17 Jul 2026

Daylight Trails Through an Old Oak

Intentional camera movement abstract of a large tree, with diagonal streaks of golden daylight crossing the trunk and branches, creating a double-exposure effect, photographed at Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock, Texas.
Daylight Trails Through an Old Oak

While photographing macros at Round Rock’s Play for All Abilities Park, I stepped away from the small subjects to try some intentional camera movement (ICM) abstracts. I usually work these in straight vertical or horizontal sweeps, but this time I moved the camera at roughly a forty-five-degree angle instead. Two things pulled me toward that diagonal: the low wall running along the trail, and a large tree branch reaching across the middle of the frame. It also helped that the tree provided some shade and emphasized the light around it.

The angle changed everything. The diagonal motion turned the daylight into streaks that rake across the trunk and branches, and the layered blur gives the whole image the look of a double exposure — as if two versions of the same tree had been laid one on top of the other. It’s one of my favorite ICM results so far, and proof that breaking my usual pattern is worth doing more often. What do you think?

I made this with my Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS, at 1/3 second and f/22 — a lens I reach for constantly, and not only for macro work. It keeps proving how versatile it is.

That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Abstracts, ICM, Parks, Play for All Abilities Park, Round Rock, and Texas. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.

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10 Responses

  1. Joanne
    | Reply

    Very nice. I like the effect you achieved.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Joanne. I appreciate your feedback.

  2. Writing to Freedom
    | Reply

    Wonderful shot Egidio.

  3. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    Egidio, this is amazing.

  4. Anita
    | Reply

    Beautiful abstract, Egídio. And I really like your idea of breaking your usual pattern. It works so well here.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Anita. It is nice to try new/old things from time to time simply to vary our perceptions of what’s around us.

  5. margaret21
    | Reply

    That works. Lovely.

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