Abstract Photography: Focusing on the Essence
Abstract photography is often misunderstood. It's not about distorting or making a subject unrecognizable, but about highlighting its essence. Abstraction means stripping away unnecessary details and focusing on what is truly important, whether in terms of form or meaning. In abstract photography, the challenge lies in communicating this essence without overwhelming or confusing the viewer.
From my Abstract-Serie "The Shell". Edit with the Ilford Delta 3200 Lightroom Preset.
What is Abstraction in Photography?
In abstract photography, abstraction is not just about reducing a subject to shapes and colors; it’s about bringing out the core message. It reveals what gives the image emotional or symbolic significance. The aim is to convey something beyond the mere appearance of the subject, presenting its deeper meaning.
Levels of Abstraction in Abstract Photography
There are different levels of abstraction in abstract photography:
- Mild abstraction: The subject remains somewhat recognizable, but details are simplified.
- High abstraction: The subject is so simplified or transformed that it’s barely identifiable.
Regardless of the level of abstraction, the essence of the subject must remain clear to the viewer.
The Anchor for the Viewer
In abstract photography, it's crucial to offer the viewer an anchor—something to connect with. This could be a recognizable element, a title, or a subtle hint that guides the interpretation. Without this, an abstract image can become too disorienting, leaving the viewer disconnected from the intended message.
Photo Series Instead of Single Images
When working in abstract photography, I find it challenging to convey a clear concept with a single abstract image. In painting, complex abstraction can often be expressed in one work. However, in photography, I prefer creating photo series to fully explore a theme. A series allows the concept to unfold and develop, offering a more complete narrative that would be difficult to achieve with just one image.
Finding the Right Balance in Abstract Photography
Successful abstract photography strikes a balance between interpretation and clarity. Too much abstraction can confuse the viewer, while too little leaves no space for personal reflection. A photo series provides room to delve deeper into a theme while still leaving space for the viewer's interpretation.
But thus it always happened to me that I first had to laboriously arrive at a concept through observing and contemplating things, which might not have been as striking and fruitful for me if it had simply been handed down to me.
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Only when the viewer sees the core essence is it a successful abstract work. Both must make an effort: the photographer as well as the viewer.
Examples from my Abstract-Serie "The Shell"
In the project, images 1, 2, and 4 depict actual shells, while image 3 is an ultrasound image used to represent the soft core of a shell and the protected area surrounding it. Taken with my iPhone and edit with the Ilford Delta 3200 Lightroom Preset.
From my Abstract-Serie "The Shell". Edit with the Ilford Delta 3200 Lightroom Preset.
More Than Just Aesthetics
I like this quote because it suggests that every piece of art should be based on a conceptual framework. It should not be reduced solely to its form or beauty.
If art is a matter of taste, then the art viewer becomes more important than the artist. Art will then be nothing more than design.
— Boris Groys
Summary
Abstract photography is about uncovering the essence of a subject, both visually and conceptually. By providing an anchor, such as a recognizable detail or a guiding title, the viewer can engage with the work more deeply. Given the difficulty of conveying an abstract theme in a single image, photo series in abstract photography are an effective way to communicate a richer, more nuanced message.
Thomas L.
I am based in Austria with a deep passion for photography, design, and 3D printing. I strive to capture the analog film feeling in my digital photography.
2024-06-05 05:52
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We are passionate photographers who aim to transfer the analog film feeling into digital photography.
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