Merrill, John and Lisa (#6359) Impressionistic and Abstract Photography, July 8-9

When can a blurry photo be beautiful? When you create blur intentionally by moving your camera, lens or both during a long exposure. Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) embraces the power of play, flexes creative muscles, and can result in fascinating, impressionistic images. Join travel and social impact photographers John and Lisa Merrill for a fun 2-day workshop exploring ICM photography on beautiful Whidbey Island.

Photographers of all experience levels are welcome, with any camera (including a mobile phone with SlowShutter, FV5 or another app which enable long exposures). John and Lisa will help you learn to freeze a moving subject against a blurred background by panning – a great technique for wildlife, sports, outdoor recreation, and transportation. You’ll also learn to add energetic blur to photos of still subjects by shaking, twisting and/or zooming during long exposures.

The workshop starts with a presentation in which John and Lisa share favorite ICM tips and techniques with example images created in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Then you’ll immediately apply what you learned while photographing together at beaches, towns, artists’ studios, markets, gardens and farms on bucolic Whidbey Island. ICM is flexible and can be used with a variety of subjects, in gorgeous light as well as bright mid-day light. We’ll use it to create exciting dynamic or quiet moody images of landscapes, patterns of nature, street scenes and everyday objects.

Hands-on photo coaching can be transformative. With the Merrill’s’ demos and on-the-spot guidance and encouragement, you’ll dive deeper into the playful and powerful world of creative blur. We’ll play with movement, reflections and in-camera multiple exposures. Through experimentation you’ll discover new ways of seeing and photographing, and expand your visual toolbox.

After time in the field together, we’ll reconvene in the PNWAS classroom to share images, give and get supportive feedback, and be inspired by what others created in the same locations. As a bonus, the Merrills will host a second PhotoReview via Zoom within 2 weeks to discuss ICM imagery created at Whidbey and/or after the workshop.

Instructors’ bio: John and Lisa Merrill create images to evoke wonder, inspire action and strengthen communities. Their work is used by travel destinations, outdoor adventure companies and non-profits, and featured in books and magazines around the world. Photography is a lifelong journey of connection and expression for the Merrills, and they’re grateful for opportunities to learn from the people and places they photograph.

Merrill Images is a member of the North American Nature Photographer’s Association and a Transformative Travel Council Ally.

John and Lisa are inspiring educators who nurture photographic creativity through online coaching, Pacific Northwest photowalks, workshops and photo tours near and far. Learn more and view their work at Merrill Images.