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Photography is the act of
recording reflected light on film or digital sensors.
Photographs of the natural world, whether it be a grand
landscape or intimate portrait of a butterfly, is a means of
communicating our love of nature and wild places and
hopefully creating a sense of awe and wonder in the viewer. A few years back, I picked up a retrospective of
Georgia O’Keeffe and was so completely amazed by her simple
and abstract paintings from Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. I
then decided that I wanted to produce and play with the art
of creating impressionistic and abstract images of the
natural world. Here are a few techniques that I have learned
along the way to help you photograph abstract images of
trees, water, reflections or anything you point your camera
at.
The Art of Observation
You can not make a photograph
if you do not see it. What I mean by this is simply that a
photograph as a form of art needs to be more than a simple
snapshot of the landscape. Composition, light, angle,
perspective and subject matter are all considerations to
weigh before tripping the shutter. These rules are so very
important when creating abstract imagery and impressionistic
photographs. The simple curve of a line, or repeating
shapes, or complimentary colors will be the key to producing
stunning abstract images. When out shooting make sure to
look beyond what is directly in front of you for repeating
shapes such as the trunks of trees or scattering of leaves
across a pool of water. The art of seeing is an act of deep
contemplation and study. Explore your surroundings, sit down
and take it all in and then begin to make photographs. The
use of a digital camera will help you to immediately view
your images and then be able to quickly make changes and
re-compose or adjust your exposure.
Black-eyed
Susan Montage
Creating abstract images
I currently use a Nikon D2X and
D200 digital cameras. These workhorses have two key features
for creating abstract images built right into the software.
The Image Overlay function and Multiple Exposure function
are the two main tools I employ most often when creating the
bulk of my abstract images. Film shooters may create
stunning multiple exposure abstracts as long as their camera
offers a multiple exposure function. Almost all pro series
and advanced amateur models will have this feature. With my
Nikon D2X and D200 models there is an Auto Gain option which
instructs the camera to automatically compensate the
exposure for each frame recorded. If you are shooting with a
film SLR you will have to apply the exposure calculations
manually. I know what your thinking. I have to complete
complicated equations in the field ! Its really not so hard.
Here is the trick. I tend to shot my multiple exposure
images using aperture priority (usually at f11-f22). Set
your exposure compensation dial at -3 stops underexposed.
This allows you to record up to 9 frames. For a double
exposure overlay, where one image is focused sharp and the
next de-focused slightly producing a soft dreamy effect, set
the exposure at 1 stop under. For example, if your camera
reads the light at 1/30th at f11 then you will want to set
your shutter speed at 1/60th of a second. Its very easy to
do but I would recommend bracketing your shots and keeping
good notes for the your first few sessions.
Autumn Woods Pan
Go with the flow
Swirling, panning and zooming
are three other techniques I like to use in creating
abstract images. Panning the camera up and down for
vertical subjects or left to right for horizontal subjects
is a great way to produce truly impressionistic photographs.
Swirling is the act of moving the camera in a semi-circle
around the subject. Remember to keep your main center of
interest at the same point throughout the movement. The use
of a tripod and lens with a rotating tripod collar is the
best setup for this technique. When creating multiple zoom
images it is essential to have your camera mounted on a
tripod. Remember to refocus on the subject after each zoom
exposure.
Columbine Swirl
Checklist for successful abstract images
• Use a sturdy tripod
• Use a grid screen in camera for careful placement and
straight horizons
• Pan your multiples in the direction of the subject
• Small movements for multiples is best
• Watch the light: Shoot in soft overcast, shade or at
twilight
• Pay attention to complimentary colors
• Film shooters should always bracket their images
• Combine techniques: try putting together techniques like
zooming and panning for some unreal results
Remember these golden rules and you are on your way to
creating some stunning images. Last but not least, always
remember to push your creative limitations. Try photograph
techniques, angles or subjects you normally would not. Keep
in mind, a mediocre subject will probably produce a mediocre
photograph. Multiples and abstract images should not be the
solution for less than ideal subject matter. This will help
you to grow as a photographer and create new and fresh
images for your portfolio.
Flowering Tree Montage |
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