Abstract photography - motifs beyond reality

Both in their design and in their representation, abstract images question the accepted “reality”. You treat a number of topics that inspire us, challenge our knowledge and explore new perspectives outside of our comfort zone.

Abstract art lack the typical reference points that give the viewer orientation; There are no clearly identifiable elements. One of the elements that make abstract photography both difficult and fascinating is this lack of contextualization.

Usually the topic is only indicated or gently expressed instead of being clearly and precise.

Satisfaction based on visual understanding

Abstract art is not presented and does not try to present or convey "concrete" or "real" Therefore, the photographer has to rely on other elements of composition and structure in order to give the image meaning and weight.

The toolbox abstract photographer

Abstract photographers generally value lines and curves , colors , textures as well as geometric shapes and their relationships and interactions. Therefore, the inner structure and the actual form of an abstract photo are of great importance.

Abstract photographers use methods and techniques such as perspective , movement and light in order to transform our perception of the world into unexpected and often difficult to recognize images.

Abstract photography is not figurative. It can explore the texture or details of everyday objects or stimulate them to think of something completely different ”,

Tina Tryforos explained in an interview with Adobe .

What is abstract photography?

There is no defined guide for the creation of abstract images, but there are some basic principles with which artists can experiment to direct their photographs into the field of abstraction.

As a rule, photographs represent the real world, while abstract pictures open a new perspective. The photographer Tryforo always encourages beginners to think less about their environment. It suggests discovering unknowns, reflecting on light and shadow differently and paying attention to shapes, patterns and repetitions.

From a formal perspective, abstract photography is a technique to express ideas and emotions with photographed elements without the intention of creating a classic or realistic picture. By avoiding the usual representations of an object, a scenery or a specific element, she reveals details that are often overlooked and stimulates the viewer's imagination. "

Joachim Rodriguez Y Romero (my understanding of abstract photography)

The exact definition of abstract photography or abstract works of art in general is not easy and will never be clear. Abstract photography is designed or presented outside the usual perception of reality.

A variety of topics can serve as inspiration for abstract photography . Such photographs can lead to thinking or moving out of our comfort zone and even encouraging ourselves to question what they saw.

While realistic or "traditional" photography is often a literal image of the world, abstract photography is the opposite. An art critic or viewer does not necessarily have to "understand" or try to "decrypt" .

Abstract photography should arouse emotions and stimulate thought. The importance of such works of art can be perceived differently by any viewer.

Various art movements, visual artists and photographers have experimented with different degrees of abstraction. Some abstract artists create works that are still relatively representative, while others are completely devoted to pure abstraction.

If you deal with abstract photography, you will quickly find that there are no usual common reference points. The viewer often realizes that he sees nothing that can be identified immediately.

Abstract works of art often lack a generally understandable context. It is therefore difficult to evaluate them using traditional art standards. This lack of context is one of the reasons why abstract photography is so fascinating, but it remains to be understood or valued for some spectators.

Why was the abstract photography launched?

Artistic photography combines the striking and unusual in mental, technical and photographic terms, whereby the picture is increasingly moving away from the mere representation of reality. Abstract photography was born in the 19th century when a technical attempt to capture the hidden facet of reality.

The artistic abstraction from the beginning of the 20th century primarily acted as a source of inspiration for abstract photography. Artistic photography developed mostly in response to the revolutionary ideas of Picasso , Kandinsky, Braque and Co.

The cubist, futuristic and surrealistic masterpieces, as well as the avant-garde photographers, have the desire to become part of this current, leaves the profound impressions. Kühne artists like Jaroslav Rössler, Man Ray , André Kertész and László Moholy-Nagy have dared to alienate light, perspective, organic fabrics and classic representations. The abstract paintings they created have deeply shaped the photographer history and suggested others to create abstract works of art

The plexiglass work, which represents the Greek myth of Leda and the swan, aims to create a frame through the figure that plays with perspective and light.

According to a famous quote from Moholy-Nagy, photographers should "not look for the 'picture' or the aesthetics of tradition, but find the ideal means of expression to create independent images."

