{"id":1299,"date":"2015-02-07T10:48:11","date_gmt":"2015-02-06T21:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abstractedreality.com\/?p=1299"},"modified":"2023-01-25T12:22:16","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T23:22:16","slug":"definition-of-abstract-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abstractedreality.com\/definition-of-abstract-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Definition of Abstract Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abstract images are conceived or imagined outside of \u2018reality\u2019. They can encompass a huge variety of subject matter, take us out of our comfort zone, make us question what we see, or invite us to enter another realm.<\/p>\n

\"First<\/a>
First Contact – inspired by distant galaxies and nebulae<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not the Usual Frames of Reference<\/h3>\n

In abstract photography, often there aren\u2019t the usual frames of reference for the viewer; they\u2019re not looking at anything immediately recognisable or discernible. This lack of context in which to evaluate an image is one of the reasons why abstract photography can be so challenging and equally enthralling!<\/p>\n

The subject matter is often implied or suggested rather than overtly and literally presented.<\/p>\n

\"Golden<\/a>
Golden Spirals – an enigma!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Golden Spirals\u2019 is a good example of this, with the final photograph being completely removed and unrecognisable from the original subject matter. If curiosity gets the better of you and you\u2019d like to know how I created this image \u2018in camera<\/a>\u2019, check out my Exposed #2 Article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Gaining Visual Understanding and Satisfaction<\/h3>\n

As abstract photography is non-representational and the intent is not to reflect or convey anything \u2018concrete\u2019 or \u2018real\u2019, the photographer must rely on other facets of composition and structure to give meaning and substance to the work.<\/p>\n

Viewers must be able to gain visual satisfaction and understanding from the skilful construction and manipulation of shapes and patterns into a pleasing whole.<\/p>\n

Photographers will generally emphasise lines and curves, colours, textures, geometrical forms and their relationship to, and interaction with one another. Thus, the internal structure and intrinsic form of an abstract photograph are hugely important.<\/p>\n

Examining Form and Structure<\/h3>\n

In the following images, you\u2019ll see how I use these different elements to create my abstracts and provide the crucial, underlying compositional structure.<\/p>\n

\"Follow<\/a>
Follow the Yellow Brick Road – lining things up<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Follow the Yellow Brick Road\u2019 uses repeating lines and angular patterns to provide cohesion across the three Triptych panels.<\/p>\n

\"Colour<\/a>
Colour Cathedral – curving arches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the title suggests, the magnificent curving arches found in old cathedrals was the inspiration behind \u2018Colour Cathedral\u2019. If you\u2019d like a behind the scenes look at how I created this image \u2018in camera\u2019, please read my Exposed #1 Article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Colour<\/a>
Colour Contours – playing with colour and shape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In \u2018Colour Contours\u2019 the colours play an integral part in the composition, offsetting the uniformity and repetition of line with their semi-random flow across the image.<\/p>\n

\"Ingrained<\/a>
Ingrained – texture to the fore<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Swirling and rippling textures give \u2018Ingrained\u2019 a sense of organic movement and growth.<\/p>\n

\"Prismatic<\/a>
Prismatic – interconnections of shape and geometry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Featuring bold geometric patterns, \u2018Prismatic\u2019 uses clearly defined areas of shape and colour to provide a strong, structural framework.<\/p>\n

\"Cascade<\/a>
Cascade – incorporate movement in the shot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another common technique employed by abstract photographers is to include movement within the image. This can be achieved in a number of ways from using a panning action to a zoom burst. You can have the subject move or move your camera, or even both. Choosing a more indistinct and \u2018amorphous\u2019 interpretation can open up many additional creative possibilities.<\/p>\n

Mystifying rather than Explanatory<\/h3>\n

All photography works on an instinctive and subconscious level, but more-so with abstracts. When we look at these types of images we connect on an emotional level and don\u2019t necessarily have a rational or logical response. The images are suggestive rather than direct, mystifying rather than explanatory.<\/p>\n

\"Tulip<\/a>
Tulip – like looking at liquid gold<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A great deal is left up to the imagination of both the artist and the viewer, and this, ultimately, is where the power of abstract photography lies. We can express a truly unique vision.<\/p>\n

The Triptych Connection<\/h3>\n
\"Over<\/a>
Over the Shoulder – extra freedom in the triptych format<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As you will have seen, many of my abstracts are in fact Triptychs. I love working in this genre and enjoy the extra freedom and creativity the three panel format affords me. My Exposed #3 Article<\/a> reveals the subject matter behind \u2018Over the Shoulder\u2019.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to know more about how I approach creating my Triptychs and learn some of my tips and tricks, please visit \u2018The Art of Creating a Triptych<\/a>\u2019 and\u00a0\u2018How to Make a Triptych<\/a>\u2019, which will give you some ideas on composition and design.<\/p>\n

You can find more information on the subject of abstract photography in my articles, What Makes a Good Abstract Photograph<\/a> and the Top 10 Reasons for taking Abstract Photos<\/a>.
\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Abstract images are conceived or imagined outside of \u2018reality\u2019. They can encompass a huge variety of subject matter, take us out of our comfort zone, make us question what we see, or invite us to enter another realm. Not the Usual Frames of Reference In abstract photography, often there aren\u2019t the usual frames of reference […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2482,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nDefinition of Abstract Photography<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Abstract photographer Jane Trotter shares her definition of abstract photography, along with illustrative examples of her colourful work caught 'in camera'.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/abstractedreality.com\/definition-of-abstract-photography\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Definition of Abstract Photography\" 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