Explore – that is the key to this topic in my opinion. It’s fun, believe me, it can be fun. I am not in my element in this type of photography, it is a challenge to me as well. Sometimes we need to explore and expand to create something new. I am looking forward to see the inspiration you can give me for my future abstract photos.
Abstract photography breaks the normal rules of realism. It turns everyday scenes, objects, or textures into visual poetry, inviting viewers to see beyond the surface. It plays with light and shadow, blurring reality and using vibrant colors. Abstract images evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and challenge our perception. It is a genre of photography that focuses on the shapes, colors, textures, and patterns of the subject, rather than its literal representation.
Start with finding a new vantage point and look for interesting shapes and lines in your surroundings.
Get in close to your subject and capture the details that are usually overlooked.
Shoot from above and create abstract patterns from the landscape or the cityscape. Use architecture as your subject and look for geometric shapes, curves, patterns, and contrasts. You can also use perspective, framing, or cropping to create abstract compositions.
Use water, glass, or metal surfaces to create abstract images. You can also distort or manipulate the reflections by using ripples, bubbles, or angles.
Wait for the light to create interesting shadow patterns and use them to enhance your composition. Try a creative technique (such as intentional camera movement) and experiment with different shutter speeds, apertures, and focal lengths to create motion blur, zoom blur, or tilt-shift effects. Use a source of light and paint with light in a dark environment. You can also move your camera while shooting a stable source of light to create light trails.
Create bokeh by using a wide aperture and focusing on a point close to your lens. You can also use a filter or a cut-out shape to create custom bokeh shapes.
Use smoke or dye in water to create elegant and dynamic forms. You can also add some lighting or color effects to enhance the mood.
Use high-speed water drops as your subject and capture the moment when they collide, splash, or bounce. You can also use different liquids, colors, or backgrounds to create variety.
I hope these ideas inspire you to create some amazing abstract photos.
Abstract Lens
In shimmering silver, warm sepia, and radiant gold, the lens captures enchanting tales. A silent storyteller behind the glass unveils secrets of the past and present. The dancing light illuminates people. Within the interplay of shadows and light, stories are intricately woven. Each click captures frozen whispers, rhythm, and rhyme, echoing the passage of time.
A moment’s pause, a breath of grace – within frames, life’s exquisite beauty finds its rightful place. Images speak volumes beyond words, offering unique narratives for the discerning eye. Preserver of memories, guardian of time, capturing eternal glimpses of fleeting days.
Last week Donna’s wonderful post invited us to go all rocky, and what beautiful places we got to visit. Next week Egídio is hosting, I am sure his theme and beautiful photography will once again give us wonderful inspiration.
Until then, keep smiling ☺
IMPORTANT
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
What a great variety of Abstracts, Ritva.
(I have a similar escalator shot indoors which made me smile at your version).
I particularly like the last image of intentional movement shot with the man and his hat. Reminds me of a painting I’ve seen somewhere in a gallery.
Oh how lovely to get a art like feel to photo, thanks. Glad you liked them.
Ritva, your post is a precious resource in how to do abstracts. You cover the topic well and provide eye-opening examples with such beautiful photos. I loved them all. I must make special mention to the ones you showed with smoke and water droplets. Those are mind-blowing to me. This is very inspiring to say the least.
My attempt with abstract is more commonplace, as you will see in the post. Here’s the link:
https://egidio.photography/beyond-the-literal-unveiling-the-abstract-in-your-day/
Thanks Egídio, the droplets required many shots to get them so I am glad you liked the, and the heart of the candle was finished when I ended my shots with the smoke, I had to relight it so many time :-)
As the saying goes, it’s not how many attempts we have. That one shot we get what we want is priceless.
🙂
This was such a great challenge allowing to us tap into our creative selves. It is a great one to experiment with and also look back and appreciate where we might find the abstract. I love the way you used light, and played with water. I enjoyed your reflections in both images and thoughts. And the mystery you convey in many of your images encourages discussion. It is impossible for me to choose a favorite today, as I love them all for different reasons. Such a great post, and theme, Ritva. Thank you.
Thanks Donna, abstract is so in the viewer’s eye. I appreciate your kindness in this comment
Wow Ritva! You created some stunning abstract images. Kudos on a creative challenge filled with some beautiful images. I need to experiment more!
Thanks, looking forward to seeing your take on this one.
I love the theme! Great pictures!
