Abstract photography, also known as conceptual photography, is a way of imaging an object or scene in a way that does not have any immediate visual association to the actual subject. If you have ever seen an abstract painting and wondered what the actual subject was, then this type of photography is the same, but in a digital format.
Computer generated abstract imagery is not the same as abstract photography. Abstract imagery can be created relatively easily using software such as Adobe Photoshop. However, for a more exciting and adventurous way of creating photographic abstract art you should use your camera on a journey of discovery to capture abstracts. The creative genre of photography can be exciting to produce.
From forms and curves of the human body to the natural beauty of outdoor scenes during the day and night, there will always be a subject for you to capture in an abstract way.
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Good abstract photography will require visual interpretation
At first glance the subject of the colourful image here doesn’t immediately jump out at you. However, if you study the shapes of the colours and depth within the image you may eventually realise that the photo is an abstract photograph of colourful street and other light reflections on a wet asphalt road at night.
If your audience can recognise the abstract subject immediately you may have moved your photography into another genre such as macro or still life, so you may need to bring your composition back into a true abstract.
Black and white photography and conceptual photography usually blend well for producing some of the most interesting abstracts.
There is a particular audience for every genre of art and photography. This is especially true with abstracts. Due to the subjective nature of this genre of photography and abstract art in general, this is one of the fields where beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Abstract and conceptual photography is not for everyone, but for those that can appreciate this type of art it can be exciting to be able to see the motivation behind the imagery that’s been created by the artist photographer.
Abstract photography is an inexpensive business
This genre of photography is one of the most inexpensive genres of photography. Abstract art can be created using the simplest of phone cameras right up to the most advanced DSLR camera equipment. When creating abstract photography, you should also keep in mind the intended final audience of your art.
If all you’re interested in doing is creating concepts for placing on your social media channel, then low-resolution phone cameras and point and shoot cameras will suffice. If your intended audience is purchasers of printed and framed media at larger sizes, then larger more professional camera equipment will be required so your final abstract has enough resolution and detail to be able to be printed clearly at those sizes.
Elements to consider
As noted above an important element to consider when creating true abstract photography is to try and create imagery where it is not immediately clear what the subject is. You want your audience to pause when viewing your abstract and to use their imagination before comprehending the subject.
If your audience can recognise the abstract subject immediately you may have moved your photography too far into another genre such as macro or still life photography, so you may need to bring your composition back into a true abstract the next time you shoot. Simplistic form, texture and thought are key elements of successful abstract photography.
Abstract Photography Portfolio
To gain more exposure of your abstracts create a website and online portfolio on your social media accounts at TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
Abstracts can come in any form!
Some abstract photography is harder to achieve than others.
