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13 Abstract Landscape Photography Tips for Mesmerizing Images

03 Jun

The post 13 Abstract Landscape Photography Tips for Mesmerizing Images appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Rick Ohnsman.

Abstract landscape photography is all about expanding your vision as a landscape photographer. Anyone can go to a pretty place, aim their camera, and click the shutter. To be great, you need to be able to see differently, to look deeper, see what others might miss, and come up with your own interpretation.

Anytime I write about abstract photography, I like to include the quote from the famous photographer Minor White:

“One should not only photograph things for what they are but for what else they are.”

– Minor White

Abstract Landscape Photography - Look for the details — The shot at left is a pleasant landscape image. Zooming tighter, it becomes more abstract. Getting in really tight, it starts to become an abstract landscape photograph. See things for “what else they are.”

Often as landscape photographers, we want to make an image of a scene, perhaps a lake surrounded by trees with mountains in the background. But when doing abstract landscape photography, the idea is to go beyond the obvious, looking for components within the scene, details that catch your eye.

Maybe it’s the texture of the bark on a tree, the colors in water ripples on the lake, or the curving lines of the hazy mountains in the background.

It’s not unusual for people observing an abstract photo to ask, “What is it?” They are seeking to identify the subject of your shot. But you must get past that.

You are not trying to make a photograph of the scene or a “thing” here. Abstract landscape photography is more about the look, the feel, the emotion an image conveys and less about what the subject might be. So how do you do it? How do you get great results? Let’s look at thirteen tips, a baker’s dozen, to get you started:

1. Look for details

Look within your scene for things that catch your eye. Pay attention to details, colors, textures, and patterns.

Plan on taking a little more time to study your scene, dissecting it. Abstract landscape photography is not a one-and-done snapshot style of shooting. Slow down, relax, study, and contemplate before you put your eye to the camera. Have a zen moment and feel the scene.

Then make your shot and study the LCD preview. What might you do to improve it? Make another shot. Be purposeful and deliberate. You will find this deeper approach to photography can greatly improve your work.

2. Use the right lens

Often, landscape photography is done with a wide-angle lens to take in as much of the scene as possible.

But with abstract landscape photography, you’ll be picking out little pieces of the scene. Yes, you can crop into interesting sections of a larger image to create abstract images from the master shot. I do that when I see something later in editing.

But anytime you crop an image, you lose quality, reducing the pixel dimensions of the image. Better to crop in-camera by composing your shot while shooting. It’s also better to learn to see the abstract image from the beginning rather than later as an afterthought.

beach pattern — Watch and nature may present you with an interesting abstract photo op, like this pattern formed by the waves on the sand of an Oregon beach.

So what lens should you use for abstract landscape photos?

You might try a longer focal length lens to capture the rock pattern on a distant mountain, or perhaps a macro lens to study the colorful lichen on a rock within your scene. A zoom lens can help you hone in on a portion of your scene when you’re looking to create an abstract shot, but don’t forget the “sneaker zoom” – zoom with your feet by simply walking closer to your subject.

Abstract Landscape Photography - Get close — A mobile phone camera also works fine for making abstract landscape images; it allows you to get very close to your subjects while retaining great depth of field.

3. Look for the play of light

Good photographers are students of light, observing how light and shadow play across objects to reveal texture and create interesting looks. Sometimes, just the light and shadow on a subject can be the subject of a photo all on its own!

Abstract Landscape Photography - The play of light — Look for how the light plays across your subject. These fantastic natural abstract sculptures are carved in the basalt rock of the Black Magic Canyon in Idaho, a paradise for abstract landscape photography.

So take the time to look at your scene and see if there are sections you can isolate to create a photo that is uniquely yours.

abstract compositions of rock sculptures — Color or black and white? Either can be effective with abstract landscape photography. These are more detail shots from Black Magic Canyon.

4. Consider line, shape, form, tone, and texture

In previous articles, I’ve referred to these five characteristics as the “bones” of a good photograph. Here’s just a brief definition of each:

Line: The one-dimensional path between two points. It can be straight or curved. Lines lead the eye through an image.
Shape: A two-dimensional outline of an object in a photo. Photography creates a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional world and so all objects in a photograph are shapes. We must create the illusion of depth through other means.
Form: The simulated three dimensions in a photograph created by other factors. A cube photographed from just one side will have the shape of a square, but when photographed at an angle, then line, tone, and texture will create the illusion of three dimensions (i.e., form).
Tone: The range of brightness levels from white to black in a photograph.
Texture: The simulated look of the smoothness, roughness, reflectivity, depth, and feel of an object created by light playing over the object.

sand dune abstract — Line, shape, form, tone, and texture – the “bones” of a good abstract landscape photograph.

Understanding the “bones” of a good photo can help you make interesting photos in general and better abstract landscape photos in particular.

Abstract Landscape Photography - Texture — Can you “feel” the texture of the wood in these shots?

5. Photograph water

Abstract Landscape Photography - Watercolors — After making the image of the lake scene, I zoomed in to catch the beautiful “watercolors.”

The unique properties of water – its reflectivity, motion, transparency, translucence, and fluidity – make it a great subject for abstract landscape photographs. Water can even take on a texture of sorts, thanks to the dynamic motion of rushing water and the smooth-as-glass look of static water.

In fact, you could do nothing but water photographs and have more subject matter than you could photograph in a lifetime! I’ve written an article on doing abstract watercolor photography; take a look for more good ideas.

water is spectacular for abstract images — The sand, the surf, and the reflections of the colors in the sky can make for wonderful abstract landscape photographs.

abstract ice — When things turn cold, switch from abstract water images to snow and ice.

6. Focus on textures

We’ve already touched on using texture as a subject in abstract landscape photography. For instance, you can capture abstracts of rocks, wood, and patterns in the landscape – and just like the “watercolors” described above, the images that can be made from texture are infinite.

When capturing images with texture as the main subject, pay attention to the quality of light and its direction. Light coming from behind the photographer to hit the front of the subject tends to minimize texture, whereas cross light (i.e., light coming from the side) helps to maximize it.

Abstract Landscape Photography - At your feet — Sometimes, abstract landscape photographs will be right at your feet. Don’t forget to look down!

7. Try some shoot-throughs

I use the term “shoot-through” to describe photos with materials or objects between the camera and the subject.

These objects could be transparent or translucent materials, such as a rain-streaked window or ice. Shoot-throughs can also use out-of-focus objects in the foreground that frame or change the look of the subject beyond.

For instance, you can shoot through an out-of-focus clump of grass while focusing on a subject in the distance. However you do it, shooting through something can add an interesting abstract feel to your photos!

snowy abstracts — Natural or human-made, keep your eyes open for abstract image opportunities!

8. Use slower shutter speeds and intentional camera movement

A photograph captures a sliver of time, freezing a moment. Shoot with a fast shutter speed and that sliver is small, freezing the motion of objects.

But use a slower shutter speed, and moving objects start to blur and streak, as you capture a lengthier slice of time:

long shutter speeds — Slow down your shutter speed and water becomes a great subject for abstract landscape photography.

Slow shutter speeds combined with moving objects can create abstract images that are unlike anything the eye can see. Moving water can be blurred to create silky waterfalls, and with even longer shutter speeds, ocean waves can be rendered as a blurry fog.

Another fun technique: You can move the camera during a long exposure to blur the image. This is known as intentional camera movement, and it’s definitely a technique worth exploring.

9. Use focus stacking to improve sharpness

The optics of lenses limit what can be rendered sharply in a single image. We call the extent of the in-focus area in an image its depth of field. How to control the depth of field in a photograph with lens selection, focal length, proximity to the subject, and aperture is something that all photographers should learn.

