Abstract Photography – Unleash Your Creativity

abstract photography

While realistic photography depicts the ‘real’ world around us, abstract photography is the polar opposite and makes viewers question what they see. Abstract photography images are those that don’t have an immediate, obvious connection with the physical world. Instead, abstract photographers use perspective, movement, and light to transform the world we see into an unexpected, often unrecognizable image. An abstract is not representative of what we see. However, this genre explores the texture or detail of everyday objects.

abstract photography - intentional camera movement
Intentional Camera Movement of trees
light painting - abstract photography
Light Painting
Types of Abstract Photography
  • Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)
  • Light painting
  • Bokeh
  • Oil and water
  • Reflections
  • Macro
  • Double Exposure
  • High-speed water/paint drops
Up or Down? In the image above, the reflections have been flipped 180°
Key Elements

Abstract photography is one where there is a complete absence of rules. Certain elements, however, will give your abstract image more appeal.

  • Simplicity – aim for an uncluttered image, therefore, one without a lot of elements
  • Composition – while the rule of thirds doesn’t apply, the abstract image has a clear structural design. Accordingly, give thought to the image’s shapes, patterns, textures, and colours.
  • Perspective – shoot from unusual angles, flip or rotate the image to provide an exciting orientation.
  • Light – backlighting, shadows and silhouettes create mystery in your image.
  • Colour – vibrant colours that work well with each other
abstract photography - oil and water
Oil and Water
high speed paint drops - abstract photography
High-speed paint drops
Take or Make?

While you can take an image – you can also make abstract images in photoshop. One easy and fun technique is twirls using an image you already have. A good tutorial can be found HERE

Sunflowers converted to twirls
Tips for beginners
  1. Start with everyday household objects
  2. Try Intentional Camera Movement – trees or seascapes make great subjects
  3. Macro photography works great – e.g a closeup of a petal or leaf edge
  4. Experiment with different angles
  5. Look for structure in lines and curves
  6. Apply the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) – minimise the elements.
  7. Use photoshop or lightroom to add effects.
abstract photography at NGA
Endless Lines

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