Photography has the power to capture more than just a scene—it can capture a feeling, a moment in time, or even the essence of a subject. In this photograph of Bowie, my beloved dog, I used the technique of intentional camera movement (ICM) to blur the lines between reality and dream. The result is an image that evokes a sense of peacefulness and stillness, while also suggesting motion and the passage of time.
Bowie is captured in a state of serene rest, his form gently blurred to create a feeling of soft motion. The ICM technique allowed me to move the camera during the exposure, transforming the stillness of the scene into something more fluid and abstract. The black-and-white palette adds to the timeless, ethereal quality of the photograph, drawing attention to the textures of Bowie’s fur and the soft interplay of light and shadow.
What I love about using ICM in this photograph is how it conveys a sense of Bowie’s presence that goes beyond just a portrait of him sleeping. There’s a dreamlike quality that invites the viewer to linger, to feel the quiet calm of the moment, and to imagine Bowie drifting peacefully between consciousness and dreams. It’s a visual reflection of the bond we share with our pets—those quiet, intimate moments that feel suspended in time.
If you enjoyed this image, I invite you to explore more of my work at kian.photography. There, you’ll find a collection of photos that capture moments of life, light, and movement—each one a unique story waiting to be told.