Depth of field in an abstract landscape photograph can also vary depending on the photographer’s intent. Do you purposely want some things rendered out of focus in your image? Perhaps you want to creatively use bokeh artifacts. However, if you want everything tack-sharp from front to back in a photo, you may need to capture more than one shot in a process known as focus stacking.

Learning the techniques of focus-stacking can be useful in many genres of photography, abstract landscape photography included. Take a look at the abstract photo above of the trees in a tree farm where everything is sharp. Such depth of field in a single image would be practically impossible, but – thanks to focus stacking – it became relatively simple.

Focus stacking trees — It’s not about the forest or the trees, but more about the repeating patterns of the vertical trunks, the texture of the bark, and the shadows in the snow. Abstract landscape photos don’t have to be unidentifiable.

10. Find fresh perspectives

Good photographers seek to show things in a way we don’t usually see them, and abstract photography should take this a step further. Consider it a compliment when an observer of your abstract image says, “I don’t know what it is, but I like it!”

One way to approach abstract landscape photography is to get a new and unusual angle on your subject. Get high, get low, shoot from a bird’s-eye or maybe a worm’s-eye level. Look up, look down, mix it up.

Shooting from eye-level or tripod height is boring. Dare to be different, especially if you’re walking on the abstract side of photography.

Abstract Landscape Photography - Higher perspective — Shooting down off a pier gave the aerial perspective here, and the colors and textures of the ocean waves made for pleasant abstract landscape (or seascape?) photos.

A great way to get abstract landscape photos is from the air. Drones have brought us a whole new view of the world, one previously available only to those who could get up in an aircraft themselves.

Even if you don’t own a drone, you can still get aerial-like perspectives from mountaintops and high structures.

View from above, Palouse — An aerial shot can give you a great perspective for abstract landscape photos – except this isn’t a drone or an aircraft image. Steptoe Butte in Eastern Washington rises high above the Palouse farm country, giving great views of the surrounding area.

11. Make it monochrome

Though the roots of photography are black and white, all monochrome images are abstract in that they are not the way we see the world. So consider how you can use black and white to make abstract landscape images!

A dark black sky over an almost white landscape is an abstraction, yet completely possible with a few editing tweaks. You could easily invert the colors and tones for a negative image or shoot with an infrared-converted camera. There are no rules when you walk on the abstract path, so experiment.

A black and white composition can remove distractions, focus attention, and give an abstract quality to your image.

colorful abstract landscape shot — Color?

black and white abstract landscape shot — Or black and white? Both are nice abstract landscape images, each with its own strengths. These are from the Palouse country, a paradise for abstract landscape photography.

12. Avoid scale

In most photos, particularly landscape scenes, there will be visual clues as to the size of objects. We know the relationships of smaller plants to trees and to mountains. But here’s something fun to try in abstract landscape photography: take away visual clues that would tip off the viewer as to the size of things.

A tight shot of the texture on some rocks could be taken from six inches or six miles, and the viewer might not have any point of reference. Sometimes in standard landscape photography, we might purposely include a person to lend scale to the image; in abstract landscape photography, taking away reference to scale can be the key to a great shot.

abstract landscape photography — Without reference, it’s tough to judge the scale here, and that can make for an interesting abstract landscape photo. In reality, the tree growing out of the crack in this mountainside is easily 20 feet tall!

13. Use minimalism

Unlike still life, portraiture, and most studio photography, landscape photographers don’t usually get to choose what objects are in their shot. You can remove a tree digitally if you don’t like where it stands in your photo, but you certainly shouldn’t get a chainsaw and cut it down.

Instead, you must choose scenes that include what you want in the frame and leave out what you don’t.

minimalist beach composition — The beach is a great place for minimalistic photography. This is minimalist, but is it also abstract? The definition can vary and perhaps it doesn’t matter.

Minimalistic photography is a whole subject unto itself, and one I believe landscape photographers should investigate. How abstract and minimalist photography intersect and differ is a topic worth exploring, as well.

Landscape photographs can be minimalistic but not abstract. Abstract landscape photos can be abstract but perhaps not minimalistic. Do the distinctions matter? Perhaps not, but both are styles that you, as a landscape photographer, would do well to try as you seek to grow your skills.

Minimalistic? Absolutely. Abstract? Maybe. Surreal? For sure. These stark trees against the featureless snow and sky of a Yellowstone snowstorm make for a dramatic shot.

Abstract landscape photography: final words

Let’s come back full circle to the Minor White quote. Abstract landscape photography is not likely to be the first thing you do as a new landscape photographer. Most people see the forest, they might see the trees, but they’re much less likely to pay attention to – or photograph – the way the light reveals the texture of the bark.

To paraphrase White, you should learn to photograph things “for what else they are.” Practicing abstract landscape photography will take you to that place and teach you a whole different way of seeing.

That, for a photographer, is an invaluable lesson.

abstract rock compositions — You’ll find an endless source of abstract landscape photography subjects in rocks.

FAQs

What is abstract landscape photography?

Abstract landscape photography is where the subject of the photograph may not be readily identifiable and the focus is more on the line, shape, form, tone, texture, pattern, and/or colors in the image. It differs from what is called representational photography in that the image is less about a literal depiction of a scene and more about an artistic interpretation.

Why should landscape photographers explore abstract landscape photography?

Rather than simply see a scene for what it is, abstract landscape photography teaches the photographer to look deeper, to study the elements that make a good image, and to be creative. Doing so will expand one’s ability to see the beauty in all things and to create images that are unique.

Name some ways to get started with abstract landscape photography.

1. Look for details.
2. Experiment with focal lengths.
3. Study the light.
4. Pay attention to line, shape, form, tone, and texture.
5. Explore water, ice, and snow as photo subjects.
6. Look for and find ways to depict texture in a photo.
7. Shoot through other objects.
8. Try slow shutter effects and intentional camera movement (ICM).
9. Try focus stacking multiple images for extreme depth of field.
10. Explore various perspectives.
11. Consider monochrome, infrared, or alternative color.
12. Make images where scale is difficult to determine.
13. Consider minimalistic compositions.

What are some challenges in abstract landscape photography?

One of the biggest challenges is getting past the need to accurately portray reality. Often the first question someone may ask when seeing an abstract photograph is, “What is it?” That doesn’t matter. What does matter is how the photograph makes you feel and what it communicates. An abstract photograph is like an instrumental piece of music: it is a way to create emotion without the need for words.

The post 13 Abstract Landscape Photography Tips for Mesmerizing Images appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Rick Ohnsman.

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Abstract Street Photography: The Essential Guide

18 Mar

The post Abstract Street Photography: The Essential Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anthony Epes.

the essential guide to abstract street photography

Want to know how to capture beautiful abstract street photography?

You’ve come to the right place.

While I am not a traditional street or abstract photographer, I love shooting in cities – and I love how street and abstract photography allow for so much fun and exploration.

white figures on the ground abstract street photography

So in this article, I’m going to share some tips, tricks, and ideas to enhance your abstract street photos.

And hopefully, the next time you’re out, you can capture some awesome photos of your own!

abstract street photography textured wall

What is abstract street photography?

There is no one definition of abstract street photography, which is a relief. That way, you can make the genre your own.

For me, abstract photography means that you are removing the context of the subject so that what you’re looking at isn’t always clear. In abstract photography, you are re-forming the world to make your own subjects, making things that are not what they appear to be in real life.

And abstract photography is also most significantly about the emotion of the image – what mood, feeling, or atmosphere are you creating?

