Abstract Photography
Abstract photography is a very different style of photography, that can be challenging but … Whether you are a landscape, wildlife, portrait, or street photography, this is going to be a very different road for you to take. And one that you may find quite fun. True abstract photography shares a photo that typically can’t be “explained” while semi-abstract photography may be something the viewer can recognize. The tools for abstract photography is to be aware of light, color, texture, composition AND emotion.
“35 Abstract Photography Tips and Ideas” by Spencer Cox in PhotographyLife. This article is a great place to start exploring (and it is exploring) a new type of photography that can be semi-abstract (where the view might know what it is) and true abstract (there the viewer can only guess). The article shares many tips (e.g., “Look for shapes, not subjects!”) and approaches that will help you find a place to “go” (e.g., Macro photography, Close-up photography, long exposure, etc.)“
“Abstract Photography for Beginners: 9 Tips for Capturing Stunning Abstract Images” in Adorama.com. This is an interesting short article with some good suggestions and a video. They suggest that the key elements are: Simplicity (NO distractions), composition, angle of view, lighting, and mystery. As a guide for beginners to abstract photography, it suggests that you start with everyday objects and look for a very different view of those objects. A theme throughout the article and the video is SUBTRACTION and keep a narrow focus.
“How to Capture Compelling Photography” by Maria Bailey in Shutterstock. Not a great article but it does emphasize some of the suggestions in the prior articles: remove context, try macro, use an old-school filter.
“8 Ideas for Awesome Abstract Photography” by Anthony Apes in DPS. This is a very different abstract photography article that is built on art and imagination. It gives a number of unique photos and a different focus on finding subjects for abstract photography with an emphasis on emotion.
“Looking Closer: Changing Ordinary Subjects into Macro Photos with Joel Terrill” by B&H Photo Video. Abstract photography is much more than simply macro photography but this video may gave you some great ideas on how to use macro to create abstract photos. It is a long video but it may grab your attention and give you some ideas in the first 10 minutes.