This is an image folks seem to enjoy on Threads, so I thought I'd share the experience with the group.
Although snow has been limited (in Vermont) this season I did pop out to a local Xcountry ski venue and see what could be achieved using the technique I have been working on (followICM).
This turned out to be quite a challenge. As the technique relies on the camera-subject distance remaining relatively constant throughout the exposure (in this case 1s), the subject has to be moving slow enough so you can keep pace.
This became especially challenging as the camera had to be kept relatively stable whilst trying to maintain the pace wearing shoe shoes........
That said, I'm happy with how this image captures the essence of the Xcountry style, and the fact that the process works just as well on my new iPhone 15 Pro as it did on my 12 mini.
Thoughts/questions/comments as always are both encouraged and appreciated (whether positive OR not) as long as they are sincere.
I like it! Kind of a 3d effect as well as the ICM. Well worth the effort IMO.
Thanks Michael, I appreciate your feedback.
Skiing was an uphill battle for me while snowshoeing ended with faceplants. That was before the invent of cell phones so I am hoping there is no evidence.
Great job!
Thanks for you input Dean.
I'm normally OK snowshoeing but I have to admit I probably looked pretty strange as waddled behind the skier.
Hopefully no videos or photos were recorded........
You're really pushing beyond the limits on your technique. Just maintaining the distance and stability while walking on the street is difficult then adding snow and a subject on skis in the mix! You did it though. I really like the snow scene as the background - the lines in the snow, the trees, etc, all seem to pull the subject forward as much as the subject is pushing forward as well. I'm assuming you knew the subject or else explained what you were doing? I'd love to see a collection of your followICM in the snow. Maybe we'll get hammered with one more storm before the end of the season?
Thanks Jenny, in this case I did ask before taking - it would have seemed pretty creepy otherwise!!
TBH capturing skiers in this way is pretty challenging and most of my attempts were total busts. But that’s why we try…….
We may have snow tonight, so I may get out tomorrow to shoot.
Just to show how variable these types of shots can be and as you asked........ here are some of the shots that didn't work out.
As a general question - do you feel it worthwhile to show failures as well as successes? In some instances I feel seeing the failures of others helps remind ourselves that photography is a process and there is a need to persevere.
Thoughts?