“Photography isn’t about seeing, it’s about feeling…If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”

– Don McCullin

Now, street photography often involves capturing candid moments of life out on the street. I like to keep the idea of street photography pretty broad, though – to include any imprint of humanity, any aspect of life, whether we see people or not!

window reflection abstract street photography

Ultimately, when we take the idea of abstract photography out onto the street, we can have a lot of fun capturing the spontaneous, often chaotic, ever-changing nature of humans and life.

We can let our imaginations run wild and recreate the world around us.

So let’s get started!

Abstract street photos take work

Before I dive into my tips and tricks for abstract street photography, there is one thing I want to clear up:

Abstract street photography takes real work.

People sometimes presume that, because abstract street photos look simple, capturing great shots is easy, and that you don’t have to work hard to get a good result.

I would counter that taking an interesting photo is challenging in every genre – and perhaps even more so in abstract street photography, because there are no confines, no rules, nothing to aim for. Everything in your images is a reflection of what you can see in the world.

Your imagination is essential

For me, abstract street photography is pure imagination, because you are creating something almost from nothing. It relies on your ability to see the world creatively, not realistically.

Most of us are caught up completely in the real world, the things we have to do, the places we have to go, our responsibilities and tasks. So it’s easier to take a nice portrait than to go out and shoot something where you almost need to detach yourself from the real world that you live in and enter a state of pure creative imagination.

Abstract street photography is about capturing a feeling

The most important skill you should develop is the ability to be present in the moment when you are out shooting.

We love to escape the moment with continuous thoughts about the past and the future, about what emails we need to write, what we need to say to our annoying neighbor, what happened yesterday at work, etc.

We can also get too involved with thinking about how we are shooting – are we in the right spot, should we go somewhere else, did we bring the right lens?

But while some analysis of what we are doing is essential, it can also stop us from experiencing and seeing what’s happening all around us.

When we are fully in the present moment, and not thinking or planning, we can really appreciate our experience, and we can connect more fully to what’s happening around us.

When we see a brooding sky that gives an ominous feeling, we can capture that. When we see something weird and a little gross on the floor that intrigues us, we are more likely to notice it.

And if we see a man walking to work looking a little downcast, we can capture it:

And by being totally in the present moment, we are more likely to bring the feelings of what it’s like to be there and see what we are seeing into our photos.

Abstract street photography is your interpretation of the world

Photography helps me become more of who I am. It helps me see more of the world and really encourages me to pay attention. When I shoot, I allow myself free reign to follow my curiosity.

Abstract street photography is one of the most fun and joyful photographic genres. For me, it’s about playing, about just walking around and looking at things while thinking:

That reminds me of what I think the texture of the moon is like.

Or:

Those dark shadows make me think of a spooky story I read as a child.

Or:

A part of that sculpture looks like an elegant painting.

I am particularly fascinated by things I find at my feet. I have endless photos of weird things I’ve seen: crushed, burned burger buns, smashed fruit, accidental paint drippings, and more. I am entranced by these oddities.

“I really feel sorry for people who think things like soap dishes or mirrors or Coke bottles are ugly, because they’re surrounded by things like that all day long, and it must make them miserable.”

– Robert Rauschenberg

lemons in the street abstract street photography

Find what entrances you out in the world. Find what makes you go, ooh, that’s super interesting!

The more curious you are, the more you’ll find. And the more it will become your photography, your interpretation of the world.

Composition in abstract street photography

How can you create beautiful abstract street compositions?

It’s useful to draw from all of the traditional compositional rules and techniques, such as negative space, leading lines, and the rule of thirds. But I’d like to mention a few other guidelines that are particularly useful when we are creating abstract street photos, starting with:

Reduction

I often like to say that composing a photo is more about removing and reducing what is in the frame. It’s extremely easy to overcomplicate your photos, to have complex backgrounds, to include elements that detract from your subject, to not notice things in the corner of the shot.

This is particularly true with street photography, because there is always so much going on in the city. Yet we often don’t actually notice all of the visual information because our brain spends a lot of time blocking most of it out. If we noticed everything, it would be very overwhelming for us. Our brain can only deal with so much, so it’s selective about the information allowed inside.

But when we are shooting, our camera notices everything! So we can end up with unwanted elements, or not really see the complexity of the background until afterward.

Ultimately, we have to be really aware and conscious of what we are placing in the frame.

When out with the camera, I encourage you to ask yourselves:

What can I remove from this photo? What is unnecessary? What distracts from the subject?

textured glass — Textured glass is an awesome abstract element to play with – combining subtle, pretty colors, the light streaming through, and interesting textures from the glass.

Breaking the world down into elements

One way to really help your brain deal with the visual complexity all around you – and to help your eyes compose beautiful, striking, and intentional photos – is to look at the world not as one mass of things, but as many elements.

When you break the world down into elements, you see a collection of shapes, lines, forms, etc. And you don’t see the world in 3D surround sound where everything is joined together.

Can you look around at your environment now and see each thing as one singular element? Try it! It’s an exercise that helps you become more intentional about what you are placing in your frame.

Celebrating the purity of light, form, and shape

I love abstract photography because you can focus on the singular elements of light, shape, and form.

Shapes can be fascinating as shapes, not as anything else:

When we focus our attention on something small that holds our interest, we can find fascinating worlds to photograph.

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”

– Henry Miller

What does the photo below make you think of?

How about this one?

Color

As you can see, I am not a black and white street photographer. I am an unashamed lover of color, and I love to celebrate all that color brings to our world.

My favorite photographer of all time, Ernst Haas, said:

“Color is joy. One does not think of joy. One is carried by it.” And I couldn’t agree more.

Abstract street photography is almost an excuse for me to just celebrate the power and joy of color. To let colors attract my attention and totally dominate the photo.

Texture

Being out on the streets is an invitation to explore so many fascinating textures.

Some of my favorite textures are the crumbling walls, torn posters, and disused locations of the forgotten parts of our cities.

Capturing textures gives such a feeling of realness to an image, as if the viewer can just reach in and feel the roughness of the wall, the coldness of the pipes, and the grain of the wood.

When we notice the world as a series of different textures, your photos gain plenty of depth. You’re giving people more of a sense of what it feels like to stand where you are standing, and what it feels like to look at what you are looking at.

Humor

Street photography is filled with humor. This is natural, given how much we humans love to do strange and funny things.

Humor is also a really fun thing to play with when you are doing abstract photos.

For instance, you can try disconnecting things from themselves:

Or you can just look for humorous objects:

white paper on the ground — Here, I see an alien looking up at me from the floor! This phenomenon is known as pareidolia, where you see a face or an image of something that isn’t really there.

Abstract street photography ideas

The best way to embed knowledge is to practice what you’re learning. Information is often retained only briefly if we don’t make the effort to implement it.

And here’s another reason to practice:

So you can take the ideas and knowledge you find interesting and make them your own. For me, it’s super important that I’m not confined in my photography, and that I’m not restrained by other people’s ideas of what’s right or wrong, good or bad.

painting on wall — Street art is one of my favorite things to shoot. I love to find new street art when I am out.

So use these ideas as starting points to leap off in your own direction. Maybe take two ideas and see what happens. Or just do an in-depth exploration of one!

Pareidolia

The Cambridge Dictionary describes pareidolia as “a situation in which someone sees a pattern or image of something that does not exist, for example a face in a cloud.”

Photographing pareidolia is a fun challenge; it’s about finding things that look like other things.

Easiest for me is to find faces or animals in completely unrelated subjects.

tree knots look like a face — Is this a crocodile? Is it a smiling alien?

Reflections

I love shooting reflections because they offer so many opportunities to create really cool images.

But while reflections create naturally busy images, still be conscious of what you are placing in the frame so the whole composition looks pleasing to you, not just chaotic.

