This article presents four techniques (selective focus, light and shadows, curves, and texture) that can be used to create abstract images. These techniques work well with many different types of subject matter.
Focusing the Attention with Selective Focus
If you are looking for an easy but powerful abstract photography technique, selective focus is the technique for you. This technique narrows the focus to a small area. Anything outside of that area will not be in focus. To create a limited area of sharpness, a large aperture is required. The camera is then focused on the center of interest of the image. Everything else will be out of focus.
There are two things that can be done to make your images even more impressive when using this technique. First, the color of the background should be different than the center of interest. This will make the center of interest stand out. Second, curves can be used to help direct the viewer’s attention to the center of interest.
The Use of Light and Shadows
As photographers, we are often instructed to concentrate on the light. We may begin to think almost solely in terms of the light. This is an incorrect view for shadows are essentially the other side of light. Shadows are not simply a dark mass that borders the light. Rather, shadows are an entity as alive as the light. It is the shadows that shape the light, that draw attention to the light, and that integrate with the light to produce striking photographic opportunities. The interplay of light and shadows plays an especially important role in many abstract images.
The shadows’ primary role with this technique is to intermingle with the light in such a way as to emphasize the shapes of the forms. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that the more interesting the objects in an abstract image, the more likely that the image will be successful. The shadows can then be used to make the forms stand out from the rest of the image. One example of this technique would be to surround an object in an image with shadows so that the object really attracts the eye of a viewer of the image.
The Power of Curves
When creating abstract images, the proper use of curves can add significant impact to a photo. The more dominant the curves are in an abstract image, the larger the impact the curves will have. In some images, the curves become the most important part of the image.
The curves must be either graceful or dynamic. In addition, all of the curves must work in harmony. Curves that run through an image in a careless manner do not enhance the image.
One last point is that, when using curves in this manner, it is usually best not to have very strong, saturated, or contrasting colors in the image because this would detract from the curves and weaken the image.
Texture
A technique that is very similar to the use of curves is the use of texture. Indeed, it is not uncommon to find texture and curves used together in the same image. When used to create impact in an abstract image, the texture must be a very strong characteristic of the main subject in the image. Furthermore, the texture must work in harmony with any curves that are present.
In Conclusion
With these four techniques, you have a good start on creating some interesting abstract images. On the other hand, there are many more abstract photography techniques. The next step is to read Creating Abstract Photography.
Focusing the Attention with Selective FocusIf you are looking for an easy but powerful abstract photography technique, selective focus is the technique for you. This technique narrows the focus to a small area. Anything outside of that area will not be in focus. To create a limited area of sharpness, a large aperture is required. The camera is then focused on the center of interest of the image. Everything else will be out of focus.
There are two things that can be done to make your images even more impressive when using this technique. First, the color of the background should be different than the center of interest. This will make the center of interest stand out. Second, curves can be used to help direct the viewer’s attention to the center of interest.
The Use of Light and ShadowsAs photographers, we are often instructed to concentrate on the light. We may begin to think almost solely in terms of the light. This is an incorrect view for shadows are essentially the other side of light. Shadows are not simply a dark mass that borders the light. Rather, shadows are an entity as alive as the light. It is the shadows that shape the light, that draw attention to the light, and that integrate with the light to produce striking photographic opportunities. The interplay of light and shadows plays an especially important role in many abstract images.
The shadows’ primary role with this technique is to intermingle with the light in such a way as to emphasize the shapes of the forms. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that the more interesting the objects in an abstract image, the more likely that the image will be successful. The shadows can then be used to make the forms stand out from the rest of the image. One example of this technique would be to surround an object in an image with shadows so that the object really attracts the eye of a viewer of the image.
The Power of CurvesWhen creating abstract images, the proper use of curves can add significant impact to a photo. The more dominant the curves are in an abstract image, the larger the impact the curves will have. In some images, the curves become the most important part of the image.
The curves must be either graceful or dynamic. In addition, all of the curves must work in harmony. Curves that run through an image in a careless manner do not enhance the image.
One last point is that, when using curves in this manner, it is usually best not to have very strong, saturated, or contrasting colors in the image because this would detract from the curves and weaken the image.
Texture
A technique that is very similar to the use of curves is the use of texture. Indeed, it is not uncommon to find texture and curves used together in the same image. When used to create impact in an abstract image, the texture must be a very strong characteristic of the main subject in the image. Furthermore, the texture must work in harmony with any curves that are present.
In Conclusion
With these four techniques, you have a good start on creating some interesting abstract images. On the other hand, there are many more abstract photography techniques. The next step is to read Creating Abstract Photography.
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