Core elements, methods, stylistic devices and characteristics

We have already spoken the toolbox of abstract photographers. Let us go into a little further in this section and we expand the six building blocks from shapes, colors, textures, light, perspective, movement still with composition, simplification, harmony and mystery.

Even if this style of modern photography is not subject to a specific definitions and guidelines, a bstract photography can become deeper and more appealing through the integration of certain elements. Using this can help to create meaningful abstract photos that cause emotions from the viewer.

01 composition

Although some common rules of composition in photography do not always apply, a successful abstract photo is usually characterized by a clear, structured design. An intensive thinking about the arrangement, placement and the harmonious balance between shapes, patterns, textures and even colors shapes an abstract work of art.

These elements significantly influence the visual weight of the image, create and increase the interesting focus and influence the perception of the viewer. A well -designed photo uses these visual components to achieve a common goal and result.

Even if certain conviction of the composition is disregarded, it is still important to keep an eye on aesthetics

Many abstract photos have a structured design and include the use of geometric shapes and creative depth sharpness . It is therefore crucial to harmonize proportions, shapes and colors harmoniously.

Foundal compositions are essential for abstract photography in order to maintain the viewer's interests longer than in realistic representations. The elements should be revealed gradually and always raise questions from the viewer. Nothing is in abstract pictures as it seems at first glance.

The most valued - and most costly - works of art include peculiar, but visually appealing photographs of objects that apparently do not tell a clear story. Nevertheless, they motivate the viewer to speculate on a deeper level and to stay spellbound.

02 shapes

Form is the shape or structure of the object/object that make up the main part of the image - imagine this similarly to the composition and consider it the main course of a work of art. The shape defines the visual arrangement and the interplay of elements in the picture, be it through clear geometric shapes or organic, flowing lines.

It is a central aspect of image design that not only has aesthetic, but often also symbolic meaning. Through the targeted choice and arrangement of forms, artists can cause emotional reactions, add narrative levels and lead the viewer's eye within the work of art.

03 colors

Color attracts the viewer and keeps the attention longer. Exciting colors give the overall picture depth and tension, which intensifies the visual impression and reinforces the emotional response. In the context of art, lively color pallets not only offer aesthetic stimulus, but often also reveal deeper meanings and moods that shape the work and stimulate interpretation.

The skillful use of color can play a crucial role in creating a narrative depth that stimulates the viewer for lingering and thinking for a long time.

04 textures

The texture gives a picture depth and excites the viewer's interest by creating an atmosphere of confusion and intrigue. By inserting contrasting textures, you can loosen the work of art and encourage your audience to take a closer look and question what it sees.

Textures arouse the desire to stretch their hand and touch them, which creates a stronger emotional connection to the work.

05 simplicity / simplification

At first glance, abstract photographs may appear somewhat confusing and chaotic. However, as soon as you understand what effects the "abstraction" has, you will find that the process actually includes a significant subtraction or simplification in photography .

Displaying and superfluous elements that do not cause emotions and irritate the viewer are removed from the picture. Especially because what is shown in the picture is not immediately recognizable, this leads to a clearer abstract work that is more visually radiant and easier to interpret.

06 perspective

Like the composition, the perspective of how the motif is shown in an abstract picture. When choosing the right angle of view, you have to search for the best viewing angle that complements your motif and keeps distractions away from the picture.

Apart from the recording from an unusual angle, some abstract images are even mirrors or turned during post -processing to get different views and orientations.

07 light / exposure

The lighting is an important element in practically every photography style. Depending on how it is used, it can emphasize, dramatize or highlight the shape, the details or certain areas of a motif. The direction and strength of the light source also play a major role in steering the representation of the motif and determining the mood for the recording.

You will find that many of the most mysterious and fascinating abstract images have silhouettes, backlight and interesting shadow games.

08 movement / dynamics

Traditional photographs are created through short exposure times and record individual moments that are frozen. If you want to give your picture dynamic, you will achieve a certain abstraction, which is possible through longer exposure times .