Silhouettes and shadow

When we are shooting silhouettes and shadows, especially of people, we can capture some really amazing, pure expressions – because we don’t have the details of what the subjects look like.

I shot this one in Istanbul, and I love to wonder what was happening. Was it a morning greeting? An argument? A heated political discussion?

Here, I’ve gone more abstract and I’ve put two shadows together:

What are the objects? Who knows? What do they look like? That’s for your imagination to decide.

Abstract self-portraits

We always have a subject when we are shooting ourselves, right?

I didn’t use to enjoy taking self-portraits, but it’s something I do more now. Why?

Because I can experiment and not worry about what the subject thinks!

Take yourself to interesting places, then do self-portraits that play with reflections, color, and light. It will help you understand so much more about photographing people.

Plus, if you’re like me – the main photographer in your family group – at least you’ll finally have photos of yourself!

What’s at your feet?

Ever since I discovered Ernst Haas when I was young, I realized that anything could be my subject. All I had to do was be fascinated by it. That was the only requirement.

From that point on, I shot all kinds of road markings and things at my feet, as Ernst Haas did.

I find this exciting because it elevates everyday, mundane objects into something that can be beautiful (beauty in the mundane!).

We rarely pay close attention to things like the streets we are walking on, yet they offer so much possibility!

paint on road — We know what this is, but it becomes something a little different when we disconnect it from its environment. A letter “F” in thick yellow paint, with the rough texture of the gravel pushing through and some pretty light.

Perspective

We can use perspective in a really cool way with abstract street photography. We can find unique perspectives that present our subjects differently and make the subject look unexpectedly different.

I especially like to shoot upward and disconnect parts of buildings or things I see above me from their whole. The viewer then sees the shapes, the colors, and the textures without any knowledge of where or what it is.

roof in Morocco abstract street photography — This is a roof in Morocco. I was looking around a building, and then I looked up. Seeing dark shapes through the thin perspex roof was really interesting to me. Looking up is just as important as looking down at your feet!

Abstract street photography: conclusion

Hopefully, you now feel equipped to capture some beautiful abstract street photos!

So go out, explore, and have fun with your abstract photography.

Now over to you:

Do you have any abstract street photography you’d like to share? Do you have a favorite tip or trick from this article? Share your images and thoughts in the comments below!

The post Abstract Street Photography: The Essential Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anthony Epes.

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8 Ideas for Awesome Abstract Photography

02 Feb

The post 8 Ideas for Awesome Abstract Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anthony Epes.

In this article, I plan to share some inspiring abstract photography ideas.

Now, I would never describe myself as an abstract photographer, yet I seem to have shot countless abstract photographs. In fact, I try not to assign myself to any genre. To me, that feels like the opposite of what photography should be – which is a place to have fun, to be curious, to explore, and most importantly, to give your imagination free rein.

I start the article like this because I want to encourage you not to be intimidated by this genre. Don’t worry about getting it right. Abstract photography should be a place of complete freedom.

And this is why the most important quality for abstract photography is imagination.

What is abstract photography?

For me, abstraction is about removing what’s in the world around us from its familiar context. It involves playing with elements and subjects, moving them away from their usual settings and placing them into new situations – so that they become something else entirely.

I find that doing abstract photography brings us into that childlike realm of imagination and makes us often think, “What is that?” Or, “That reminds me of…” Then our minds go off into dreamlike worlds.

smashed vegetable abstract photography ideas

“Abstraction demands more from me than realism. Instead of reproducing something outside of me, now I go inward and use everything I’ve learned thus far in my life.” – Susan Avishai

Therefore, I like to approach this genre as a way for us to have fun with our photos, the world around us, and ourselves. I’ll share eight abstract photo ideas that I hope ignite your imagination, and get you excited about exploring abstract photography!

Let’s get started.

1. Use your imagination as much as possible

“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes…Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas.” – Arshile Gorky

Doing abstract photography feels like I am trying to detach myself from reality and delve into a space where everything around me is a new sight, a new sensation, or a new experience.

I look around and see elements, colors, shapes, lines, textures – each is almost separate from the other. I am looking for things that are connected, but in a different way to how my mind usually puts things together.

Then it’s my imagination that kicks in and starts creating all kinds of ideas about what things look like. To me, the photo above looks like something coming from the cosmos, the beginnings of a new world.

(In reality, it’s some slime floating around in water, which I played with in Lightroom.)

So use your imagination constantly. When doing abstract photography, don’t let “conventional” thinking get in the way!

2. Search for textures

Textures are a fascinating subject to explore. When you focus on textures, you capture a tactile quality in your photos. You make people want to lean in and touch something.

And you often give very ordinary things – water, brick, wires, or stone – an inviting feeling.

Today, we are often so disconnected from the ordinary (i.e., what we perceive as the boring world around us). We are so often lost in thought that we’re only jolted out of it when we see spectacular things – like beautiful views, intense sunsets, etc.

But all around us are terribly ordinary subjects that can be so very intriguing, if only we viewed them with our sense of wonder! So instead of capturing a snapshot of an intense sunset, try looking more closely at some “boring” subjects to see what textures you can find!

3. Shoot the ordinary

“The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and, ironically, the more real.” – Lucian Freud

I love to shoot random, day-to-day subjects that I find all around me. I challenge myself to make these subjects seem interesting.

For instance, I am always on the lookout for torn posters on a wall – especially when they are bathed in beautiful light – as well as weird things I find on the street at my feet.

In fact, starting with what you find at your feet is a great way to do abstract photography!

Here’s why:

Everything, when you pay attention to it, can reveal different qualities than what we first notice. And our challenge as photographers- as artists, no less – is to find the most interesting way to shoot whatever catches our attention.

Maybe you need to take a different perspective – lying on the floor, getting up high, or changing angles. Or maybe, by using the quality of the light, you can turn the subject from ordinary to fascinating.

Or perhaps you could even use color to give boring, unoriginal subjects interest and depth:

4. Include mystery in your abstract photos

“Abstraction generally involves implication, suggestion and mystery, rather than obvious description.” – Robert Genn

The appeal of abstract photos for me is very much about mystery. Creating something that doesn’t look as it should, displacing your subject, mixing up reflections, creating contrasts and jarring juxtapositions – it’s all a fun part of making the world less real and more mysterious.

You can combine shapes together to create something that makes no real sense, but still sparks ideas and thoughts in the mind of the viewer.

In the photo below, I captured this reflection of a man on what I like to think is a moon landscape inhabited by interesting-looking creatures.

At least, that’s what I see when I look at the photo. What do you see? It might be completely different!

5. Aim to capture the feeling of your subject

“Of all the arts, abstract painting is the most difficult. It demands that you know how to draw well, that you have a heightened sensitivity for composition and for colors, and that you be a true poet. This last is essential.” – Wassily Kandinsky

In my photo teaching, I talk a lot about having a heightened awareness and sensitivity to the world.

Because if you want to find incredible photos wherever you go, you must have the ability to see more of what’s around you than you can when you are lost in your thoughts.

Now, with that heightened sensitivity comes increased feelings and impressions of what you see.

And thinking about the feeling you have when you look at your subject is so important. If you aren’t feeling anything, you won’t be able to communicate anything in your photos.

But if you do feel something when you look at your subject…

…you can channel it into the photo for a beautiful result!

I like the sensations I get when I look at the texture photos above. It’s perhaps a sense of awe at the water and the beautiful colored stones. I can almost feel the water, and that feeling is translated through the photo.

In the photo below, perhaps I get a feeling of fun, thanks to some bright colors on what I remember to be a dull London day:

6. Find subjects that stop you in your tracks

I strongly urge you to cultivate a sense of wonder.

