Available at: melindawormfineart.etsy.com

Abstract waterscapes is a subject that I have a lot of fun shooting. I love to be around water. The sounds and textures from ripples to waves can be so calming. Experimenting with a slow shutter speed to find a balance between soft blur and showing texture and movement can really bring out the mood of the scene before me. The two images below have been cropped to an aspect ratio that I felt worked well with the finished artwork. To see more of these images visit the waterscapes collection in my gallery or to order visit my Etsy shop at: melindawormfineart.etsy.com

A look at how I photograph flowers through the winter. The technique I used here was multiple exposure ICM.

Okay, I'll be honest, winter is not my favorite season. Most of the time it's to cold for a freeze baby like me to venture outside. I really really have to talk myself into it and I usually don't last very long.

So when we have weather like we did last week, mild temps with beautiful sticky snow, I try to take advantage and get outside to explore with my camera. I have to admit it was AMAZING. It truly was a winter wonderland. There was a quiet beauty that can bring a sense of calm. I had a ton of fun 
experimenting with ICM and came home with quite a few keepers. I love the high key minimalism  that you can create with a winter scene.

The image above was created using ME ICM, or multiple exposure intentional camera movement, to create that painterly look that I love so much.
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This week we are experiencing a winter storm warning that includes possible blizzard conditions with wind gusts up to 50 mph and wind chills as lo was -35. No venturing out this week!

In the past year or so I started experimenting with ICM (in camera movement) photography. I have become quite addicted to exploring this technique to create images that are abstract
or impressionistic. I love the soft painterly feel and the minimalism that ICM can create.
It can bring attention to tone and texture in a artistic way and create movement in an otherwise static scene. It's so much fun to create unique images using this technique.

Follow me on Instagram @mwormphotog

Over the past couple years I have really fallen in love with creating photographs that are more abstract. The experimentation is so much fun!
I knew when I started photographing these orchids that I wanted something soft and slightly blurred. Using a slower shutter speed and ICM (in camera movement) helped me achieve the look I was going for. When using ICM one never knows exactly how things will turn out, but I was absolutely thrilled with the results here. I love the muted tones and soft dreamlike quality. This gallery is available in my shop, or browse my website to see more of my abstract work.

Don't feel confined to documentary or journalistic style images. Follow your artistic vision using the tools you have such as lens choice, lighting, point of view, camera settings and also photo editing software. It's your artistic choice and there is no right or wrong as long as you are honest about how you created the image. Play, have fun and experiment!

With this image I darkened areas in post processing to highlight the sweep of light that was going across the droplets on this leaf.

Intentional camera movement can be fun for fall color images (among other things). Try using a slower shutter speed and panning the camera up or down, zooming the lens while shooting, or moving it in little circles. It's fun to experiment with this technique and every image turns out different.

Another fun subject that is fairly easy to find, reflections. You just need water! I like to look along lakes, streams, creeks and ponds during morning or evening light. Sometimes even just a puddle will work. If your subject is lit by the sun and you have contrasting colors it can make for a vibrant image and I love the painterly look. Of course this can be a lot of fun during fall colors!

There are two ways to approach your photography. You can pick a location, scout it, and make plans to go back and photograph during the ideal conditions that you have envisioned or you can just grab your camera and go out for a walk and see what tickles your fancy. For me, while I do plan some of my shoots, I often just pick a place and go out with my camera and just react to the nature that is surrounding me. A couple reasons this woks for me is that for one the experience of being out in nature is half the enjoyment (if not more!), so I usually find myself exploring for several hours. Reason number two is my family. I can't always plan to go out and photograph somewhere (unless it's local), especially on a whim because the conditions are ideal. I am often needed at home or busy with the kids. As the kids get older I may be able to do more of the "planned" type of shooting, but for now I do really enjoy those photo walks I take, and how frequently I can do those. Do you prefer one method over the other, or maybe you do a mix of both as well?

I came across this fall tree reflection lit up by morning sun while out exploring and new I had to capture it. I had to climb up onto the roof of my car to get a good angle.