We created Exploretography for all who enjoy exploring with their cameras. It's not simply for the world travelers who reach all corners of every country, or those who regularly embark on life-changing adventures. It was created for everyone who likes exploring with their camera in their own unique way. Sometimes we are not in a place to travel the world, so it's up to us to find new ways to explore. Abstract art is one way for all level of explorers to capture this world, no matter your age, your gear, or your financial situation.
As a photographer, especially in the commercial portrait industry, it's easy for us to get lost in the business side and lose the passion and excitement our cameras once brought us. One way I find my way back to that passion is by creating art for myself. Some may not understand it, some may look at it like it was camera error or, even worse, user error. I don't let myself dwell on that though because with abstract photography I feel the freedom to create what I want without constraints of what my client wants. Not only do I create the opportunity to experiment with my camera, the settings, and the light, but I also challenge my creative side to bring a sense of intrigue to viewers of my art. How often do you scroll though technically correct images on social media without stopping to actually take in the image? My goal with photographs, specifically created for the purpose of art, is to make you stop scrolling and make you think. You may stop and ask yourself "wtf were they thinking?", "what am I looking at?", "is this photoshopped?", or "how was this created?" Whatever you stop and ask yourself, it brings this photographer satisfaction knowing the image made you stop and take notice.
Defining abstract photography can be difficult. For the purpose of this post I will simply say an abstract photograph is an image that is not a realistic depiction of the subject. What are some ways to bring this mystery into your photos? Here are our top 5 tips:
1. Move your camera/lens. This could be an up/down movement, side to side, circular, or even by zooming your lens during your exposure. In my opinion this is best done on a tripod, but being abstract that is completely up to you. Both images above and below were done b moving the camera in a downward motion during the capture.
2. Have your subject move. Take a long exposure of a moving subject such as a train, water flowing from the sink, waves crashing, people dancing. When doing so, try to remove some of the context around the subject to really get the viewer wondering. This may be done by cropping in closer, which bring us to the next tip.
3. Close/expand the distance between your camera and the subject. As we mentioned above removing context surrounding the subject is a great way to bring mystery to the subject. In addition it opens your eyes to things we overlook on a daily basis and allows us to stop and appreciate the smaller things...at least to me. When shooting up close I am typically focusing on textures, form, patterns and light. As a drone enthusiast I am finding more and more enjoyment in expanding my camera's distance from the subject. It's a little more difficult to find the abstract in aerial shots because there is more context in these photos. Some things to look for when shooting abstract from a distance is texture, shadows and color.
4. Alternative Focusing. As a portrait photographer nailing focus is just as important as nailing exposure. With abstract art all the rules are thrown out the window. Put your camera into manual focus and choose what, if anything, you want to be in focus. Typically when I do this I'm shooting at a wide-open aperture for the most effective outcome.
5. Post Production. There are many possibilities in apps and software these days to turn a photograph into an abstract work of art. There are filters, blur tools, plug-ins, paint effects, apps..even just cropping and rotating you can drastically alter your image. Don't hesitate to play and find new ways of expressing yourself through your art.
These are just a few ways to get you inspired to create abstract. In addition to these tips, you can create abstract with different mediums such as oil, water, smoke, and paint. Seek out reflections in puddles, water-drops, mirrors and windows. The options are endless. What is most important is that you get out and do. Stop comparing yourself to other photographers, stop doubting your talent, stop making excuses, and replace that 30 min you were just about to use scrolling through Facebook to pick up your camera and make an image! The more you practice the more your talent and vision will grow!
If you are not already a member of our community of Exploretographers on Facebook please join us. We will be adding a new weekly theme list and monthly challenges for 2019! Now is a great time to dust off your camera and re-ignite your passion! To join our group click here.
Mary Heern, Exploretographer
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