Please feel free to use this topic area to post links to the photos you have uploaded into the Photo Gallery for Abstract. Do tell us a bit about it - if you like?

 

Thanks,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

Drifting

 

http://1x.com/photo/352251/group:43:all:admin:21245

 

This is a pan of an oak tree at sunset. More information about the photo can be found by clicking on the information tab of the photo.

 

Pans of all kinds can make great abstract photos, sometimes looking like paintings.

Hope you enjoy. :)

 

Phyllis

I am new to this group but not new to photography. I like abstract photography but I like a number of other genre in photography, like architecture, macro, street etc.

 

I am new here in Abstract and also new to the site. I love doing pans for abstract photos for the reason they look like paintings. I have a pan of my dog running out of the creek up onto a rock, please tell me what you think? I would appreciate all kinds of feedback, thank you! Please click on link below, I hope it works, again I'm new here...

http://1x.com/photo/373521/all:user:445346

Thanks for sharing your photo. I like the background and the foreground, and the designs the pan has made. It is a little harder to see the dog. Yet with an abstract photo that is often the case.

 

If you would like a Critique of your work please go there and you will find many people who will offer you more concrete advice.

 

Please feel free to also post them in this group gallery.

 

Thanks,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

Thanks Phyllis, let me know if i am doing this wrong. This image 1 of 4 I posted, http://1x.com/photo/371080/group:43:all, was a labor of love. I did the original picture without any embellishments. As soon as i posted it on another site, my daughter said, I should take a bite out of one of the apples... so I immediately removed it from the site where I posted it and edited the photo.

 

As soon as I posted it again, my son said, i should make the bite look like the Apple Logo. So here is the picture in it's final version. Enjoy.

Hi Mark,

 

The photos are very good I think. I like the diptych very much...consider uploading that to the diptych group if it is not already there. You can put a photo in more than one group as long as it is appropriate to that group.

 

Yes..I can see them in All Photos Gallery.

In the future you might want to do one at a time...and put a link to that one in this topic area and tell us about it. The way you have done it now is okay, but you have to hope people keep moving forward to see them all.

 

There are some excellent photos in the gallery but without a link here no one will ever see them.

 

I have a question on the apples...The bite out of the apple...looks fantastic, but the question I would have is whether or not that would be an issue regarding copyright and Apple. I do not have an answer, it is just question. If I recall correctly - NYC once had a logo like that as way to describe NYC as original sin. :))

 

Thanks for sharing your work.

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

http://1x.com/photo/374230/all:user:290827

 

Hi Alex,

Thanks for sharing this with us and offering a link. I wonder if you could tell us a bit more about how you made the picture?

 

Thanks,

Phyllis

here is one from my wild flowers series taken this past summer, ISO 50, f32, 2 sec exp full sun w/ neutral density filter.

 

http://1x.com/photo/379051/group:43:all

 

the other one can be seen on my 1x page ;-)

a look on red

http://1x.com/photo/379537/all:user:13704

well it is just what you see. an abstract study of red. Entirely made digital.

 

splendid creative use of camera and technique Phyllis

 

mmm, artist or photographer... either way really cool work of art +++

Thanks for the feedback Phyllis. I will post my "white paper" triptych to the diptych category.

http://1x.com/photo/371136/all:user:444818

 

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

m

 

They are very beautiful. I would have guessed sunflowers. It reminds me of a Watercolor painting. :)

 

Phyllis

 

Thanks for the link.

Sometimes something so simple can become so amazingly interesting.

 

I am sure Paco (group Admin) will be happy to have your photo there...inhis group.

 

Thanks much,

Phyllis

 

I am happy to see this. Years ago I would also make these kinds of collages...I I think the textures in your shot make all the difference and give it depth. That particular red is beautiful. It is fun to make them...and in the end they can become quite sophisticated.

 

I like it alot.

:) Phyl

Piet,

I forgot..

Thanks for you kind words on my Drifting oak...

