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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson chats with Stephanie Johnson, a self-taught photographic artist renowned for her mastery of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and multiple exposure techniques. Stephanie is the founder of the ICM Photography Magazine, a digital publication dedicated to showcasing creative work, and she also leads workshops across the UK and US. 

Stephanie’s journey into photography began 30 years ago with a film SLR in Okinawa, Japan, but it wasn’t until a transformative trip to Ireland in 2015 that she rediscovered her passion. Following a challenging period in her personal life, Stephanie turned to photography to reconnect with her creative self. It was during this time that she discovered ICM, a technique that aligned perfectly with her artistic vision and deep connection to the landscape. 

Throughout the conversation, Stephanie shares the joys and challenges of mastering ICM, a technique that relies on movement, intuition, and experimentation. She discusses how ICM allowed her to connect more deeply with both local and distant landscapes, turning even the most ordinary scenes into opportunities for creative exploration. 

Stephanie also reflects on the role of photography in personal growth, explaining how embracing imperfections and letting go of expectations helped her find freedom both behind the camera and in life. Her advice to photographers? “Don’t wait for perfect conditions, start moving the camera and see what happens.” 

Tune in to hear how Stephanie transformed her creative journey, built a thriving ICM community and continues to push the boundaries of her art. Whether you’re new to ICM or an experienced photographer, her insights will inspire you to see the world and your photography in a new way.

Takeaways

1. Embrace Imperfection for Growth
Stephanie highlights that creativity thrives when you let go of expectations. Experimenting with ICM teaches you to embrace imperfections as part of the artistic process and personal growth. 

2. Start Moving and See What Happens
With ICM, there’s no right or wrong way to begin. Stephanie encourages photographers to pick up their camera, start moving it and let the results guide their creative journey. 

3. Find Beauty in Every Scene
Whether photographing the grand landscapes of Ireland or the subtler scenery of Iowa, ICM allows you to connect deeply with the landscape and see beauty in unexpected places. 

4. Creativity Can Be Therapeutic
Stephanie shares how photography, especially ICM, played a vital role in her emotional healing. Engaging in creative practices can offer stability and joy during challenging times. 

5. Consistency Builds Style
Stephanie emphasises the importance of "doing the work." Regularly practising ICM not only hones your skills but also helps develop a distinctive style that reflects your vision. 

6. Experiment with Gear and Techniques
From using neutral density filters to experimenting with multiple exposures and Lensbaby lenses, Stephanie shows that pushing your creative boundaries can lead to exciting new discoveries.

Connect with Stephanie
Website
Instagram
Facebook
ICM Photography Magazine

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