Creating Abstract Photography

What is abstract photography?

For me, it's taking something known and easily recognizable 

and presenting it in a different way.

It can be done by zooming in on details with a macro lens and creating

unusual and sometimes even surreal images.

The rational mind will struggle to analyse and try to label what it sees.

Yet if we allow ourselves to follow the lines and the shapes and colours

we can just enjoy a slightly surrealist landscape that cannot be quite understood.

Isn't it fun to just let go and flow into this new way of seeing

through the fringes of this curtain-like structure

which isn't actually a curtain?

Or wouldn't you like to slide and play along these tunnels of light

created through a mingling of sunlight and shadow?

Or what about bending down to touch these bronze sculptures

that remind you of something but they're totally the wrong colour.

Macro photography allows us to concentrate on a single detail

and give it an abstract quality.

Blue Gingham seen through different eyes!

Enjoy the texture and 3-dimensional surface and how the edges catch the light.

It doesn't matter that we don't know what it is.

In fact, not knowing heightens our perception and makes us just take pleasure

in what we see.

Look at the patterns and texture and colours

Shiny surfaces create art all on there own - reflecting what is around them

Water also presents us with wonderful reflections and movement

and offers us its own special abstract quality

Panning or intentional camera movement is another way of creating abstracts.

I really enjoy these!

For that, I need to use a slower shutter speed and move my camera

as I press the button.

To end my selection, I offer this night shot.

This was created by panning and capturing these flying luminous objects

all heading, with seeming purpose, to an important destination!

So, to create abstracts in photography

I can zoom in on details

Show only the part of a whole subject

create an unusual look by transforming something through a change in colour.

 I can play with my shutter speed and take my subjects from different angles.

All these things allow me to play freely

and disregard any rules that I have learned over time.

Abstracts set me free from convention

and allow me to skip and jump and shake it all up

most deliciously!

Abstract photography allows my inner, playful child to have fun

because it lets me re-invent what I see and feel!

This blog posting has been inspired by a workshop I'm doing

with Kim Manley Ort

called

Going Abstract

The Secret of Water

Water has secrets to tell

and mysteries to unfold

as clever as a chameleon

taking on the colours of the sky and the environment

creating harmony and aliveness

reflecting things around us with artistic flair

making friends with the sun

at the end of the day

gentle ripples

and passion

Did you know that our thoughts and our emotions

effect the quality of our water?

Sparkles on the surface by the light of the moon.

Please look at the following link:

SECRET OF WATER

You will be amazed and enthralled.

See how water crystals create patterns when different music is played

in the video clip "Secret of Water" trailer 3.

The whole website tells us about the latest discoveries concerning water.

 Come back to tell me about your experience!

Poetry and Humming

She had promised herself that she would never complain about the cold again

after the stiflingly hot summer!

The first step was to think of all the gorgeous things about the colder months of the year.

She thought about log fires and the aroma of apples cooking!

Well, a log fire isn't always available, 

how about a snug warm blanket wrapped around the legs

and a good book?

She read:

"So much of our lives takes place in our heads - in memory or imagination

in speculation or interpretation - 

that sometimes I feel that I can best change my life

by changing the way I look at it."

Pico Iyer

A steaming mug of something hot

So comforting as we read.

A snatch of poetry to enhance the day:

"October"

"O hushed October morning mild

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away."

An excerpt by Robert Frost

She looked up at the candle to let the words roam around inside her

and find a resting place within.

Crochet

Such a rewarding and creative passion

and perfect for the cooler months.

She loved to create new things and make gifts for others.

Her children were grown now.

She had done her best to give them a happy childhood

and to guide them into becoming autonomous.

She had wanted to be the mother that she had never had.

Her dad had been her role model and she knew he had done his very best.

She remembered how he often went about his daily occupations humming to himself!

She realized that she did the same!

Humming

what a wonderful word!

It tickles your lips and resonates within

creating happiness inside.

It's definitely a mood enhancer!

What about winter cooking?

She loved to create wholesome soups and anything at all made with apples

Apple Crumble

She looked up from where she was sitting at a slice of blue sky she could see.

She felt content and snug with the wind howling outside.

She thought about poetry and humming

and these words she'd read in Winnie the Pooh:

"Poetry and hums

aren't things which you get,

they're things which get you.

And all you can do is go where they find you."

Perfect!

She said to herself.

Everyone should hum at least once to try it out,

and she realized that she was doing it again

and it made her giggle!