 

thank you Phyllis, they were black eye suzan, with a mix of purple strife, white daisies and a wild blue flower type of weed.

wonderful artistic study from white on white; love it

A colourful contrast to the grey and cold wintertime:

http://www.1x.com/photo/316944/group:43:all

 

Your photo Thomas shows one of the things I love about Abstract work...I can look at it and it can become different things to me at different moments. I can see an aerial view, I can see a carpet, I can see cloth....I can use my imagination....and there it is...

The idea that we have to use our imaginations sometimes to figure out what we are looking at. :)

It is very good - thanks for sharing.

Phyllis

http://1x.com/photo/386120/all:user:257503

 

Hi Hesam,

Can you tell us about your photo?

 

What caught your eye in this shot to take it...

What do you think makes it abstract.

 

I like it and thanks or submitting it.

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

Botanic Garden in Claremont, CA. Joshua Trees shot against the sunset sky using Lensbaby Sweet 35 mounted on Nikon D7000.

 

http://1x.com/photo/386846/group:43:all

 

Thank you.

Can you give us a link please?

 

Phyllis

Often the story behind the work can be as interesting as the work itself... at least they thought so they made a little film about how my images of trash found along highway are done.

 

Here they are if you're interested.

 

www.hakansjostrom.com

http://youtu.be/ktY3r-wlO_Y

These are wonderful photos everyone is posting. I thought I would share one that I took recently.

 

http://1x.com/photo/386586/all:user:241794

 

I like shooting photos of liquids, whether it be a flowing river or on a macro scale. This time though, oil and water just wasn't working and I really was disliking every shot I made. So I tried experimenting with other liquids, this one being milk with olive oil and food coloring. With a lot of patience I was able to bounce milk on top of the oil, making small little planets. I had a lot of fun making it, and I hope you enjoy it.

 

http://1x.com/photo/386846/group:43:all

First off, thanks for this wonderful platform to share abstract photography among such talented group of photographers. I am fairly new to this site and am still trying my ways to understand how this site works. I stumbled upon this forum and felt quite delighted, it feels otherwise un-curated photos go to a vault without much noticing from the rest of the group.

 

I have been exploring the Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) Technique. I am personally inclined to abstracts that can tell a subjective story based on various moods it can create. It is a bit of a challenge (which makes it fun) to get something meaningful from trying different motion paths, speed or the extent of motion.

 

Here are 3 of my images that I uploaded to 1x, any feedback, critique or interpretation is very much welcome.

 

http://1x.com/photo/352124/all:user:228112

http://1x.com/photo/352279/all:user:228112

http://1x.com/photo/342540/all:user:228112

 

Thank you,

Ariel Ariel

 

Clyde, thanks or the link.

 

The Lensbaby models are becoming more and more sophisticated. I have tried to understand the differences in the newer models, but find it confusing. The one you used for the photo gave it an almost 3-D quality. I don't think I would now what that was a photo of, but I do love the high contrast b/w..and I like the design of the abstract itself.

 

That type of a photo adds yet another level or layer of what abstract photography can mean and/or include.

 

Thanks or sharing.

 

I agree the photos are graphically appealing...

Your photo looks like a small part of the universe..as in pictures from the Hubble...

 

How did you bounce milk on top of the oil? And how did ou get the colors...the food coloring was mixed into the oil?

 

Thanks for sharing.

Phyllis

 

Ariel,

I have the same ambition as you in terms of creating images that use camera movement.

 

I like all three that you have posted. In this instance I love the ones with the

people in them. It just adds another level of interest for me.

 

I would say that if you want an true critique of the work, please put your photos in the critique section. Since you now have an group here of people who you know are interested in Abstract photography, you could post your photos into critique and then let us know you have and that you would some feedback from members in this group.

 

I think you would get the usual comments, but maybe if people in this group took the time they could go to the critique and give you a different type of feedback based on their knowledge and experience of this particular type of genre.

 

Now having said this I think it would be much more interactive and enjoyable if I was not the only one commenting on the photos being uploaded here.

 

To make some comments, to ask questions is not a critique, and this is fine here.

 

My question to you Ariel is how did you get involved in using this particular camera movement technique? It would be very kind if you could share it.

 

My best,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

Hello Hakan,

Thank you so much for sharing your film and your work.

