Abstract Photography

Creating abstract images is a lot of fun particularly if you have a few photographic techniques available. Understanding that, this article will cover four techniques: selective focus, light and shadows, curves, and texture. Each one of these techniques can be used with many different types of subject matter. The key is to practice these techniques on all sorts of objects. The more you practice, the better you will become.

<b>Focusing the Attention with Selective Focus</b>

Selective focus is one of the most popular techniques used when creating abstract images. When used well, the selective focus technique is very powerful and can result in images that can really grab a viewer's attention. A narrow depth of field is achieved by the selection of a big aperture. Once the aperture has been selected, the point of interest is determined, and the lens is focused at that point. The rest of the objects in the image will fade into a soft blur.

When using selective focus, there are a couple of ways that the technique can be made more effective. When the color of the sharp portion of the image is different than the rest of the image, the sharp part will jump out much more. 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.

<b>Light and Shadows for Dramatic Effect</b>

The impact of an image can be considerably increased by the use of shadows interspersed with the light. Now, many photographers have a tendency to think only in terms of light. This is a mistake -- for light is nothing without shadows. Shadows function as much more than dim areas that encompass areas of light. Rather, shadows are an entity as alive as the light. The shadows intermingle with the light to produce dramatic photo opportunities. The interplay of light and shadows plays an especially important role in many abstract images.

When utilizing this technique, the main purpose of the shadows is to enhance the forms in an image. Consequently, it should come as no big surprise that the more intriguing the objects in an abstract image, the more likely that the image will be successful. The shadows can then be employed to make the forms stand out from the rest of the image.

<b>Curves</b>

Curves can be very successfully used in abstract images. The curves have the most impact when they stand out in an image. In some images, the curves end up being the most important part of the image.

The curves must be either graceful or dynamic. It is imperative that the curves flow together smoothly. Curves that run through an image in a clumsy manner do not enhance the image.

<b>The Use of Texture</b>

Texture can be used in a way very much like curves. Oftentimes, texture and curves are used at the same time. When used to create impact in an abstract image, the texture must be a very strong characteristic of the primary subject in the image.

When both texture and curves are employed in an image, they must work together in a well balanced manner.

<b>In Conclusion</b>

These abstract photography techniques provide a good foundation for capturing abstract images. On the other hand, there are many more abstract photography techniques.