Macro ICM-Like Composite

Image Critiques
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1

FGisin_Sim_Macro_ICM_Composite.jpg
FGisin_Sim_Macro_ICM_Composite.jpg1500×742 1.68 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

I’ve been a tripod shooter ever since I switched to medium format cameras back in the early 1970’s. So, this idea of swinging a handheld camera around has never really turned me on. Especially when it comes to mini-micro camera movements on close-up/macro images.

On the other hand, I’ve always enjoyed the abstract genre – especially when I’m able to rubber-band the definition of abstract a bit. In this case, applying ICM-like effects in post on some of my focus-stacked close-up/macro images.

The process is fairly simple. Step 1: open the image in Photoshop. Step 2: apply an ICM-like effect using the [Filter] [Blur Gallery] [Path Blur…] dropdown menu. Step 3: take it one step further by copying the original image onto another layer and repeat. Step 4: use exposure blending modes and assorted adjustment layers (saturation, curves, sharpen, etc.) to polish it to perfection.

In this case, I settled on a two-layer composite. On one layer I applied an ICM-like motion from lower left to upper right. On the other layer from upper left to lower right. And then blended them together using the Lighten blend mode.

In the uploaded image, the original is on the left. The finished image on the right.

P.S. To experiment non-destructively, make the layers smart objects.

Specific Feedback

What do you think of the before/after transformation from an aesthetics perspective? Do you find it pleasing? Interesting? Too far out?

If you try this ICM-like process on some of your images, share the results.

Technical Details

Focus-stacked texture detail of a roughly 4 inch mostly smooth river rock using a pair of stacked Vello EXT-NZ 12mm and 20 mm extension tubes on a 100-400mm telephoto lens. The “focus-shifting” feature on my Nikon body was used to capture the images. Helicon Focus was used to stack the images. Global image adjustments were done in Lightroom. The rest in Photoshop.

2

This is very cool, Franz. I’ll have to copy your instructions and play with this. The result kind of looks like a slightly out of focus, rather warped, linoleum or fabric pattern and I really like it.

3

HI Franz,
I like the effect. I doubt you could get those kinds of lines doing an ICM of this subject. Movement would paint the colors across the canvas a bit more. As it is, I enjoy the effect of taking something organic/geologic, and make it look like textile of some sort. There is a sense of movement, whooshing lines, that really makes this fun to look at.
ML

4

Very interesting, Franz. I haven’t done much with ICM either. Just don’t think of it till I see where someone else has used it. So doing it after the fact may be a solution for me. Nicely done.

5

Franz: I do dabble with ICM in camera but have never done anything in post like you’ve done here, I think the composite is marvelous and I actually prefer it to the straight shot, which is good raw material but I think your processing has enhanced it considerably. Nicely conceived and superbly executed.>=))>