I have this feeling that I have seen your film before but I cannot recall where or how ti came to me. Have you ever been on one of the Ted Talks?

 

I hope - every one reading this thread will look a the film it is about three minutes

long.. To see how you can go from garbage to masterful art is really inspirational.

 

Years ago when I lived abroad one summer my husband and I decided to paint bottles...So after we finished our wine, or Amaretto ( best bottles) he would make drawings with this lead substance, and then we would paint them with glass paints.

We painted outside all summer after a morning at the beach and a siesta.....They were all abstract images...though some had a shape of what they were.

 

The end results of your efforts are marvelous.

 

Thank you for the link.

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

The milk was a bit of luck. As I drew the toothpick out of the water from mixing, drops would fall off. Doing this rapidly in succession resulted in having many tiny water droplets on tops of the oil surface.

 

The colors were food coloring. There probably was a slight amount of coloring that got into the oil, but this was probably minimal. I believe the oil coloring was due to the milk color underneath the oil droplets.

 

 

One more made with vertical camera movement

 

http://1x.com/photo/384880/group:43:all

 

And one without ICM

 

http://1x.com/photo/358617/group:43:all

 

Hi Ben,

To be sure I understand...

You put down oil and milk and food coloring and then used a toothpick to sprinking water?

 

It is a bit unclear..but it sounds like a doable project for someone like me...Liquids are fun to work with.

Thanks or adding this info..

Phyllis

Forum Modeator

 

Hi Nihad ..

Did you say this was without movement? I did not see the title..it looks like an eye or a flying saucer or maybe my imagination just got away with me. :)

 

Thank you...

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

Yes, the second photo was taken without camera movement; I was moving (rotating) the subject - bucket with rotten apples - during 10s exposure.

Wasn't sure if it was abstract enough :)

 

IMO, it's the best one of those you posted. The others, as nice as they are, are stuff we've seen a lot before. The rotating apples, on the other hand, is a unique image to me and that goes a long way for me, especially on this site!!

 

Not in a million years would I have guessed this...from just looking at the photo.

Now that you say it...okay I can see one apple..:) It is a very good picture I think. Was the blue caused by the bucket you had it in...or by the sky or something else?

 

I think it is quite abstract! :)

 

I spent one summer doing this - working in almost total darkness. I moved certain subjects within the overall frame or some alone...to create effects..Most all 30 second exposures...I used a tiny pen light..sometimes candles....I never processed most of those photos...and most are not abstract... I did publish one here but it is not abstract...it really is macro in terms of life size but looks like a Still Life.. What I did here with the roses..is to move them in front of the set up to get the color of the roses while the shutter was open...In some photos it is more ethereal then it is here...

But I will post it just to show you...

When you look at the screen on the left side is a dark velvet red..cloth...on the right side...is the result of me moving the same flowers as those on the table in spray form...:) It is a lot of fun..

http://1x.com/photo/270481/all:user:21245

 

Thanks for sharing the details of how you made the apples. :)

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

I should be more clear. I put the milk in a small cup, added a drop or two of food coloring to various parts of the cup (only 2 colors were used). Then a few drops of olive oil was added. From this point nothing else was added. The toothpick was used to stir and push the lines and oil around. To make it work, I used a flicking sort of motion with the toothpick. This gave motion to the liquid. The flicking did two things: it made small splashes that forced some of the milk on top of the oil and as the toothpick was pulled out of the water with each flick, small drops would fall off and onto the oil.

 

Does that make sense? If anything is still unclear, I would be happy to answer any remaining questions.

Hi Phyllis,

 

thanks a lot for giving the chance to show here a picture which is loaded into the groups gallery and for the story behind.

 

I've loaded this one

 

http://1x.com/photo/348081/all:user:270540

 

It's a macro shot from an usual leaf in my garden taken with an aperture of 0.95. I like the edit, it brings the shape into the foreground without the "disturbing" background and underlines the special effect of this lens.

 

Andrea

Hi All,

I took this shot 1 month ago more or less, I was there to take a nice autumn picture, but before leaving I wanted to try something different.