If the camera closure is open for a long time, you can create long -term exposure recordings, for example to capture the motion blur of a car that drives across the street. By keeping the camera stable during the open closure, you can capture the vehicle movement and leave the rest static.

In the picture, the car then appears like a colored strip, while everything else remains clearly recognizable. Also consider researching the motion blur of continuously moving objects such as water or smoke in order to transform ordinary things into essential.

09  harmony

In an abstract picture, photographic elements are often minimalistic , but they make a decisive contribution to visual balance and proportions. Let's take a picture with intensive colors: Here it is essential to contrast strong tones through more subtle colors.

As a result, the colors do not compete for the visual attention of the viewer and ensure clarity instead of confusion. These colors coexist harmoniously by complement each other and support the focus of the image. This creates a coherent and coherent abstract photo that conveys deeper insights into the art of photography.

10 mystery

Abstract images trigger emotional reactions and ideas by containing an element of the mystery and the intrigue. In this way, abstract art gives the viewer a feeling of astonishing. This in turn motivates and encourages him to appreciate even the most complex but most inviting works of art.

The art of abstraction allows both artists and viewers to go beyond the obvious and to research personal interpretations.

Consider the works of Jackson Pollock or Wassily Kandinsky, whose explosive richness of colors and dynamic forms appear almost hypnotic. Here, the viewer is not captivated by recognizable objects, but by pure emotion and shape. This enables a deeper, more individual examination of art.

The lack of perspective and clear line in abstract paintings leads to the viewer suggested to project his own reality into the image. Historically, abstract art broke with conventions and opened new doors in the art world. Exhibitions of these works offer a fantastic way to deeper deal with this impressive art movement and develop personal interpretations.

If you face an abstract work of art, it is helpful to take your time and let the picture work. Leave the colors, shapes and textures on yourself and allow your thoughts to flow freely. This not only promotes a better understanding of art, but also enriches the personal perception and appreciation of the creative forms of expression of others.

In the following video by Adorama TV, professional photographer Doug McKinlay in a quick run through the various possibilities of abstract photography:

Different subjects of abstract photography

Abstract landscape photography

Landscape photography is a creative approach that focuses on capturing impressive and untouched natural landscapes in order to draw the viewer into the scenery. This art form can be characterized as partly abstract or half -state.

Abstract landscape photography has a connection to reality, but is often only vague as a landscape. The main goal is to present landscapes in an innovative way, with each artist pursuing his own individual style.

This form of presentation is fundamentally different from real perception or conventional travel photography.

(Semi-) abstract nature photography

Abstract nature photography presents another fascinating dimension of semi-abstract photography. This art form uses the real conditions and the beauty of nature, but interprets it in a unique way that focuses on special details.

Although this form of photography is determined, it can do reality, but can do this in a way that completely alienates the original motif and lifts off the concrete reality. Nevertheless, this does not mean that this type of photography is indistinct or blurred. Rather, it is often precise, lively, structured and clear, but without pursuing the goal of providing a conventional representation of nature.

Nature photography can be implemented in the form of extreme close -ups, unconventional perspectives or aerial photographs from great height and thus capture the natural world in a completely unconventional way. This special perspective gives abstract photography your fascinating attraction.

Abstract Expressionism in photography

Abstract Expressionism is one of the most important art movements of the 20th century. Within this broad art field, abstract expressionist photography is considered a special subcategory. This art style is largely distinguished by the art and half -abstract currents of past eras and is one of the first completely abstract art forms.

The movement of abstract expressionism, which came up in the 1940s and 1950s, was shaped by two main currents: the German and the American Expressionists. The American representatives included prominent artists and painters such as Jackson Pollock , Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning.

The abstract expressionist movement was characterized by dynamic brush strokes, paint splashes and spontaneous markings on the paintings. While the painters of this era became known to know, mirrors n the styles of abstract expressionism also oppose photography.

The abstract forms of expression were mostly non-Figurative. Inspired by the existentialism philosophy, they emphasized the creative process of art as more important than the final work of art.

In photography of abstract expressionism, the focus is on the abstract arrangement of forms. These non -contradictory forms are shown in a picture by positive and negative forms instead of presenting a recognizable motif.

