Abstract Photography – 11 Tips For Better and Weirder Photos

Abstract photography is a creative form of photography that allows you to capture images of the world around you in a unique way. Instead of traditional photography that captures a scene as it appears in real life, abstract photography instead focuses on the shapes, colours, and patterns that make up the scene and sometimes includes substantial amounts of post-processing on the images. Here are some tips to help you create stunning abstract photographs…

One of the most crucial elements of abstract photography is the ability to find and capture patterns and textures in the world around you. Whether it’s the lines in a building, the texture of a leaf, or the pattern of a wave, these elements can create a sense of movement and interest in an abstract photograph. Try to find patterns and textures that are unique and visually interesting, and experiment with unusual ways to capture them.

To capture the details and textures of your subject, it’s important to get as close as possible. This can be done by using a wide aperture or a close-up lens. Close-up photography can create a sense of intimacy with the subject, and it can also help to isolate specific patterns and textures.

Changing the perspective of your photograph can create a completely different look and feel. Try shooting from above, below, or at an angle to see how it changes the look of your abstract photograph. Sometimes you can find a new perspective by simply changing your position or angle.

Colour is an important element in abstract photography, and it can be used to create a sense of movement and emotion in a photograph. Experiment with different colour palettes and try to find a way to use colour to enhance the patterns and textures in your photograph. For example, using a monochromatic colour palette can create a sense of simplicity and serenity, while using a vibrant colour palette can create a sense of psychedelia, energy, and movement.

Post-processing software is a powerful tool that can be used to manipulate the colours, contrast, and saturation of your photograph. You can use filters to add an interesting effect to your photograph, such as a vignette or a texture overlay. You can also use software to crop and manipulate the composition of your photograph to create an even more abstract image.

Symmetry is when the elements in a photograph are arranged in a balanced and orderly way, creating a sense of stability and harmony. On the other hand, asymmetry is when the elements in a photograph are arranged in an unbalanced way, creating a sense of tension. Either can be used to draw the viewer’s eye to specific parts of the image. Experimenting with both symmetry and asymmetry can help you create dynamic and interesting abstract photographs.

Negative space is the area around and between the subjects in a photograph. It can be used to create a sense of depth and to draw attention to the main subject. By using negative space effectively, you can create a sense of balance and lead the viewer’s eye through the photograph.

Motion blur can be used to create a sense of movement in an abstract photograph. By panning the camera while taking a photograph, or using a slow shutter speed, you can capture the movement of your subject and create an interesting abstract photograph. Experiment with different shutter speeds and panning techniques to create various levels of motion blur.

Abstract landscapes can be created by capturing the patterns and textures in nature. Look for interesting patterns in the sky, water, or foliage, and try to capture the beauty of nature in a unique and abstract way. By focusing on the patterns and textures in nature, you can create abstract landscapes that are both beautiful and interesting.

Depth of field refers to the range of sharpness in a photograph. Using a wide aperture will create a shallow depth of field, which means that only a small area of the photograph will be in focus, while using a small aperture will create a deep depth of field, which means that most of the photograph will be in focus. By playing with depth of field, you can create a sense of depth and dimension in an abstract photograph. You can use your F Stop control to adjust your aperture size and depth of field.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and ideas. Experimentation is the key to finding new and interesting ways to capture the world around you. The best way to create great abstract photographs is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t work out. Remember that abstract photography is a form of self-expression, and the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating something new and interesting.