How can abstract photography help you see the world in a new light?

1 What is abstract photography?

Abstract photography is not a new concept. It has its roots in the early 20th century, when artists like Man Ray, Alfred Stieglitz, and Edward Weston experimented with different methods of manipulating light, lenses, and film to create unconventional images. Abstract photography is not defined by a strict set of rules or criteria. It is more about the expression of the photographer's vision and interpretation of reality. Abstract photography can be created with any camera, from a DSLR to a smartphone, and with various techniques, such as macro, zoom, motion blur, multiple exposure, or post-processing.

3 How to find abstract subjects?

Beginner photographers often ask how to find abstract subjects. The answer is simple: look around you. Abstract subjects can be found everywhere, from nature to urban environments, from objects to people. It's important to train your eye to see the potential in ordinary things and look for interesting details, shapes, colors, and textures. For example, flowers, leaves, plants, fruits, and vegetables; rocks, sand, water, ice, and snow; buildings, walls, windows, doors, and fences; signs, graffiti, posters, and billboards; cars, bikes, trains, and planes; books, magazines, newspapers, and cards; jewelry, clothes, accessories, and fabrics; toys, tools utensils and instruments; faces hands feet and hair.

4 How to create abstract photos?

Once you have found your abstract subject, you need to decide how to capture it in a creative way. There are various techniques, depending on your camera settings, equipment, and editing software, to create abstract photos. For example, a macro lens or close-up filter can magnify the subject and reveal its hidden details and textures. Alternatively, a zoom lens or digital zoom can isolate the subject and create a sense of depth and movement. You could also use a slow shutter speed or panning motion to blur the subject and create a dynamic and abstract effect. Additionally, multiple exposure modes or layering techniques can combine two or more images for a complex and surreal composition. Finally, photo editing software or apps can be used to crop, rotate, flip, distort, or apply filters and effects to your image for a unique abstract result.