Develop With Light group. Creative techniques are a huge part of my work, so to find a group of like-minded individuals is such a great blessing. A place for me to both share my own experimental images and to be inspired by so many other incredible artists. A massive thank you to Ute for all the hard work she puts into this community. ~Abi Coop

Are you interested in learning more about creative photography techniques? Join my free Facebook group Develop with Light and find out more!

Join the Group

Last but not least I’d like to invite you to head over to my friend Michele’s blogpost. She shares interesting information about a maternity photo session in Minneapolis.