 

http://1x.com/photo/344291/all:user:433345

 

It's a single shot with a 1.6 s exposure, the zoom was rotated form 18 to 105 during that time.

 

Thank you for your wonderful response Phylis. I will definitely try to put some of my images into critique.

 

To answer your question, my passion for ICM started after looking at works by Michael Orton. He started creating similar effects on films (often known as Orton effect) until he delved into digital.

 

You could look at some of his images in this video:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-cxPJcO1Xw&list=UUnOv1EvxKsqDD73mq3RVdTQ#t=32

Clyde, thank you for the comment; I appreciate it.

 

Phyllis, yes, the blue is from the sky reflected in rainwater in the bucket.

 

Regards

 

Hello,

 

First let me say that this is an amazing site. Thank you for providing this topic for the sharing of abstract photos.

 

I love the very fluid nature of abstract images. Meaning they can be of many different things and styles.

 

This was taken while I was hiking to my main subject of the day, Solomon's waterfall in Fiery Gizzard state park here in Tennessee.

 

In this image I like how the "realness" of this location is still identifiable and yet it also remains in the abstract... Ok, after reading that last line, I need more coffee. But I hope it makes sense.

 

http://1x.com/photo/391684/all:user:248846

 

Hi Charles,

Thanks for posting this image and also for telling us a bit about it.

 

I do understand what you mean about having a mix of something being recognizable and yet also having abstract qualities. Also water itself is a great subject for abstract photography.

 

I hope you were able to get shots of the waterfall that you also wanted.

 

My best,

Phyllis

Thank you very much.

 

Thank you very much. Yes I did get the waterfall shots. And on that day it actually started to snow, which made the day even better.

 

Have a wonderful day.

 

Charles

hiii there,

 

an archictecture shot with a lot of curves

 

http://1x.com/photo/415740/all:user:75188

 

thanks for visit

 

Karl-Heinz

 

Hi Karl,

I like the photo itself, and especially the high key feel to it. I have to say that buildings very often make great abstract images - don't they? I think without the silver parts of metal on this one I would not have clue that it was a building...it could be just about anything. So yes, a very good example of Abstract Art...

Thanks for sharing this with us..and Happy Holidays to you.

Phyllis

http://1x.com/photo/418005/group:43:all

 

i hope you can understand what i write, i can not speak very well english languiche.

My photo was created in the night during the Herbstmesse in Basel. The colours were very impressioning during moving. The photo was made: f 22, 1 second, 100 ASA

 

Thanks for your response. I am new at 1Xcom and an have still problems with myy english. I have written a little about my photo.

Thanks

Karl Loch

Thanks Karl.

The motion on your last photo makes it all interesting. I ddi not know of this place so I looked it up...it seems special.

 

The wheels that turn are complicated by spinning light in your picture...not easy to grasp like that..

 

I like he colors also.

:)

Thanks for sharing it.

 

Phyllis

Thanks for your reponse and your ideas to my photo. Please perhaps you can me explain how you meen that " The wheels that turn are complicated by spinning light in your picture...not easy to grasp like that.."? It would bee very good for me to hear how you have understood my picture.

Thanks

Karl

 

Here is an architecture abstract:

 

http://1x.com/photo/419270/group:43:all

 

It shows the roof of the Hans Otto Theater in Potsdam, Germany. The original color showed the roof in red and the sky in blue. I did like this "archetypal" contrast, but it did not show the details of the roof. So I decided to convert it to b&w doing some post processing with Nik Silver Efex.

 

Kind regards,

 

Wolfgang

 

Dear All,

 

It is great to be here to share the joyful moments of photograph with you.

 

My first submission in the group is called

 

„Creek“

http://1x.com/photo/413029/all:user:124235

 

Some golden leafs floated on the little creek, a bit of sunshine came through woods and gave strong color contrast. It was a lovely scene, but creek was a bit messy, it would not be beautiful to show all the details, so I did some motion blur to only keep the nice memory.

 

Kind regards

 

Yang

 

My second submission:

 

"Forest"

http://1x.com/photo/413030/all:user:124235

 

Hope you like it.