Why?

I think we often get so jaded by the world around us – that is, we are so busy with our lives and worries and things to do – that we stop finding things awe-inspiring. It takes more and more to make us stop in our tracks and say “Wow!”

But we photographers have a gift:

We are visual people.

We just have to make sure we’re always refreshing our vision and our sense of wonder at the world around us.

And we must go seek subjects that makes us feel awe.

I believe that we don’t always need new subjects and exotic locations. We can be impressed by things that are right on our doorstep. Therefore, going out with the intention of finding something that makes you go “Wow!” or “Cool” or “Interesting!” is a great thing to do.

Work on always trying refresh your eyes, so that you can be impressed by mundane subjects (this also refreshes the spirit!).

In the photo below, the faded street markings look like a sign in an unknown language. Maybe even a secret message.

I find that the easiest way to refresh your eyes is to go out with the goal of having fun in your photography. Try to find something that makes you laugh.

In this shot of gnarly wood below, I might have photographed a frog, or maybe an alien!

That, for me, is the essence of abstract photography:

Creating a new world, a new vision, and a new experience from this very familiar (yet still awe-inspiring!) world around us.

7. Use perspective for an unusual take on your subject

By changing perspective, you can create cool new images of otherwise dull subjects.

By shooting upward and not focusing on the entire scene, I captured this image:

lights on the ceiling with surrounding windows

So make sure you don’t always shoot using the same boring, eye-level perspective.

Instead, mix things up a bit! Experiment with changing your vantage point or your angle.

Make sense?

8. Break down the world into elements

In photography, you must learn how to see the world as a series of elements, and then learn to arrange these elements in pleasing and interesting ways.

Ultimately, you should be looking at the world as a series of elements, and not as a vast, interconnected whole.

This is relevant to all genres of photography. Gaining a sense of control over the elements you place in your scene, what elements you use to support your subject, and what elements you remove from the composition is a great way to improve your abstract photos.

This idea of breaking the world down into elements is particularly useful when doing abstract shooting, because you are looking at the world afresh and trying to use your imagination to create something that is super interesting – and also super unique!

Abstract photography ideas: Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve found some exciting abstract photography ideas to try – and you’re ready to get out and start shooting!

So grab your camera and take some photos.

And make sure to have lots of fun while you’re at it!

Now over to you:

Have these abstract photography ideas helped you see what’s possible in your photography? Do you shoot abstracts, or will you now? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 8 Ideas for Awesome Abstract Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anthony Epes.

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What Is Abstract Photography? (Plus Three Ideas for Getting Started)

19 Nov

The post What Is Abstract Photography? (Plus Three Ideas for Getting Started) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Charlie Moss.

What is abstract photography?

The exact definition can be tricky to pin down. It seems that everyone has an opinion, but those opinions can differ wildly depending on who you talk to. Of course, there will always be regional and cultural variants, but let me try and tell you where abstract photography came from.

That way, you can decide what abstract photography means to you.

What is abstract photography?

Abstract photography is no one particular style or technique. It has varied in style and approach for the last century or so.

However, all abstract photographers do have one thing in common: They are always looking to avoid symbolic representation.

What does that mean?

Well, it means that abstract photographers reject the idea that a photograph must always be of something recognizable. Instead, abstract photographers focus on color, shape, and texture.

what is abstract photography — Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM | 100mm | 1/320 sec | f/2.8 | ISO 100

It was in the 1930s that abstract photography really became recognized internationally. Early pioneers include Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, and Dora Maar. For some photographers, the process of making images was just as important as the result, which meant that new techniques and new ways of taking photographs were discovered during this period.

Much abstract photography today involves unusual framing and viewpoints in order to try and disassociate the object being photographed from the resultant images. Abstract photographers almost try and trick our eyes and minds into not being able to easily understand what they’re looking at. Such abstract images often use high contrast, sharp focus, and an emphasis on geometric structure.

Now that we’ve answered the question of what is abstract photography, it’s time to try and put the theory into practice.

Here are three techniques you can use to try and shoot your own abstract photos:

Make it out of focus

One of the first things we all learn in photography is how to get things in focus. In fact, our cameras will do this automatically for us if we want them to!

Accurate focus and good sharpness are two of the most desirable traits that most photographers look for in a photograph. So what happens when you subvert that traditional approach?

This bright red photograph (below) was created by using extension tubes to get right up close to a flower. I then ensured that the entire image was out of focus. The colors and patterns become the focus of the image instead of the flower itself:

flower abstract photography — Canon EOS 350D | Canon 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 | Extension tubes | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200

You can take this one step further by turning your image black and white to remove all of the color information. This abstracts the subject even more, moving the photograph further away from the original object and reality:

black and white abstract flower — Canon EOS 350D | Canon 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 | Extension tubes | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200

For a photographer who is trying to explore what is abstract photography, this approach of creating out of focus photos can be a great way to start. It forces you to think hard about the composition of your images as you play only with light, color, and shape.

Make it move

There are several ways to “make it move” when you’re doing abstract photography. You can move your subject, or you can move your camera.

Moving the camera can be as simple as panning the camera left to right during long exposures to capture the beautiful tones of a golden beach under blue skies. This will create smooth strips of horizontal color across the photograph.

An exciting way to shoot motion-based abstract photography is to attend sports events. The photograph below was shot at a classic car racing meet, the block colors of the barriers and curb creating stripes of colorful interest in the picture:

what is abstract photography? car in motion — Fujifilm X-T20 | Fuji 50-140mm f/2.8 | 140mm | 1/15 sec | f/22 | ISO 100

For creating abstract images with panning, first set a long exposure. You might need a very low ISO and a narrow aperture in order to get a shutter speed that’s long enough if it’s a sunny day.

Then move your whole body to follow the subject with your camera. It will take lots of practice!

what is abstract photography jar — Fujifilm X-T20 | Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 R | 35mm | 1/170 sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200| Layered images in Adobe Photoshop

Instead of moving your camera, you can also try moving your subject. The deceptively simple image of a glass bottle (above) is not quite as it seems. It was created from a dozen different shots, layered on top of each other using a Pep Ventosa technique. For each shot, the bottle was rotated slightly to catch the imperfections in the glass and the slight movement.

Make it repetitive

Repetition is a technique that can be used to great effect in abstract photography. It makes the viewer focus on the patterns and shapes rather than the subject.

abstract photography building repetition — Fujifilm X-T20 | Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 R | 35mm | 1/340 sec | f/8.0 | ISO 200

Try finding patterns in architecture and then isolating them, rather than photographing the whole building. This kind of approach of looking for details in larger scenes can help you really understand what abstract photography is all about.

If you want to shoot some architectural abstracts, modernist buildings are some of the best subjects. Their clean, smooth lines really lend themselves to abstract photography.

To remove your picture further from reality, you can experiment with color toning the image in Lightroom, or even turn it black and white.

Conclusion: What is abstract photography?

There are many different answers to the question, “What is abstract photography?” And there are many different ways to create abstract images.

What’s important is to try to move away from straight reproductions of scenes and objects that look just like reality.

Try introducing movement, repetition, or even making your images out of focus. Creating abstract photos is a great way to try breaking the rules and pushing the boundaries of what is usually seen as the correct way to do photography!

The post What Is Abstract Photography? (Plus Three Ideas for Getting Started) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Charlie Moss.

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DPReview TV: Create beautiful abstract photos with polarized crystals (DIY project)

24 Apr

Tiny crystals on a glass slide may look unimpressive to the naked eye, but with a macro lens and some polarizing filters they become magical. We show you how to make your own.

