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Abstract Photography - The Essentials of Capturing Great Abstract Images

By: Ron Bigelow

Abstract photography can produce very dramatic images. It relies on our more primal sense of form, color, and curves than it does on detail. On the other hand, most photographers tend to think more about detail when considering photographic subjects. To recognize abstract photography opportunities, one must learn to look at our world differently.

Abstract Photography Definition

Abstract photography does not have a universally accepted definition. Actually, it is not easy to create a clear-cut definition of an abstract concept. Nevertheless, it is necessary to create a definition for this article. That way, some boundaries can be put around the subject. This makes it easier to determine what falls within the domain of the subject matter. Thus, for this article, abstract photography will be defined as photography that:

* Does not represent the subject in a literal way.

* Communicates primarily through form, color, and curves rather than image detail.

Why Abstract Photography

Of course, the first question that should be asked is why one should take abstract images. In other words, there are a lot of other photographic opportunities out there. Why would a photographer choose to create abstract images?

There are a couple of reasons. First, as was previously mentioned, abstract photography can create very impressive images. That, in itself, is all the justification that is needed. However, there is a second advantage. Opportunities for abstract images can be found just about anywhere. So, we can create abstract images at home and around our neighborhood. This saves the time and expense of travel (which is required for many other types of photography).

Essentials

Abstract photography has three essentials: form, color, and curves. It is paramount that an abstract photographer learns to think in these terms.

Form: Form refers to the shape of the objects in an image. Form functions as the structure upon which an abstract image is created. Fundamentally, form creates the heart of an image while color and curves add enrichment. Consequently, it is very important that an abstract image begin with good form. This is done by choosing objects that have pleasing, interesting, or dynamic shapes.

Now, it might be tempting to want a definition or list of what makes for good form. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t really help much. The reason is that abstract photography is an instinctual form of photography. That means that people tend to react to abstract photography on an emotional level. Consequently, it is necessary that form be treated in a similar manner. So, it is necessary to find forms that create an emotional reaction in people. When you look at an object and think, “Wow, that is impressive”, you have found a strong form.

Color: Color grabs the attention of the viewer and stimulates the viewer's perceptual system. Not only does color grab the viewer's attention, it also serves to hold the viewer's attention for an extended period of time. When the viewer’s attention does wander, color helps bring the viewer’s attention back.

Using saturated colors is one way to utilize color in abstract images. Another method of using color that can produce very dynamic images is to use contrasting color.

Curves: Adding interest to an image through the use of curves is the last essential. That is because curves control the movement of the viewer's eyes. Curves can do this in a couple of ways. The first way that curves can add interest to an image is to direct the viewer's attention to an image's center of interest. This strengthens the center of interest and creates a stronger image.

The second way that curves can add interest is somewhat more subtle. With this use of curves, the curves do not point at the center of interest. In fact, they do not point at anything in particular. Instead, the curves simply flow through the image in a graceful or dynamic way. How does this help the image? Even though the curves do not point toward any object, they still serve to control the viewer's eyes. Basically, the viewer’s attention roams back and forth along the curves. Consequently, the viewer's attention has been focused on the image.

In Summation

Form, color, and curves provide us with a great start to producing some impressive abstract photos.

Article Source: http://www.articlecontentprovider.com/articlesubmit

Abstract photography is a exciting field of photography. It is possible to create some very impressive images. However, abstract photography does have its own set of skills that needs to be learned to create great images.

Needless to say, there is a lot more to know about Creating Abstract Photography Images.

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