The renowned photographers of abstract expressionism include Aaron Siskind, Cy Twombly, Richard Pousette dart and many more. As with numerous modern art movements, the painters of abstract expressionism were also inspired by innovative abstract photographers, while conversely, the abstract painters also influenced photographers.

Many artists of that time created both photographic and picturesque works.

Abstract street photography

Abstract street photography uses reflections, blurring, shadow, silhouettes and colors to convey the feeling of an event instead of just holding it out. In contrast to open street photography, which aims to capture a specific moment. Similar to geometric street photography, their aesthetics are generally more subtle.

So if you are a reserved photographer, this form of street photography could be just right for you.

A pioneer of abstract street photography was Saul Leiter (1923-2013). His compositions often showed a picturesque character. So it is not surprising that he started his career as an artist. He experimented with various techniques to give his pictures an abstract touch.

For example, he photographed through small openings, which led to negative rooms. He liked recordings in bad weather, which occasionally led to minimalist pictures. He also recorded reflections that created distortions. He used the depth of field unconventional and had strong colors emerged in blurred objects.

Some of his works produced almost a collage-like effect, especially the recordings of signs, since it often used a 150 mm lens that created this flattening effect.

Other famous representatives of this subject are the Brazilian Gustavo Minas , Sarah van Rij and Aleksandr Babarikin .

Creative abstract photography

The creative abstract photography represents a photography style that conveys ideas and emotions through visual productions . It goes beyond the mere mapping of scenes and uses techniques that can be found in painting, such as composition, emotions, subtraction, balance, subtlety, zoom, blurring, texture and especially lighting.

For example, a creative photographer can solve it from its original context by enlarging a surface structure. This remains unclear where the texture comes from or what exactly it represents it. The viewer is thus suggested to think about the meaningfulness of the picture and instead begin speculating and imagining how the surface could feel.

A fascinating aspect of abstract art lies openness to different interpretations. Since the abstract photography lacks a generally understandable point of reference, each viewer experiences a work of art in his own individual way.

This perspective creates space for unchecked associations. Due to its abstractness, which is by definition from the concrete reality, each viewer has the opportunity to derive a personal history and meaning from a work.

Famous abstract photographer

Various artists have created groundbreaking work in this genre that impress with innovative techniques and unique perspectives. Some of the most renowned and respected abstract photographers (in addition to those mentioned in the course of the article) are:

• Ola Kolehmainen - This Finnish photographer is known for its minimalist and geometric compositions, which often transcend architectural structures into a new, abstract dimension.
• Harry Callahan - Callahan was one of the pioneers of modern photography and often experimented with multiple exposures and abstract forms to create profound emotional reactions.
• Angie McMonigal - The American artist creates fascinating abstract images that innovate urban landscapes and architecture. Your photos offer a fresh and often surprising view of everyday structures.
• Jackie Ranken - This photographer, who lives in New Zealand, uses nature as its canvas and transforms ordinary landscapes into impressive abstract works of art through skillful composition and exposure techniques.
• Frances Seward - Seward's work is characterized by the use of intensive colors and organic shapes that often remember paintings. Her abstract photography is a fascinating fusion of nature and imagination.
• Matthieu Venot - The French photographer captures the essence of architectural details and isolates them in his pictures, which turns everyday criteria into impressive geometric works of art.
• Alexander Jacques - Jacques is known for his abstract photographs of urban structures, which are impressive due to unusual perspectives and graphic elements.
• Andrew S. Gray - This artist uses a combination of photography and digital manipulation to create breathtaking abstract works that are both surreal and visually impressive.

These artists and many more have created groundbreaking works with their unique approach and their innovative use of the camera that expand the boundaries of photography and inspire the viewer to see the world with new eyes.

Visit an exhibition or browse in the great variety of abstract photographs to enrich your own creative journey.

Is abstract photography something for you?

As we already know, photography is an art form that is strongly shaped by individual perception. The variety of views and reactions of people is fascinating. To immerse yourself in the world of photography and really understand what it is about, you have to experience it yourself!