Know the answer to Don’s polarization trivia at the end of the episode? Tell us in the comments!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

Introduction
Making crystals
Now we wait…
Crystal depth
The fancy setup
Making art
The basic setup
See you next time
Wait… just one more thing!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Creative Abstract Photography with Food Coloring and Milk

10 Apr

The post Creative Abstract Photography with Food Coloring and Milk appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

Creative Abstract Photography with Food Coloring and Milk featured image

Like any art form, photography thrives on experimentation. Creative abstract photography with food coloring and milk is a simple process, but it produces vibrant and immediate results. Using ingredients sourced from the pantry and the fridge, this is a fun project with plenty of room for creativity.

A bit of history…

Ever since they were discovered, humans have been enamored by the creative possibilities of dyes. Dyed flax fibers found in the Republic of Georgia in a prehistoric cave have been dated to 36,000 years BP.

The earliest dyes were obtained from animal, mineral and vegetable sources. Rare resources that produce brilliant and permanent colors like Tyrian purple and crimson were highly sought-after in the ancient and medieval world. As technology progressed, so did artistic mediums, creating more accessible and safe dyes and pigments.

Creative Abstract Photography with Food Coloring and Milk — f/2.0 1/50 ISO 500

The practice of adding colorants to food itself is thought to have started in Ancient Egypt around 1500 BC. Candy makers would add wine and colored extracts to their wares to make them more visually appealing to customers.

Nowadays, a variety of safely consumable dyes are readily available in grocery stores, cooking shops, etc. The vibrancy and behavior of these colorants has fascinated many, with food dyes being adopted for artistic purposes too.

How to make abstract photography with food coloring and milk

You will need:

a camera with a macro lens or extension tubes etc
a tripod (optional)
1/4 of a cup or so of plant-based or dairy milk
food dye in a range of colors
dish soap (optional)
a white dish or bowl
a mixing utensil or two
paper towel or a sponge or cloth to clean up any spills

Setting up

The first step to creating abstract photography with food coloring and milk is to prepare your canvas – the milk!

Sit your dish or bowl on a level surface exposed to a decent amount of natural light (or you could use flash).

Pour your plant-based or dairy milk into the dish so that the dish is covered by a few millimeters of liquid. Make sure you have a sponge or cloth at the ready to wipe up any spills.

food coloring and milk photography — f/5.6 1/200 ISO100

Next, set your camera up. You want it primed and ready for action as you drop the food dye into the milk.

For this project you can use a tripod to keep the camera steady, freeing up a hand to adjust the dye. You can also hand-hold your camera, whichever feels more comfortable. You can angle the camera any way you like, just as long as it is focused on the milk-filled dish.

Now for the dye!

Once your camera is ready, add a few drops of dye into the milk. Start taking photographs, gradually introducing more dye as needed.

As the dye spreads, try adding different colors to create a more layered effect. You can also stir the dye with a mixing utensil, cultivating intriguing shapes and forms.

To create a sense of movement in your abstract creations, try blowing on the milk/dye through a straw, or fanning the concoction with a fan.

You can even add a little water, dish soap or vegetable oil to create separation within the dye and milk mixture.

Once you are finished with a batch of food dye and milk, you can start again with a fresh bowl! Just remember to add the dye gradually so as not to over-saturate the mixture too quickly.

Conclusion

Photography with food coloring and milk renders visually fascinating results. With a few simple ingredients, photo-worthy abstract images are created in a whirl of unrepeatable patterns and layers.

I’d love you to try creating abstract photography with food coloring and milk and share your results in the comments below!

The post Creative Abstract Photography with Food Coloring and Milk appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

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Video: How to capture abstract macro photographs using little more than paper and lights

07 Apr

Considering most of the world is well into a few weeks of self-isolation, you’ve probably photographed nearly everything you can in your household, leaving little left to document. Now, it’s time to get really creative and to help make the most of a rough situation is Ben from Adaptalux, who’s shared a 15-minute video showing how you can capture abstract macro photographs using little more than a few lights, a few sheets of paper and a little bit of creative thinking.

Throughout the 15-minute video, Ben walks through a number of different setups and other variations you can experiment with to capture the macro abstract photographs, but the basic tools you’ll need on hand include a camera, a close-up capable lens, a tripod (not necessary, but will very much simplify the process), at least one light source, several sheets of white paper, paper clips (or bobby pins) and a flat surface that’s either transparent or translucent.

While Adaptalux lights are unsurprisingly mentioned in the video, any lights should do and if you have a few gels sitting around, you can get extra creative by mixing up colors.

If you prefer a non-visual explainer, Adaptalux has also published an accompanying blog post on its website that details the process. You can find more tutorials on Adaptalux’s YouTube channel, where it offers up a complete playlist dedicated to ‘Macro Photography Tutorials.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Interview: How the brother duo at Abstract Aerial Art create masterpieces from above

21 Feb

Interview: How brothers at Abstract Aerial Art creates masterpieces from above

Photoshop wasn’t involved here. This image of a real-life puzzle piece was captured with a drone in the Netherlands.

JP and Mike Andrews, brothers from the United Kingdom, have gained international recognition for their compelling images taken from an aerial perspective. There’s a good chance you may have already encountered their work in some capacity; they’ve been featured in major publications including The Guardian and National Geographic.

The duo, who refer to themselves professionally as Abstract Aerial Art, had an epiphany back in 2016. While they didn’t have a concrete plan, one thing was clear: they were fed up with their day-to-day lives and needed to change their circumstances. Without a concrete plan in place, they embarked on a journey through the Australian outback, with the intention of taking a hiatus, and unexpectedly found their true calling.

All the images in this slideshow, and on their popular Instagram feed, are taken from real, un-staged locations around the world. Besides slight color and contrast enhancements, the images are not manipulated. ‘The point is not to work out what it is, but to show how weird and wonderful the world can look from above.’ What really sets their work apart is the composition, something the duo has mastered. That last component has transformed their images from mere photographs to works of art.

How do they do it? I’m lucky to call these two friends and they were gracious enough to answer my questions about their background, initial attraction to the drone world and how they monetize their work so they can continue to live the type of adventurous life that most photographers wish they had. All images in this article are published with permission from Abstract Aerial Art.

The Congregation

What is your background?

Mike had been working as a commercial photographer, predominately focused on the product side of things. The technical knowledge he built up over the years was certainly a contributing factor in our decision to buy a drone in the first place. JP was working as a music producer and sound designer and had absolutely no experience in photography.

In early 2016, heartbroken and fed up with day-to-day life in the UK, we made the joint decision to leave everything we knew back home, purchase a one-way ticket to Australia and, with no plan whatsoever, fly to the other side of the world. It was during this life-changing adventure around the Australian continent that we were inspired to get into aerial photography.

The Vault

What was your initial attraction to the drone world?

The idea first came about during the year we spent traveling around Australia, specifically the time we spent in the outback. With the intention of filming some of the incredible sights we had seen whilst we were out there, we decided to purchase a drone after an evening in the pub… we will let you draw your own conclusions from that! At the time, we knew nothing about drones. We had never even seen one, let alone flown one.

Heading back out into the Australian wilderness, we started to take some shots of the landscapes surrounding us. Looking back at the images we had captured, we realized we had a number of extremely unusual photographs that loosely reminded us of abstract artworks. As a result, Abstract Aerial Art was born.

The Zipper

What gear and accessories are you currently using?

We have two drones, a DJI Phantom 4 Pro and a DJI Mavic 2 Pro. The Phantom 4 Pro is the drone responsible for the majority of our work and in our opinion, the best drone currently available for a balance between quality and practicality. We initially brought the Mavic 2 Pro as a backup drone to the Phantom 4 Pro. However, we have found ourselves using it more and more in recent times, primarily for its practicality.