Thank you glade you enjoyed them
Such enchanting images to inspire us. It’s hard to pick a favorite as each one has elements to draw the eyes into. I’m especially drawn to your blurry images with people – so suggestive and mysterious. They’d make great book covers for romantic novels. Did you capture them by moving your camera? Or am I asking you to give away your secrets? 😉🤔😍 Thanks for hosting this week! https://www.quaintrevival.com/happy-earth-days-fungi-party-moments/
Thank you Shelley, I know I answered you already, but it is not showing here…Yes the blurry ones are from camera movement and long exposure. Often happens in low light involuntary too 🙂
Thank you for the clarification. I’m going to try that technique more. I like to use it at Christmas time with the lights. Involuntary blurring, that sounds fun too!
Many thanks for the inspiring post and challenge, Ritva.
https://tishfarrell.com/2024/04/21/in-a-state-of-abstraction/
You are more than welcome
great examples, Ritva. I love this theme, because it’s a bit out of the box. It stresses the creative mind! top!
What a great post, Ritva and a wonderful challenge that prompted me to experiment with abstract images. Your suggestions and images are wonderful. I admire what you have done here! Here’s a link to my post:
https://pilotfishblog.com/2024/04/21/lapc-296-abstract/
Thanks Patti, your choices are great.
What a variety – and each one different and so good!
Here are my abstracts: https://picturesimperfectblog.com/2024/04/21/abstracts-squared/
Thanks so much, glad you liked them.
This was a challenge! A real challenge so thank you so much, Ritva. Your post is amazing at showing us what we can do. Great guideness helped a lot, then you showed us stunning examples. Loved this and was daunted at the same time, what a combination 🙂
Here is mine:
Thanks Sofia,for your kind words. I am sure to pick up some great inspiration from your post.
What an inspired challenge. And I love the way you’ve talked us through it, and provided such lovely examples. Every one a favourite!
That is so nicely said, thanks Margaret. Looking forward to be inspired by you.
Coming up tomorrow!
😄
These examples are wonderful Ritva 😀 Almost inspires enough to do another abstract post 😁
Go for it, Thanks 🙂
Oh my Ritva, you are getting me to stretch a bit. I’m not artistic but I’ll give it a try. I can use your beautiful images for inspiration.
Thanks Anne, you will no doubt be able to surprise me with something awesome
😊
Great gallery, Ritva. I liked the second photo of the houses. Cool effect! I also liked your golden moment picture and the close up of water splashing.
Thanks, It was a real hard rain and slow shutter speed that captured that one. the close up of the rain took so many shots to capture. Glad you liked them
I like how, in some of your shots here there’s almost a vague, woozy feel to them. You still know what everything is, but there’s a sense of a the indistinct.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.com/2024/04/21/green-swirl/
Thanks, it is hard to be totally abstract, as I stated I am also on the leraning curve in this style.
hello ritva,
a great and interesting theme i like it very much but also not easy to find an abstract picture. i like your choice of pictures very much especially the 2nd, 9th and 11th.
here is my entry, https://wp.me/pfnz9O-hi, for this week.
many greetings robert
Thanks Robert, I appreciate you naming favorites, glad you liked them
So, I tried and hope it meets the challenge to some extent: https://flightsofthesoul.wordpress.com/2024/04/20/lens-artists-296-abstracts/
you did very well, thanks for participating :-)
great shots!
mine is here
Thanks Marina!
Great post, Ritva, it’ll be a challenge for me! I loved your first image, the elevator and the smoke
Thanks Sue, you will fill do wonderfully I am sure.
Very difficult to pick a favorite, but that final image really catches my eye.
Thanks Sandy, a photo you can write a story about, eh? Looking forward to seeing your take on this
An amazing post Ritva, you’ve covered it all and then some! My favorite is the smoke image but they’re all terrific.
Thanks Tina, I like the smoke too – I am sure you will give me more inspiration too
Wonderfully experimental, Ritva. You’ve created some great effects here.
Thanks Jo, looking forward to seeing your response
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Ooh..that’s a tough one to match Ritva! Superb shots 😀..I’ll try my best to find some..
Thanks PR. I am sure you will surprise me with your take.
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Hmmmm. 🤔 Very intriguing. Great photos. I like the geometric jumble of the Queen Victoria building and escalator photo, either together or separately. Excellent.
Mine: https://fairplay740.wordpress.com/2024/04/20/lens-artists-challenge-296-abstracts/
Thanks John, those are just real shots of architecture curiosities that appears as abstract.