A great advantage of abstract photography is that it is inexpensively created. It is not necessary to procure expensive objects or pay for travel - everything can be done comfortably from home.

To make it easier for you to get started, we have put together a collection of helpful tips and notes thanks to the information and support of iPhotography , Adorama , Jane Trotter from Abstract Reality, Tina Tryforos, Canon and Adobe , which should stimulate your creativity and lead you on the right track.

Tips for beginners

01 we start with the daily things

The creative reinterpretation of objects defines the abstract photography. If you start taking your trip to take pictures with everyday objects in your own house, you can further develop your skills. The gates for abstract thinking open and artistic inspiration can be found everywhere when you can look at the familiar from a new perspective.

Although practically everything can be a fascinating topic for your artistic photos, it seems surprising. Take every object or collection of objects - from the lonely room flora to the worn cutlery in your kitchen - and take pictures of it in innovative but impressive ways.

Go outside and hold the morning dew, wade through the November fog, search through near forests or explore the architectural forms of your surroundings.

Every detail can serve as a source and inspiration for abstract works of art.

02 Close-ups / Put motifs on the pelle

Prepare for macro and close-ups . An interesting approach to abstract photography is to enlarge a well -known motif. Artists like Aaron Siskind explore several standards to completely examine the subtleties of an object and to draw attention to them.

Many photographers use macro lenses to simplify the motif ”,

Trying Tryforo. By using a macro lens, you can explore these details intensively. Remember to record a macro photo of sand on the beach.

If you look at the fine structures of sand, sugar, salt or snow in isolation and concentrate on shadows, texture and lighting of the individual grains, an impressive abstract picture is created.

Flowers and jewelry are other popular motifs of macro photography. And if you include abstract elements, you can reveal a completely new side of these objects.

03  Use design elements to your advantage

The use of various photographic elements such as lines, shapes, textures, patterns and colors can encourage viewers to look at and interpret their photos in a variety of and profoundly. Lines and curves cleverly draw their eyes through the picture and may lead it to the main motif of the recording.

Architectural photography offers inspiring principles here that you can transfer to the buildings of your surroundings.

Patterns and textures have a fascinating effect and can surprise your viewers when they look at them from a close -up and recognize their origin. The targeted use of colors emphasizes special aspects or gives your picture an impressive visual effect.

Discover these elements in your area and use them to design appealing abstract pictures.

04 Explore the world of textures and the interplay of light and shadow

It can be very exciting to experiment with the texture and tonality of your pictures. In abstract photography, you have the opportunity to transform a picture of an old piece of furniture with a peeling color or the grille of a drain into something completely new that focuses on patterns, colors, light and textures. Different textures can cause different moods and emotions from the viewer.

Therefore, consider which atmosphere you can create solely by using colors and shapes.

Nature photography in particular offers a fantastic platform to play with different textures. Aerial photographs of the ocean, for example, can transform the colors and shapes of the waves into fascinating patterns. Even the geometric contours of an industrial building can look like artfully patterned substances from a certain perspective.

No matter which motive you want to hold on: If you take it out of your usual context and direct your focus on your textures and colors, you can create impressive abstract works of art.

05 Photography through objects

By using an improvised "lens filter" you can create extraordinary and abstract recordings. Colored filters and gels can help you avoid time -consuming post -processing of your photos in order to give you a fascinating color.

For example, take pictures on a rainy day through transparent glass, water or even a car window to create interesting distortions and light fragments and to design unusual, but aesthetically appealing images. Experiment courageously with different objects to find out what influence you can have on your recordings.

06 Adjust your exposure individually

If you change both direction and intensity of the light source in a clever manner, numerous effects can be achieved motive highlights are highlighted by targeted lighting, which also includes the image. If you put a strong light source aside, shadows that emphasize the texture are created.

Although it reduces the drama, even and diffuse lighting enables the viewer to take a closer look at several areas of the image instead of just one place.

Position the light source half behind the motif to also play with backlight and silhouettes. These methods offer various approaches to control light and shadow to give your photos complexity, secret and stimulus.

