Abstract Assignment
For this month’s assignment, we’ve picked out some of our favourite pictures centred around abstract photography. This style of photography is interesting because it focuses less on a defined subject and more on a visual style, tone or feeling. Our photos this month looked to capture this style, helping us learn and progress with something new.
Jason’s abstract picks
I found this style of photography a massive challenge personally, usually I want to try and include a strong subject and focus point. With abstract photography, it’s really difficult to try capture a sense of place, context and feeling without this subject. I read Roman Fox’s article on abstract photography and the main takeaway was that there really aren’t any strong guidelines or rules to follow. You can really take whatever grabs you. For this month, I have a small selection of photos that I think are a good start, but I want to keep exploring this style.
The photos I chose this month are from some recent trips I’ve taken. I played with moments of lots of blur, weird reflections and some more minimalist work that probably falls towards abstraction, with use of negative space and use of black and white.
My hero image was taken behind a group of street performers in Portugal. It’s full of blur, but I like that there’s still some context with the crowd and a sense of celebration happening. It’s abstract but still tells some story of the place and moment. Below are a few others I liked, including a small appearance from Brad on his recent trip to London
Brad’s picks
Definitely not a type of photography I gravitate towards, or experiment much in. To be honest, that is why I chose it, to try something different.
The photos I have chosen are absolutely not the most abstract photos out there, and maybe do not even categorise as abstract. Other than the reflection shots below, I tried to take shots that perhaps took a little longer to realise what you are looking at exactly. I do want to do more long exposure shots. The few times I tried when I was out and about did not really come out how I envisioned. I will keep trying from time to time and perhaps get an ND filter.
Despite not being most pleased with the abstractness of my photos, I did enjoy looking for these photo opportunities. And I think the most beneficial thing about this type of challenge was that you had your camera in your hand more often, and I got some other, non-abstract shots that I otherwise would not have had. These shots, as well as some others, can be found in my portfolio.
Shelby’s Abstract Picks
At first, my understanding of abstract photography was inspired by how I felt about the abstract style. Abstract art across all mediums has always made me feel a sense of unease, discomfort and overall confusion. Not unlike how I felt with this assignment. However, I loved learning what it has taught me.
In the spirit of abstract photography, I tried to take photos that weren’t obvious. In hindsight, all of the photos are the most obvious, but each one caught me by surprise. The image above was a pure accident shot while I was moving, yet the colours and movement in the image made me pause and decide to keep it. In the last image below (the very dark one), by playing around with settings, I managed to get this photo during the day with a drizzle.
I can’t say that abstract photography is something I will actively go out to shoot. I found that this style of photography came to me at random moments and when I least expected it. I found myself confused and unsure more often than confident about particular photos, but what I enjoyed from this assignment was learning that there’s a photo in everything and everywhere.
Thanks for going through our July assignment: Abstracts, August’s assignment is Portraits.
