Abstract photography

Abstract photography is all about breaking basic rules of artistic and traditional approach in photography. These basic rules can be rules of composition, color balance, size, shape, form or any other picture element, which can be broken. In the name of arts, we are free to do anything, provided it works!

In abstract photography, nothing is in discipline. Subjects can be placed at any spot, and we are not following the rule of one-thirds of composition. Colors can be vivid on vivid, bright and impressive. Image can have a very shallow depth of field, so that only part of an image is readable, or, it may have lots of recorded motion blur, yet, the main subject is identifiable.

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As abstract photography, these images can be shot in a high key or a low key lighting. We can go for color contrast or color harmony. Images have to be energetic. There can be an action in the photograph recorded as a motion blur. Splash of liquid, breaking of a glass, blowing wind... or the moment just after a forceful action... there are number of examples, which can be categorized as an abstract photography.

Tranquil colors hardly work in abstract photography, except in negative space. Main subject should be of vivid and bright color. We may use more than three prime colors, which otherwise is going to create riot of colors. Yes, we are breaking rules.

This approach of abstract photography can be used in different types of subject, especially when it has to be used as an opening image of that particular series of the subject. For example, if we are shooting photographs for an engineering product catalog, then the cover page can be, in an abstract form, of molten metal, flowing out of a crucible and lot of sparks around it. If it is for clothing catalog, then we can show ripples of a piece of cloth, in close up and the abstract form of the subject is on the cover page.

We can use any focal length lens to create an abstract image. Wide angle, tele or a normal, all lenses will work equally well, provided we can create a pictorial appeal. We can also experiment with extreme close ups and micro photography.
It is difficult to create a balance in this type of visual tumult in abstract photography. Yet, with careful planning, we can achieve a good theme of a visual story. There has to be an order in disordered atmosphere, to get a result which has a pictorial appeal. This type of photograph has a limited use in commercial and advertisement photography, and most of them are used in art galleries and calendars. The basic idea of abstract photography is to deliver an unexpected visual.

Read more about various subjects of photography

Aerial photography: Some useful consideration in aerial photography.

Amateur photography: Photography at amateur level is done as hobby. Yet, the result can be at par with a professional shoot, read more about it.

Architectural photography: Get some interior and exterior architectural photography tips.

Baby photography: Photography tips of a small baby.

Bird photography: Some hints on how to shoot birds in natural environment. This could be in a jungle or a town.

Candid photography: This genre of photography is easy, right? Well, read about it.

Child photography: Considerations when doing photography of a child in indoors or outdoors.

Digital photography tips: Some useful digital photography tips.

Erotic photography: How to shoot an artistic erotic photograph which is not vulgar? Read about it.

Family portrait: Family portrait as a snap shot has no value. Proper approach can give a pictorial appeal. Get some tips on it.

Fashion photography: Interested in fashion photography? Get some very useful tips.

Fine art photography: Fine art photography has different value as compared to commercial or professional photography. Read more about it.

Fireworks photography: Fire work photography, which can be a part of night photography session. Read more about it.

Flash photography: Use of flash in photography.

Flower photography: Here are some tips on flower photography in nature and in studio.

Food photography: How to shoot dishes and food.

Food photography tips: Some more tips on camera angle in food photography.

Glamour photography: This is very lucrative genre of commercial photography. Read all about how to shoot a glamour photograph.

High angle photography: Photographs taken from higher camera position has its own importance and use. Read about it.

High key photography: Tips on high key photography lighting.

Industrial photography: This is one of the most difficult type of photography, where we have to take some care. Read about it.

Infrared photography: Infrared photography has its own use. It can be done with either IR film, or it can be done with digital camera. Read here for more information.

Landscape photography: One of the most interesting subject in photography.

Low angle photography: Photographs taken from lower camera position has its own impact. Read when to select this camera angle.

Low key photography: Lighting techniques in low key photography.

Macro photography: Close-up and macro photography tips.

Model photography: Photography of models for their portfolio.

Nature photography: This is all about photography of endless subjects, mother nature provides us. It can be part of wild life and landscape photography.

Night photography: Want to click after dark? Well, we can. Here are some useful tips on this topic.

Nude photography: How to shoot artistic nude photographs, which are not objectionable? Yes, there are some rules to follow for this genre of photography. This is one of the extremely popular subject of arts.

Outdoor photography: Here are some tips on how to do outdoor photography.

Outdoor portraits: Shooting portraits in outdoor? Must read tips on this subject.

Pet photography: Pet is another popular subject, which demands to take out our camera from cupboard. Get some tips on it.

Photography in direct sun light: Direct sun light is generally not preferred in photography as it gives washed out high light and dense sharp shadows. Yet, we can artistically use this light for a shoot. Read about it.

Photojournalism: Photojournalism is a challenging assignment. Read about its tips and techniques.

Portrait photography: One of the most shot subject is a portrait of a person. It can be in a studio or outdoors. Here are some tips on studio lighting of a portrait.

Product photography: All products need to be shot for number of reasons. It can be for record purpose or for product advertisement. Read about how to shoot different products.

Publishing-house photography: This genre of photography is a good source of steady income for many professional photographers. Read more about it.

Royalty free stock photography: Photographs shot for sale on royalty free basis can give you residual income for years. Here are some tips on how and what to shoot for this niche.

Sports photography: When it comes to sports, photography falls in between event photography and wild life photography. Read about the considerations.

Still-life photography: As a serious hobby, we all must have tried still life photography. Get some tips on it.

Stock photography: Stock photography is yet another opportunity to earn some money from our creativity. Read about it.

Street photography: As a part of candid photography, street photography has its own approach, which is slightly different from candid.

Surreal photography: This is highly imaginative approach, when we plan to shoot any subject in this manner. Read about some useful tips.

Wedding photography: Wedding and function photography is main source of income for lots of photographers. Here are some tips on this subject.

Wildlife photography: One of the most interesting subject of photography, if one has passion. Read about how to take wild life pictures.

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