 

Kind regards

 

Yang

 

Hi,

I saw some really good abstracts in this topic. I am a huge fan of the genre, and when I do an abstract photo, I always seek something deep, or hidden, so the observer would be intrigued :) My first submission to the abstract gallery is this image.

 

http://1x.com/photo/52127/all:user:113247

 

Actually, there is some photo manipulation here, I wanted to create this rectangle, as a form of new beginning, the white pushing out the black and the grey.

 

My second submission is

 

http://1x.com/photo/230489/all:user:113247

 

I have to admit, that it was pure luck.. I accidentally spilled some coffee over my desk, and the window was reflecting really odd from it. So after taking few shots, I noticed this woman, walking away.. :)

 

 

Hi Karl,

I will try to be clearer. Very often things on the Internet can be misunderstood.

 

Since I did not know what the Herbstmesse was...when I first looked at your photo I did not have any idea of what i was looking at. Since it is abstract photography I do not find this a negative thing....because it can fire the imagination to try to understand what one is seeing. In the end if you still do not know but enjoy the 'whole' look and feel..for me this is what is important.

 

When I said it was complicated what I meant was 'complex'...sophisticated. Parts of the image are in good focus...and one can see lights.. But then there are also lights which are moving...(long exposure I would guess) Or movement of your camera by you...I am not sure...

 

It leaves a fantasy feeling which of course goes perfectly with the rides..and the festivities. Having captured he photo like this - for me - is much more interesting than just seeing the actual lights and the ride or whatever it is not in motion...I suppose because the picture without the motion is something that most could take given the right equipment...Whereas your picture is unique...Even if I had stood there right beside you I would not have captured exactly the same photo.

 

Because it is complex it makes it harder to understand in concrete terms...but for me at least ..in this type of a photo that is a good thing.

 

Was that clearer and have you understood? :)

 

Thanks for asking me to explain further..

 

Phyllis

 

Hi Wolfgang,

The roof looks good in b/w I think...very good. I would say it was the better choice.

Years ago I heard Jay Maisel, an American Photographer from NYC talk about using b/w when shapes were involved. He made many good points which I wish I could remember now. :) but do not. Yet, his ideas seem to hold up. BTW he is mostly a street photographer..but he does most of it in brilliant color! He is an old timer...been around for a long time...

His website is here..

 

http://www.jaymaisel.com/

 

B/W seems to really work with architecture...two excellent examples of photographers here who have taken advantage of this ...I think would be Harry Lieber

http://1x.com/member/takami

and

Jef Van den Houte

http://1x.com/member/jefvdh

 

Thanks for sharing..your work here.

Phyllis

Dear Yang,

 

I was left with a WOW when I looked at Creek!!

 

The colors are exceptional....they look like ribbons with motion...very beautiful on its own and I also think it would make a great background for something simple...

That was a creative idea to come up with..to blur it..:)

 

The Forest is also good..sort of like a representation of a forest...

 

Thanks for sharing this with us.

Phyllis

 

Hi Phyllis,

 

thank you so much for your thoughts.

 

I didn't knew Jay Maisel. The way he uses colors and shapes in his pictures is indeed very powerful. Interesting that he seems to use b/w quite rarely. Maybe it is because colors make street photography more lively whereas it might be sometimes distracting when it comes to architecture?

 

Actually the pictures of Harry and Jef already have been very inspiring to me. I think anybody who is interested in architecture here on 1x will sooner or later land at their great works.

 

Best regards,

 

Wolfgang

Well, over the last couple of days I have created my 1x account and uploaded a small collection of photographs. Of these I have added 3 to the abstract group gallery.

 

The first one is in the most abstract:

 

"Event Horizon III"

 

This image consists of 1 photograph which has been reflected horizontally and vertically and tinted. green. The effect is a very abstract landscape that has a certain sci-fi feel to it. I am quite happy about just how abstract this looks. To many people it will not at all resemble a photograph.

 

http://1x.com/photo/427542/group:43:all

 

"Space Architecture"

 

This one is a photograph of the interor architecture of a new building in town but with an angle, light and absense of context that makes it quite abstract. A color tint was added for further effect. I cannot help but think of the interior of a spaceship - hence the title.