07 record movements

While abstract photographers look at the topic from a different perspective, many photographers have doubts about the blurring of the motif. Move your camera in a targeted manner at the moment when you capture a remarkable mix of different colors, lines and patterns.

Depending on the direction of movement, this can remind you of the brush storming techniques of painting. Move the camera from left to right, starting in a certain way. Try it with circular and fidgeting movements. Try these methods to see how your data records change and ultimately to determine the trends.

In order to correctly capture motion blur, make sure at least 1/10 second or more as an exposure time. If your photo appears overexposed, you can switch to the locking priority mode or reduce the ISO value and a smaller aperture.

08 Reduction - Remove disturbing elements

As a rule, it is advisable to save certain image aspects to order the recordings. It is advisable to try out several strategies and thoroughly think about which components apply to your picture.

In addition, it is important to always clearly explain the reasons for certain judgments. Eliminating a senseless thing could help her visitors concentrate more on the main object and examine it more closely. This gives your picture even more attention.

09 Create abstract landscapes

The combination of abstraction and landscape photography could initially appear paradoxical. Although abstraction tries to go beyond the concrete, realistic landscape photography captures the beauty of the area.

Nevertheless, nature can inspire you to combine these two techniques and create amazing abstract landscapes. Recognizable landscapes can be transformed into amazing abstract works targeted camera movements or scale coverings A remarkable example of this is the fast swivel of the camera along a forest that blurs the colors and makes the outline of the branches disappear.

These methods make it possible to look at ordinary locations from new perspectives and to transform into abstract works of art. These visual tests not only provide new perspectives on well -known motifs, but also expand the creative range of landscape photography.

Let nature motivate you to reach artistic heights and to discover the aesthetic strength of abstract forms.

10 Experiment with different absorption styles

In order to effectively implement this advice, you first need to know exactly how your camera works. You can change your results at will if you know exactly how different camera settings can affect your photos. With this know -how, creative experimenting can significantly expand your photographic results; You could play with the depth of field, the blurring of the pictures or strange perspectives . You can change the white balance , turn your pictures or try out completely different artistic directions.

The willingness to experiment is your greatest advantage. Try various techniques from the areas of product photography, outdoor recordings or even sports photography to achieve unique and abstract results.

This tip enables you to let your creative side run completely free. Take the opportunity to develop your creativity and explore new photographic paths.

11 ICM Technology (Intentional Camera Movements) / The Camera Blur Effect

A carefully planned swivel of the camera in combination with an exposure time of 1/15 second turns an ordinary street scene into a fascinating blurring ( Blur called effect or ICM technology ). Photographers usually tend to avoid blurring, but targeted movements during the exposure can lead to unique street abstractions and capture a special atmosphere of the respective location.

The Street Photography Veteran Olga Karlovac uses the blur effect extensively on its forays through streets, paths and alleys.

The decisive factor here is to choose a shutter speed that is slow enough to create blurring, but at the same time remains fast enough to capture the impression of people and shapes. A recommendation is to set the closure priority mode (TV) of your camera with a shutter speed of 1/15 second. Start with a sensitivity to light of ISO 100 and adjust it according to the lighting conditions until the exposure corresponds to your ideas.

Then press the trigger and carry out a precise, short movement with the camera. A vertical movement for scenes with people is particularly recommended because it preserves the contours of the people. Alternatively, you can also try out lateral movements or quick turns.

In closure priority mode (TV) there is also the possibility to put the ISO value on "automatically"-this is possible with most cameras-which allows you to concentrate fully on the shutter speed.

12 double exposure / double exposure

The traditional technique of double exposure (in English: Double Exposure) , appreciated since the 19th century, allows you to take a picture of another and achieve overwhelming results.

Modern cameras such as the Canon EOS 90D ( available from Amazon ) have special multiple exposure modes that enable you to create this effect during the recording. By activating the corresponding mode, selection of the exposure number and recording, you can view the effect in real time on the screen preview. This gives you the opportunity to adapt and achieve the most interesting combination.

