Abstracted Reality

Jane Trotter’s Contemporary Abstract Photography

  • Home
  • Galleries
  • Shop
  • Interior Designers
  • About
  • Blog
  • All Articles
  • Personal Perspective
  • Thinking Abstract
  • Talking Triptychs
  • Exposed
  • In Harmony

Exposed #14: Fish out of Water & Three of a Kind

Spoiler Alert!  In my 'Exposed' series of articles I reveal some of the secrets behind how I created my images.  If you don't want to know how I made 'Fish out of Water’ & ‘Three of a Kind' stop reading now!
'Fish out of Water' - abstract art by Jane Trotter

‘Fish out of Water’

'Three of a Kind' - abstract art by Jane Trotter

‘Three of a Kind’

I love playing around with images. For me, one of the greatest challenges and pleasures is taking a single shot and creating a triptych which embodies an entirely new character and alternative perspective.

‘Fish out of Water’ and ‘Three of a Kind’ share a special relationship as they both incorporate the same original image, but turn out rather differently!

This is the source image for ‘Fish out of Water’ and the middle panel of ‘Three of a Kind’. I was drawn to its dynamic rainbow colours and beautiful expansive curves.

Fish out of Water

‘Fish out of Water’ was the first of the triptychs I began working on. Initially focusing on the collection of colours at the top of the frame, I decided to make a fairly tight crop (the image on the left above) and then mirrored it just to see how it would look. My mind immediately associated this shape with the tail of a fish. After that it was just a matter of finding the long ‘body’ section to go with it (right image above).

'Fish out of Water' - Abstract Art by Jane Trotter

You may have spotted that my ‘fish’ has put on a little weight and is somewhat ‘fatter’ than the original cropped body section would suggest. Indeed, he has been partaking from the bounteous sea – this is because I wanted to keep the same aspect ratio for all of the ‘A’ sized print dimensions.

Three of a Kind

I decided I’d done about the best I could with using just the single shot and constructing a triptych. Now I was looking to create a triptych incorporating three different and distinct images. By this time, I’d really come to appreciate the original source image for ‘Fish’, so was fairly determined to see if I could utilise it again somehow. Now the hunt was on to find two other pictures which would work with it.

I finally made my selection, but as they stood, I couldn’t seem to find a way of organising the shots into a triptych which was balanced. Everything felt very one-sided.

I then hit upon the idea of mirroring each image. This gave each panel more stability at the base and a more rounded, complete feel. I was much happier now with my colourful triumvirate.

'Three of a Kind' - abstract art by Jane Trotter
Musical Curves & Colours

Knowing me, there’s usually a hint of something musical lurking in the background of many of my shots. These two triptychs are no exception. A piano was incorporated in their construction!

The black lacquered finish of my piano is very shiny and great for reflections, so I hung my colourful scarf on the bookcase, knowing that this would be picked up well in the instrument.

Getting in close to the edge, I spotted the colours were wrapping themselves beautifully around the curved surface. Transforming myself into a bit of a contortionist, I then lay on the floor and looked up at the edge of the piano, all the while holding my erstwhile camera and undertaking feats of abdominal strength an aerobics instructor would be proud of!

I decided to use a macro lens and a very narrow depth of field when taking the shots so I could blur out as much of the background as possible, eliminating any suggestion of the scarf’s texture and highlighting the amorphous and indistinct blend of colour.

More Piano and Scarf Fun and Games

My piano and scarf feature prominently in the construction of another image – check out the Exposed blog post for ‘Colour Cathedral’.

And my ever-versatile scarf comes to the fore again in ‘Colour Contours’.

Jane Trotter - Creator of Abstracted RealityJane Trotter is an abstract photographer living in Dunedin, New Zealand. Reimagining everyday objects found around the home, Jane transforms them into colourful and dramatic pieces of contemporary art. Her Fine Art Prints are available in sizes A4 to A1.
Let's stay in touch - Sign up to Abstracted Reality's Newsletter

Keep up to date with all the latest articles, images and everything that's been happening in the world of Abstracted Reality.

Transform Your Everyday with Abstracted Reality

Receive exclusive subscriber discounts and all the latest news

Multiple Exposure

Exposed #19: Encoiled

There are two household chores I really dislike - cleaning the shower and doing the vacuuming. I … [Read More...]

Exposed #18: Cascade

I always like to challenge myself in my photography. Especially with triptychs, it can be extremely … [Read More...]

Exposed #17: Solar Flare

I always like to keep a selection of the images I take from a photo shoot. Firstly, I’ll choose the … [Read More...]

Exposed #16: Back in the Fold

With today’s abundance of technology and amazing gadgets, it’s easy to forget about the humble piece … [Read More...]

Exposed #15: Splay of Colour

I’m always on the lookout for colourful things which I think might be useful for my photography. But … [Read More...]

Exposed #14: Fish out of Water & Three of a Kind

I love playing around with images. For me, one of the greatest challenges and pleasures is taking a … [Read More...]

Exposed #13: Prismatic

It’s amazing what your subconscious can come up with. A shot can be years in the making if you go … [Read More...]

Exposed #12: Tulip

Sometimes you hold onto an image and you don’t know why. There’s a little voice in the back of your … [Read More...]

Exposed #11: Colour Contours

Often we take everyday scenes for granted and don’t give much thought to what secret, artistic … [Read More...]

Exposed #10: Blinded by the Light

I love the moment when something unexpected and special catches your eye and you feel compelled to … [Read More...]

All material on this website is protected by copyright.

No content may be reproduced without express written permission from the author.

Contact Me
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2014–2021 Jane Trotter · All Rights Reserved

Be the first to read a new article when it comes out!

Sign up to my newsletter and I'll let you know when I've penned another.
x