 

http://1x.com/photo/427132/group:43:all

 

"The Human Touch"

 

This final (but earliest) photograph was just a snapshot experiment but I find it contains clear symbolism that I treasure. Again color adjusted for emphasis.

 

http://1x.com/photo/427617/group:43:all

 

That's it.

 

Hi Bent,

Welcome to lx and to any and all of the groups you might join. There is a FAQ to read which will help you find your way around. However,if you have any questions feel free to ask any of the Crew members.

 

Unfortunately we do not have a regular administrator for this group, but hopefully we will soon.

 

I have been stopping by to look at at people have left in the gallery. Of the three photos you put up....Event Horizon 111 I find the most interesting....Is this one photo? You mentioned two reflections? This is what I would call a true abstract - as one can not really make out any clear or even hazy subject. I think you did a good job.

 

If ever you want to get some more info on your photos here at lx ..you can always put them into the critique section of the website.

 

Thanks for participating.

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

Thanks for your comments Phyllis. The Event Horizon was constructed from 1 photograph and then copied into 4 locations (reflected and mirrored).

well I was out last weekend in my snowshoe and capture a sunset from the middle of a frozen swamp. I just could not get the right angle so I gave my hand held long exposure technique a try. 2sec with deliberate hand movement.

 

http://1x.com/photo/438178/group:43:all

 

 

It is very lovely....The movement can be seen..and it is the kind that is to my taste..:)

Is that the sun right dead center where the pixels fade...

 

Of course since it is a sunset..:) I am curious about your choice or b/w.

 

I enjoy these pictures..they let my mind flow....

 

Thanks for sharing...this..

Phyllis

 

Thank you Phyllis, yes that is the sun . why B&W well I've got so many sunsets after a while they just blend into one another. The colour version is ok but does not have the same impact as the B&W version. I find this version leaves you wondering what is going on, as aliens landed :-) , or is something calling me in deeper into the forest... I just makes the mind flow where as the colour version stops you from wondering.

same area but different orientation looking away from the sunset, this time in colour.

http://1x.com/photo/438270/group:43:all

Cheers,

I guess I am embracing my inner and outer hippie! A colorful bowl transformed into an abstract through camera movement.

http://1x.com/photo/458529/all:user:445346

Beth,

It is a zoom blur..yes? It looks like a flower in the center bursting outward. Great colors. Fun to do, and fun to look at...

LIke an experiment in a laboratory - you never can be sure of the exact outcome.

 

Thanks for sharing.

Phyllis

flash back into my youth

 

http://1x.com/photo/459168/all:user:13704

Yes it is., although I am not zooming in/out with lens but zooming in/out with whole camera. I love this technique also, the outcome is always a mystery!

Beth

Thanks for explaining that Beth. :)

 

Phyllis

Hello Phyllis and all others on the forum.

 

I have been following the forum for some time and find the images here just amazing, like everywhere on 1x. I’m learning a lot by studying the pictures and reading the comments. Thanks for everyone for sharing.

 

Here my first submission: http://1x.com/photo/459199/all:user:260042

 

The image is about relationships between the brighter concrete wall and the darker areas around; both in form and in size, the light working as a balance.

 

Kind regards

Timo

 

Hi everyone,

Here is another one of my camera movement on glass pieces. This is a still life of Blenko glass. 5 glass pieces of solid rainbow colors - no flash and moved camera.

http://1x.com/photo/463069/all:user:445346

Thanks for looking,

Beth

My first contribution to the group gallery:

 

http://1x.com/photo/462561/group:43:all

 

This is a nearly-straight photo of the plasma discharge inside a cold cathode vacuum gauge. The only processing was the RAW->JPG conversion.

 

I do a lot of the photography at work to document our processes and equipment. This was part of an investigation into light-leaks in some of our instruments. During the investigation we decided to photograph the business end of the various vacuum gauges we use, so I built a test fixture with a window facing directly into the gauge port. Using this, I was able to photograph the glow discharge from each of our gauges.

