Abstract Photography

I recently subscribed to Digital Photo Magazine and my first issue came in the mail last week. I read it cover to cover and thoroughly enjoyed nearly every single word! I was pleasantly surprised to read The Details of Portraiture article from Tracey Clark and the Shutter Sisters! Andrea’s headless portrait of a wedding guest is an awesome example of how details make the shot.

One article in particular this month especially intrigues and inspires me. Mark Edward Harris writes, “Extra/ordinary: Improve your photo creativity by looking for art in everyday scenes close to home“. It focuses on the abstract photography of Tiffini Myers.

Abstract photography is something I haven’t dabbled in much before. One of my favorite older photographs just so happens to be fairly abstract, but it was taken way before I knew anything about photography or even much about art. The shot above was taken in 2003, looking up into a table lamp.

Finding Abstraction

Tiffani finds abstract artwork all around her. A couple of vases, a trip to the car wash and even dishes in the kitchen sink don’t look like that to her. Instead she sees them artistically for the basic beautiful patterns or colors they are. The article also includes tips on how she achieves her shots, such as deliberate camera shake to blur or soften hard edges.

The moment I finished reading the article, I picked up my camera and set out around my house to see what I could find.

The photo on the left is looking down the basketball hoop on the side of our toddler slide. The photo on the right is a pan of brownies. I don’t really care for either of these shots. The red one is abstract enough, but lacks any sort of interest. The brownie one isn’t really abstract enough and still bores me.

This one I actually like a lot. Maybe it’s the pinkness of it. This is a little pink plastic shopping cart my boys got for Christmas.

My initial efforts at capturing abstract photographs leaves a lot to be desired, but it doesn’t deter me from keeping my eyes open for something special and trying again. I’ll continue searching my world for shapes, patterns, lighting and colors that form their own art.

What are your thoughts on abstract artwork and abstract photography? Have you ever tried it before? Do you have any tips on finding or shooting abstractly?