Each has their benefits but they are both capable of shooting extremely high-quality stills and videos. We also carry a Canon 5D MK4 and a GoPro Hero 7 for ground-based shots and behind-the-scenes video stuff.

Accessory-wise, we have very little other than the PolarPro Cinema Series filters for both drones. We consider them a must-have for anyone serious about shooting quality content from a drone (disclaimer: they are brand ambassadors).

Aqua Phone

Some of your shots are incredibly unique, whether they’re close up or display an entire landscape. How do you find these places?

We dedicate a huge amount of our time to meticulously researching the planet for things that interest us. Almost every single image we have ever taken has been found during these research sessions. Only on very few occasions have we stumbled across something by accident out in the field.

When we say research, what we are referring to is using satellite applications to search for things that we want to photograph. We then screenshot these finds and save the coordinates of the location with the intention of shooting it for real at some point in the future. The process can be frustrating, even mind-numbing at times, but, in our opinion, it is absolutely essential to finding interesting places to photograph.

Thanks to apps such as Google Earth, the whole world is visible from an aerial perspective. As a drone photographer, you can imagine how useful that is! Using this method to find unique places to photograph is something that we cannot recommend highly enough if you are interested in getting into aerial photography. We have written a blog post on our website that includes some photo examples of how we go about this research process if you’d like to find out some more information.

Riding Solo

From what I’ve noticed, you’re always traveling around the world for your art. How do you monetize your work so you can keep shooting in new locations?

Whilst we are always exploring new avenues for potential income from our work, we currently have two main sources of income. Both are online.

Print sales – We have an online shop on our website where prints of our images can be purchased on different materials at a variety of price points.
Image licensing – We sell licensed, digital content to brands and businesses for commercial usage. Our images have been purchased by customers for a wide range of purposes including advertising, printed media, and website design.

Burnout

Your work has a distinct style. When and why did you decide to focus on abstract art?

As we touched on earlier, the initial shots that we took in Australia loosely reminded us of abstract artworks and it was purely that which inspired us to explore how bizarre the world could look from an aerial perspective. To this day, we are blown away how surreal even the most mundane objects, structures, and landscapes can look from above.

All we have ever wanted to do since taking those first shots is focus on trying to shoot something different. As beautiful as the more well-known locations are, there is still a whole world out there still waiting to be discovered and the more we find, the more we realize we are yet to scratch the surface.

Skyline

What image or series are you the proudest of?

The image we are most proud of is entitled ‘Skyline.’ The planning behind the shot took over 6 months. It all started on a completely unrelated shoot during which we had seen the shadows cast by these enormous ships under the right conditions. On our return home, we immediately set about working out how, when, and where we could best perfect the shot we had in mind.

There were so many variables that all had to be exactly right for it to work. These included sun positioning, tidal depths, wind speeds, and extremely precise angles. After a huge amount of research, we set off from the UK and drove into Europe arriving at our destination just before sunrise. Waiting until the ship we had chosen was in the correct position and the morning sun had risen high enough to cast the defining shadows, we sent out the drone to start taking pictures. After all the previous months’ planning, the actual shot was done within 15 minutes.

Fire and Fury

What is the craziest situation you’ve been in while shooting?

Whilst driving through the Australian outback during one of the many wet season storms, we encountered a bolt of lightning strike the bushland surrounding us and set it alight. In an instant, we found ourselves at the centre of a raging wildfire. With very little consideration to the incredible danger we were in, we couldn’t resist the chance to jump out and capture Mother Nature at her ferocious best. Setting up the camera in what must be the quickest amount of time we ever have managed to achieve, we began photographing the scene.

Five terrifying minutes later, we had a shot of the wildfire and a lightning bolt in the same frame. We managed to get out of there just before our car was completely engulfed by flames. In hindsight, it was probably the most stupid thing we have ever done. That being said, it was a unique opportunity to capture something that few people will ever witness and despite the very obvious dangers, at the time, we thought it was well worth the risk.

Another Planet

I’m not going to use the clichéd phrase ‘bucket list,’ but I’m curious to know where you have not been yet or what you consider a dream shoot?

We would love to photograph volcanic activity, especially lava. It has always been something we have just wanted to see, let alone have the opportunity to photograph. We are currently in the process of working out what we could do creatively with it, and how and where we are going to do it. There are obviously many challenges involved but these challenges are one of the many reasons we enjoy what we do so much.

The Maze

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers, whether it’s aerial or ground-based?

The best piece of advice we can give any budding photographer is simply ‘love what you do.’ With the modern-day pressures of social media recognition, it’s very easy to forget those four simple words. We cannot express how grateful we are for the continued love and support we receive on social media and truthfully, it’s unlikely we’d even be in the position we are today without it.

That being said, from day one, we have never let that dictate what we wanted to shoot. That will never change. We photograph the things we do because we love it. Expressing yourself through any creative process is meant to be fun. Never let what you think others might find popular take your work in a direction that does not reflect you and your happiness.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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How Practicing Abstract Photography Can Influence Your Photography

05 Feb

The post How Practicing Abstract Photography Can Influence Your Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

Also known as experimental, non-objective or conceptual photography, abstract photography depicts imagery removed from the immediately identifiable subject matter. Gaining momentum at the hands of photographers like Alvin Langdon Coburn and Paul Strand, practicing abstract photography explores the bare bones of image-making.

Abstraction has performed a critical role in pushing the boundaries of the photographic medium. In this article, we’ll look at ways in which abstract photography can inspire your creative approach to all photographic genres.

Practicing abstract photography slow shutter speed

f/18.0, 1/25, ISO 400, Canon 5D Mk II with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens

Focusing on detail

One of the most predominant ways to create abstracted imagery is through isolation.

Isolation in abstraction involves zooming in on detail, creating a study of subject matter that may otherwise go unnoticed. Through isolation, context is replaced with an emphasis on intimate detail. By elevating detail, the unnoticed subject matter is given a new visual significance.

Abstraction places a great deal of importance on details. As a result, many abstract photographers develop a strong sense of detail in any situation.

Naturally, an eye trained for subtle details proves useful in other facets of photography too. It allows a photographer to pinpoint interesting elements of a scene with greater efficiency.

By practicing abstract photography, the photographer becomes attuned to the visual weight of unique subject matter. This translates to deeper, more engaging photography as a whole.

f/7.1, 1/400, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens

Experimentation

Abstraction expands on our understanding of the photographic medium through re-invention.

Of course, experimentation is not limited to abstraction. However, abstract photography emphasizes alternative approaches to subject matter. This stimulates creative thought which then flows through to other areas of photography.

Alternative processes, in-camera techniques, image manipulation…abstraction emphasizes the expression of fresh creative possibilities through constant experimentation.

Photographers like Andrew S. Gray, Wolfgang Tilmans and Barbara Kasten all push the boundaries of photographic art. Their work, and the work of countless other abstract photographers, is proof that practicing abstract photography expands the creative horizon of photography as a whole.

Practicing abstract photography experiment

f/1.8, 1 second, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens

Creating something unique

Abstract photography is highly subjective – every photographer approaches abstraction from a unique perspective.

This means that individual emotions, experiences, and ideas are embedded in abstract visual responses. The more you practice abstract photography, the easier it will be to identify abstract subject matter that fascinates you. It will open up more and more opportunities to hone your skills.

There is no right or wrong way to create your own abstract photography.

In fact, you may not even need a camera.

Because of this, practicing abstract photography provides a free space to forge a unique aesthetic that inevitably carries through to other facets of photography.