 

Much of the technical illustration photography I do is relatively dry. I wind up composing and metering not for artistic expression, but to accurately represent a particular detail or a particular task. I'm always delighted when I wind up with a subject that lets me have fun with the camera and produce a photograph that has objective utility as an illustration as well as artistic merit. I love having the chance to play and work at the same time.

 

Tom

Hi Timo,

Glad you are here and posting photos. I like your shot for many reasons...The wall looks almost like it is shimmering..is that sunlight?

 

Good choice on the toning...that is toned..yes?Sometimes b/w shots are color ones and they just appear toned.

 

Shadows on the wall are good too..and there is somewhat of an illusion with the dark brown area.It looks like it cold be shadow or it could be a vector shape.

 

I think you have a very good example of abstract and minimal beauty here. :)

 

Phyllis

 

Thanks Phyllis,

 

I took the photo late evening and the light source was a strong lamp some distance away. The dense fog made the light diffuse and the concrete wall was a bit damp because of the fog, thus making the wall shimmer.

 

There are mostly only red and yellow tones; I adjusted the luminance and saturation, contrast and clarity, aiming for a slight metallic feeling. Yes, you can say it’s toned, toned by the fog.

 

What kind of an illusion do you mean? On the darkest area one can see steps and the leftmost area is another concrete wall.

 

Best regards

Timo

 

 

Thanks Piet...

Did you grow up on the beach or near to the sea?

 

It is a simple shot...but again shows how simplicity can make us look deeper.

I like it. :)

 

Phyllis

 

Hi Timo..

Thanks for the additional information..it was interesting for me to hear how part of the wall came to look metallic.

 

What I was asking was about the solid brown area on the left side. It is almost a solid brown and I wondered if you created that to make it have a more abstract feeling. I see now that you have not and that is just the natural color...

I hope that made some sense ? Sorry if I confused you.

My best

Phyllis

Hello,

nice to meet all of you sharing the same passion.

 

This is London by night , the mouvement is done by the bus which is driving us for a tour ..

http://1x.com/photo/445838/all:user:459536

 

with the picture is even better ..

Hi everyone !

 

I've been a nature photographer for quite a while, but I feel more attracted to abstract these days... Here is my first abstract picture.

 

Every comment is appreciated!

 

http://1x.com/photo/470282/

 

Hi Monica...

Thank you for taking the time to post here.

 

I have to admit I had a hard time enjoy the photo with your name in the middle..Though it is lovely to get to know you. If you want to show them like this, of course it is up to you. However if you submit them to the Curators you will have to take off your name. So, I am not sure what the advantage will be for you to leave it on here...but still if this is what you would like it is fine.

 

My best,

Phyllis

PS. You have a good sense of humour. ;)

 

 

Hi Adrien,

That is a long walk rom nature to abstract and yet it is not....everything in nature could be viewed in an abstract way.

 

Your photo is a good one because depending on how you look at it you can imagine it to be something different...My perception first sees an aerial photo of sea and land...and then i I look closer i see what might be peeling paint...and I think..ah...its a wall. However, I am not sure and this I think is a good thing with abstract work...to have a focus but not be certain.

 

Thanks for sharing this with us...

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

Hello, I am not really used to publishing pictures on the net. It seems it has no sense to sign them isn't it ?

 

Hi Monica,

 

 

http://1x.com/photo/445838/all:user:459536

http://1x.com/photo/455816/all:user:459536

 

The first one would be my favorite of the two...but it is vey personal. :)

 

Thanks again for coming back with more images.

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

Orbitals

 

http://1x.com/photo/473181/group:43:all

 

http://1x.com/photo/473183/group:43:all

 

Regards

 

Ok I agree with you ;-) thanks

Some time ago, when the weather was freezing here in my hometown, I ventured out to take some winter photographs. Inside of one of these photographs I discovered an abstract frame I like. I named it "Underworld" because of the associations I get when looking at it.

 

http://1x.com/photo/463316/group:43:all

Hi, everyone, trying to get the hang of 1x, have been a member for some time but really not very active, trying to get more into it. Anyway, with that in mind, posting an image to the group, I love abstracts, and following the suggestion to post a link here. The image is a minimal and abstracted sunrise. Hope you like it.

