Digital Photography: Abstract Photography

July 23, 2010

A number of great techniques for making abstract images are presented in this article: blur, zooming in, partial image, and Photoshop filters. The goal is to first learn the techniques. Then, they can be applied to various subject matter.

Blur

The blurring of objects is the initial technique that will be covered. Not all images work well with this technique. The images that do work best are the ones that have a dreamy feel. This means that one must be careful to choose the subject matter carefully for this technique. After all, if the wrong subject matter is chosen, the final results are going to be discouraging.

This technique can be done in a number of ways. Perhaps the simplest way is to use a soft focus lens. On the other hand, this is also the most expensive method. Another method is to use a soft focus filter which can be attached to just about any lens. If you would prefer to save some money, panty hose stretched over the front of a lens also works. For people who prefer, the blur can always be added with Photoshop during the editing of the images.

Zooming In

To utilize this technique, a zoom lens is needed. This technique employs a long shutter speed. While the shutter is open, the focal length of the lens is altered.

With this particular technique, there are a few important points. A tripod is definitely required for this technique. Otherwise, there will be blurring brought on by camera movement during the exposure. It is best to have a strong center of interest. For those images that lack a strong center of interest, the image frequently seems to be simply a collection of blurry lines. Keeping these points in mind can help to improve your abstract photos.

Trial and error is part of this technique. Many images will, most likely, be taken to create one beautiful image. This is just part of the procedure.

Photographing a Partial Object

With this particular technique, the entire object is not photographed. Rather, the photo consists of just a portion of an object. A bit of mystique is created when only a section of an object appears in an image.

Since form, color, and lines are especially important when the partial object technique is utilized, objects should be chosen based on these factors.

Utilizing Photoshop Filters

Image editing may also be used to produce abstract images. Photoshop has numerous filters that can be used for this. Simply use the Filter menu to gain access to the filters. The key here is to experiment with the different filters. Then, you can choose the filter that creates the best results.

Wrap Up

Each of these techniques can create wonderful abstract images. All you need to do now is get your camera and go create some photos.

Although these techniques give you a good start with abstract photography, there is considerably more that can be learned about the subject. Would you like to understand more? Simply click The Skills Of Abstract Photography.

Written by Joe Thomas · Filed Under Digital Photography

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Digital Photography: Abstract Photography

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