Practicing abstract photography blue unique

f/4.0, 1/40, ISO 500, Canon 5D Mk II with a Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM lens

Pressing the reset button

Adhering to the more formal qualities of photography can sometimes culminate in creative fatigue. Abstraction tends to relax the grip of the photographic convention, adhering instead to the instinctual responses of the photographer.

This means that practicing abstract photography can provide a much-needed reset button for photographers suffering from creative weariness.

Abstraction beckons the photographer to capture subject matter that resonates on a personal level. Satisfying lines, intriguing textures, ephemeral colors…Practicing abstract photography reconnects a photographer with the basics of photography and creativity.

f/2.2, 1/800, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens fitted with a 36mm Kenko extension tube

Honing in on composition

Although lacking in objective subject matter, abstraction still relies on the principals and elements of design to cultivate imagery. Elements like form, line, color, and texture are as relevant to abstract photography as they are any other genre. Likewise, precepts such as the rule of thirds or leading lines can also shape the way an abstract image is digested.

Practicing abstract photography coaxes out reflexive responses to image-making, revealing gaps in compositional knowledge and introducing new approaches to subject matter.

Compositional instincts honed within the bounds of abstraction spill over to other types of photography too, revealing practical insights into your own image-making process.

Practicing abstract photography composition pattern

f/4.0, 1/15, ISO 1250, Canon 5D Mk II with a Canon EF 25-105 f/4L IS USM II lens

Conclusion

Abstract photography is sometimes approached with confusion or trepidation. However, in practice, abstract photography is often a liberating and invigorating undertaking.

Though lacking in specific subject matter, abstract photography operates on creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. Without the freedom that abstract photography affords, photography would be a much more rigid and prescriptive undertaking.

Abstract photography encourages a focus on detail, experimentation, and skill. It can also be a welcome respite from creative fatigue. Availing itself to the unique inclinations of the individual photographer, practicing abstract photography builds on the foundations of the photographic process.

Share with us your abstract photography in the comments!

The post How Practicing Abstract Photography Can Influence Your Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

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5 Great Ways to Create Abstract Wave Photography

19 Sep

The post 5 Great Ways to Create Abstract Wave Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Erin Fitzgibbon.

In this article, you’ll learn how to use motion and long exposure photography to create abstract wave photography.

There’s something about water. It is mesmerizing. People flock to beaches and waterfalls to photograph water. We seem drawn to its fluid beauty.

5 Great Ways to Create Abstract Wave Photography

If you Google “waterfalls,” you’ll find millions of images. Beaches, sunsets and softly crashing waves also pepper Google searches. Given these two facts, why then do most of the images of water, waves, and waterfalls always look so similar? The same seems to be true of wave photography – all the photos seem to follow a particular recipe.

You find images either capture the violence and strength of water as the wave crashes or you see images of curling barrels of water, usually taken at sunset. Water has much versatility. Its fluidity makes it an intriguing subject matter.

Capturing the motion of water seems to be one of humanity’s favorite past times, but there’s more you can consider. How can playing with motion expand your efforts to capture waves and water? Perhaps by experimenting, you can find new angles and new ways to capture waves.

1. Using longer shutter speed to change the look and shape of waves

When photographing a waterfall there’s only one way that the water can flow, and that’s downward. Sure, the water may travel a little to the left or right over some rocks, but the reality is it’s headed in the direction gravity pulls it. So when we use a slow shutter speed, the look of the water is predictable. We know and love that white candy floss type of look.

When using a slow shutter speed with waves; however, the results are less predictable. The water may crash and spray against rocks and bubble. It may splash and break in endless patterns. Using a slow shutter speed to capture the breaking of a wave can yield some interesting effects and looks.

Let’s take a look at some of the following experiments.

Shot using 1/8s, f32, ISO 100.

In the above example, I used a longer shutter speed to capture these unusual looking wave shapes. The first wave was rolling back into the oncoming wave, and the collision created these upward sprays. With a longer shutter speed, you can capture the wave and some light trails. If you look closely, you’ll also notice that the longer shutter speed seems to create a ghost-like transparent look to parts of the splashing wave. You can see through some of the water.

Perhaps this look doesn’t appeal to you, but it does break the traditional view of a wave.

2. Study the way the waves break and look for patterns you can photograph

You can also play with motion and study the way the wave breaks. Despite their fluidity, waves do tend to break in the same places along a beach. Of course, they vary in intensity and size depending on the day, but you can watch a storm and know that waves will hit a rock and create a lot of splashing or spray. Watching the waves and then using these patterns along with a long shutter speed, can also create some different looking images. Let’s take a look at the following example.

1/8s, F32, ISO 100

While I used the exact same shutter speed in this image as the first image, the look of the image has changed. This is due to it being shot at a different location along the beach. In this spot, the waves were smaller, and they rolled in slowly with less turmoil. The light trails have stretched out more, and you can discern the rolling nature of the wave as it meets the beach. The sand below the surface is also visible. Also, the incoming waves behind are more abstracted in this photograph.

Some people have told me they look like they’ve been painted rather than photographed.

1/13s, F32, ISO 100

For this image, I used a slightly different shutter speed. I searched for patterns and used a longer focal length revealing a different look to the waves. In this image, the light trails are much more important to the composition of the photograph. Less defined by the white water, the shape of the wave is revealed by the smooth lines of the wave.

3. Move the camera horizontally as you capture the waves

Of course, waves are in motion, but we can change the look, feel, and our perceptions of waves by including the motion of the camera while capturing the movement of the wave. In the image below, I used intentional camera movement (ICM) – the waves were moving right to left, while I dragged the camera across the wave from left to right.

1/13s, F32, ISO 100

The light trails are still a part of the capture, but the wider angle and the motion of the camera turn the waves into something different. Here the shape is more abstracted and becomes a white oval against the water and the sand which now streaks of different shades of beige. The waves are no longer defined. Instead, the motion of the camera abstracts the water a little bit.

4. Move the camera in a bouncing motion

1/10s, F32, ISO 100

Pushing the experiment further, I moved the camera in a sort of bouncing motion. The look of the rocks on the beach becomes important in this photograph. Also, the light trails also take on a different shape. The effect of the motion on the water seems to have less of an effect too.

Once again, experiment to see what you can create and how you can take a typical subject matter and make it different. I rather like the bouncy, playful feel to the rocks on the beach.

5: Get very close

In the following images, I used a much faster shutter speed, and I moved closer and closer to the subject matter to take the images.

It was about capturing something as I moved to see what the camera grabbed. It’s a fairly impulsive way to use your camera. The autofocus is unpredictable in this scenario, but the results are surprising. It’s also fun to see what you can get. This is less about planning but more about enjoying the moment and options available to you as you move your camera.

1/800s, F2.4, ISO 400

In both of these photographs, I used a very shallow depth of field with a very low perspective. I chose to lie down on my belly and inch my way towards the waves while holding down the shutter speed. To me, the resulting images feel as if you are falling into the water. There’s very little to focus on, and the water seems to be all around. Some may find the view unsettling, but love it or hate it; this is another way of looking at and capturing waves.

In Conclusion

Playing with motion to create some new perspectives in wave photography can be a fun experiment. Some images will work very well, while others may be hard to look at. Either way, it’s about finding ways to get creative with your camera. It’s about studying a subject and showing the world how much variation there is in the world. Using motion to capture water is a fun experiment that’s easy to complete with almost any type of camera.

What’s my next experiment? Who knows? Maybe it’s using motion and underwater photography with waves. We’ll have to see.

If you’ve tried some interesting angles or techniques for photographing waves, share them with us. Let’s see what types of abstract wave photography you create!

The post 5 Great Ways to Create Abstract Wave Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Erin Fitzgibbon.

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