Photo by Swaraj Tiwari | Unsplash License
Are you looking to take your photography hobby to the next level?
Do you want to get the most out of your surroundings and add an abstract flair to your photography?
Learning to capture artistic images is a fantastic way to make the most out of your surroundings. It is also one of the best ways that any aspiring photographer can start out in photography.
The fun of capturing abstract, artistic images is that it is a category in and of itself –and one with few limitations. While genres like wedding, product, or even landscape photography all have their own sets of rules and constraints; with artistic photography –it’s all about creativity and the freedom to capture anything that grabs your attention. No rules apply!
Photo by Alex Wong | Unsplash License
A fantastic example of thinking big and changing perspective
This highly subjective and experimental form of photography is a perfect way to augment your perspective and get those creative juices flowing!
We’re going to start off by giving you a quick run-through on the ins and outs of abstract photography, to help you gain a better understanding of the category as a whole.
Next, we’ll provide you with a few great tips for shooting eye-popping and intriguing artistic photos. I promise these are only suggestions, not rules!
Photo by Diggeo | Pixabay License
Key Elements of Artistic Photos
First up, a look at some elements of artistic photos. While it’s true that there are no hard and fast rules that must be applied when it comes to taking artistic photos, there are some elements you need to be mindful of when approaching this niche.
That being said, there are a few key elements you’ll want to keep in mind when composing your images.
Those elements are:
1. Mystery
2. Simplicity
3. Harmony
4. Angle of View
5. Lighting
Mystery
We’re drawn to images that convey a sense of wonder and intrigue. Providing a mysterious perspective to an ordinary object is a fabulous way to encourage viewers to appreciate your work, and trigger an emotional response.
Photo by Lee Seonghak | Pixabay License
Simplicity
As they say in design, ‘less is more.’ This too is the rule for photography. Avoid your image coming off as confusing and cluttered by omitting distracting and useless elements. An abstract image will not be recognizable; which will result in a clean image –which means more freedom in interpretation.
Photo by Jeon Sang-O | Pixabay License
Harmony
An effort to bring visual balance and proportion to your artistic photo is also important with abstract images. For example, if you have an image with striking colors, balance them out with other muted colors to balance the image. Try to compose an image that co-exists harmoniously with itself, ultimately creating a cohesive abstract photo.
Photo by Cristian Prisecariu | Pixabay License
Angle of View
The angle of view will determine how your subject is represented within your artistic image. Look for the best vantage point and try to lend a unique perspective to an otherwise common object. Another tip is to flip or rotate the object in post-processing for a completely new perspective.
Photo by Geralt | Pixabay License
Lighting
An essential component in every photography style. However, you can color outside the lines a bit more when it comes to artistic photography. Once you experiment a bit, you’ll find that many of the most mysterious and intriguing abstract images have silhouettes, backlighting, and interesting shadows.
Photo by Engin Akyurt | Pixabay License
5 Tips for Creating Artistic Photos
Yes, artistic images are cool. We all love them!
No, they really aren’t that difficult to capture.
But in order to create abstract images that really grab your attention and hold your interest, you’ll need to put some time and practice into the process. Try different things, see what works, and improve.
Creating breathtaking images also involves an understanding of what artistic and abstract photos are, what separates the good from the bland, and then letting your inhibitions go.
Photo by PublicDomainPictures | Pixabay License
Here are five ideas you can apply to your photography to help you come up with your own artful –and intriguing images.
1. Everyday Objects Are Where It’s At
Successful artistic photography lies in your ability to lend a new perspective to ordinary everyday objects.
Before you trek out into the wild, take a look around your house. What do you see every day that is just begging to be shot? Can you bring out the ‘wow’ factor in your ceiling tile? How about removing the mundane from your house plant? No doubt. Literally, anything can be a subject in your artistic photos. Look around your house and try to try to figure out how you can photograph it in an abstract and inventive way.
Yes. Images of your houseplants can be cool! Shoot everyday objects.
Photo by Michael Blakesley | Unsplash License
Yes. Images of your houseplants can be cool! Shoot everyday objects.
2. Good Design Is Your Best Friend
There are some key design elements that are worth keeping an eye out for.
Take, for example, line, shape, form, texture, pattern, and color. They all can add a unique dynamic that catches the eye. Try zooming in and zooming out. See how you can use colors to highlight a point of interest to your image. Also, take into account pattern and textures, notice how they exist on both the macro and micro level and what happens to them when you shift the focal point of your shot.
You’ll also want to pay attention to light. The right lighting can mean the difference between a spectacular image, and a flat, boring one. So look out for beautiful light rays streaming through the clouds, the way the light is hitting a leaf, or the play between light and shadows in a clearing at the edge of the forest –and try to capture that in your abstract photography.
Photo by Michael Blakesley | Unsplash License
Architectural photography of gray wall, take note of the lines, textures, and colors.
3. Go Big or Go Home
When in doubt, try moving closer. For close-ups of the macro variety, you’ll want to use macro mode on your camera –and consider getting ahold of an excellent macro lens. Zoom lenses also work great –allowing you to increase the level of detail in your compositions.
Photo by Pexels | Pixabay License
4. Try Shooting Through Objects
You’re experimenting with different angles, textures and indeed, your imagination is the limit.
So why not find exciting and obscure objects to shoot through? Have fun with it!
Shoot through trash shoot through glass, play with different light diffractions and distortions. Give colored filters and gels a shot. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different things and see how they will affect your images.
Photo by Emily Morter | Unsplash License
Auspicious and dramatic effects can be achieved with filters.
5. Move It or Lose It
Any other form of photography disses on the blur factor. It’s tripod or bust. But not in the artistic photo category! When creating artistic images, you’ll want to try experimenting with motion blur. You can end up with different colors, lines, and patterns similar to painting brushwork by merely moving your camera around. Try different movements, whether it is circular or zigzag, and see what type of patterns you end up with.
Pro Tip: Use a slower shutter speed of 1/10th of a second or slower to effectively capture motion blur. If you’re overexposing, remember to adjust your aperture (f-stop) as well.
When it comes to capturing amazing abstract images –the sky’s the limit, quite literally! Don’t be afraid to try new things, to take your photography up a notch and create images that are unique –and eye-catching; ones that elicit an emotional response.
Do you enjoy capturing abstract images?
Photo license links: Unsplash, Pixabay