When choosing motifs and scenes for your double exposure, it should be noted that bright areas can only stay the same or can become more intense, but never darker. This means that dark buildings and shapes can lead to powerful pictures against a bright background, such as the sky.

13 overlap several frames

Why should you just stop with a double exposure? Use the creative potential of multiple exposure mode is integrated in highly developed cameras such as the Canon EOS 90D or the full-frame system camera Canon EOS RP ( available from Amazon This enables you to make a variety of recordings and bring them together to form an atmospheric, overall artistic picture.

Imagine you set a goal: to create a remarkable architectural photo that not only shows a single building, but also captures the entire atmosphere and the character of a place. To achieve this, you could take five different pictures, for example. You should easily vary your perspective and the lens zoom.

These nuanced changes in the composition help to ensure that each image has its own perspective and mood.

However, the true magic unfolds during the recording: the images are stored harmoniously, which creates an impressive multiple exposure effect. This technology not only allows you to keep more of what your lens sees, but also to create a creative expression that exceeds the limits of conventional photography.

It is a way to tell stories visually and capture emotions - an invitation to the viewer to deeper into your picture.

14 reflections and Mirrors capture

Reflections also offer a variety of ways to create fascinating pictures. Although reflections can create lively and dynamic images, you should still pay attention to what you involve in the image frame. Make sure that the entire composition looks harmonious and not just chaotic.

If you work with reflections, there is the possibility to explore and experiment different surfaces. It is fascinating to observe how light falls on water or glass and opens up a new dimension in your photography.

The Mirrors of buildings in a puddle or the distortion of faces in a window can bring unexpected and creative elements into their recordings. Through skillful composition and the targeted use of reflections, you can achieve interesting visual effects that steer the viewer's eye and challenge his perception.

Remember that reflections are not only an image of reality, but also their own interpretation and artistic vision against mirrors n. Experiment with different perspectives, exposure settings and focus points to create unique and exciting images.

Reflections are like a game with light and shadow that the photographer skilfully masters - use this creative tool to further develop your photographic art.

15  Silhouettes and shadows

If we take pictures and shadows, especially people, especially from people, we can capture some really amazing, pure expressions - because we lack the details of what the motifs look like. Here you can also proceed creatively and abstract, for example by combining two shadows: What are the objects? Who knows? How do you look? The decision is your imagination.

A similarly creative approach can also be used in architectural photography. By concentrating on the basic forms of buildings and structures and capturing them as silhouettes or shady outlines, they create a fascinating representation of urban landscape.

The contrast of light and darkness can dramatically reinforce the visual effect of your pictures and at the same time create a certain mysterious atmosphere. Experiment with different perspectives and lighting ratios to use the effect of silhouettes and shadows in a targeted manner and thus create unmistakable photographic works. 

16  Pareidolia wanted

Pareidolia, as described by the Cambridge Dictionary, denotes a situation in which someone sees a pattern or picture of something that actually does not exist - such as a face in a cloud. Photography of such Pareidolia is an entertaining and at the same time fascinating challenge, which is about finding objects that look amazingly like other things.

It is probably the easiest to discover faces or animals in completely independent objects. This type of photographic game not only brings creative fun, but also sharpens the view for the often overlooked details of our surroundings.

Try it yourself and you will be surprised at which hidden patterns and figures suddenly reveal themselves.

17 Post production-irritate the possibilities of post-processing

In order to create great abstract pictures, not only working with the camera is required, but also crucial post -processing. Regardless of whether you use a DSLR or digital camera in combination with Adobe Photoshop or conventional film and work in the darkroom, there are several ways to create abstract picture

Adjust the saturation of your pictures, experiment with the RGB curves or increase the contrast. Try to transform an ordinary picture exclusively with the post -processing tools into an abstract work of art. With Dodge and Burn, for example, drama can be reinforced.

In addition to the option of developing your creativity and creating your own unique abstract works, post -processing offers the opportunity for individual design. There are no limits to the processing of abstract photographs.

Abstract photographers are expressly encouraged by professionals to develop their works digitally - be it by compiling, cutting, transferring, distorting or Mirrors from images.