 

http://1x.com/photo/503178/all:user:244496

New here at 1x. I'm very impressed with the level of photography here.

 

I guess about 80% of my work ( www.tomoscott.com ) is abstract, so that's my thing.

 

This one is from a new series started this year called Dreamscapes. These are images created from foam and bubbles trapped in tide pools. I've found these images are quite difficult to come by. Generally, it happens when there is a low tide following a very high tide, so that water is flowing into the pool from above, and also coming in from below with occasional large waves.

 

If you have the right conditions, though, it's almost like a movie. Every minute or so, the image changes completely, and a new image may emerge. Sometimes I don't even know what I've photographed until I get it home and look at it on the screen.

 

http://1x.com/photo/498319/all:user:499791

 

Hi CF,

I looked for while at your image...with the title...it reminds me of the painter Rothko and his absolute approach to minimalism. I am wondering if he is something you like or who inspirers you?

 

It is an interesting picture the shades of colors are subtle..an they change.

:)

 

My beat,

Phyllis

Forum Modertaor

 

Hi Bent..

Excellent shot I think. It makes me think of water and either a fence in side water or the bottom of a pier showing the wooden poles. :) Quite creative.

Thanks for sharing it.

My best, Phyllis

 

Glad to have someone here who loves Abstract Photography.

It is amazing that you 'saw' these little tidal pools forming and that you captured them.

It looks like a drawing, a sketch almost. Welcome and hope to see more of your work

 

My best,

Phylllis

Forum Moderator

Hello all

 

I am glad to join abstract group. I hope to share my and get some new experiences.

 

http://1x.com/photo/507209/all:user:234397

 

This is a manual panning of frozen ice over the running river. All of the patterns and blur you can see are natural and done on spot. During PP I have slightly increase saturation of blue and contrast.

 

Rothko, Miro, Kandinsky are my favorites in abstract art paintings, so I tried to re-create their feel & style with this image. (also color)

 

Hello

 

A macro of a kitchen sieve:

http://www.1x.com/photo/509348/all:user:253040

 

Lamps:

http://www.1x.com/photo/509347/all:user:253040

 

Ceiling pattern:

http://www.1x.com/photo/509346/all:user:253040

 

Macro of dew on fibers

http://www.1x.com/photo/505358/all:user:253040

 

Enchanted Forest

 

http://1x.com/photo/510299/all:user:499791

 

Most of the images in my Sand Vision portfolio were taken just after dawn, when there was no direct light. The sun tends to wash out good patterns in the sand. However, this January, the low tide was in the middle of the day. I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I had just about given up for the day when I spotted this pattern. The sand was still wet from a larger wave that had created this image moments before. I hunted around for five minutes or so for the right rock to add to the image. Elliptical rocks are easy to find here; round ones, not so much. I found a perfect one, placed it, took one photo, and moments later, another wave washed the whole thing away.

the liana

 

http://1x.com/photo/510129/all:user:13704

 

some times difficult to say where reality ends and abstract starts.

But I felt this minimal approach gave this very simple shot a lot of abstract beauty.

 

Hope you like it, and that it fits the groups rules

The spear of Mars

 

http://1x.com/photo/510638/all:user:246907

 

Just color and structure shot at an abandoned industrial property.

So glad I found this group, love abstracts.

 

Here is something that I consider to be a pure abstract, hope you enjoy.

 

http://1x.com/photo/512669/all:user:499475

 

Oil:

 

http://www.1x.com/photo/512913/all:user:253040

 

My participation :

http://1x.com/photo/498957/all:user:24115

Thanks

Knothole

 

http://www.1x.com/photo/516946/all:user:500386

 

Hi Davis,

It is like a Rothko! :)

Very pretty on its own and wow what a great background piece it could also make. Blending other abstracts into it would be fantastic ;)

 

Thanks for sharing it

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

I personally find this one excellent and I am trying to figure out how it was done..what made the patterns.etc..the colors are great too. How did you do this? )

 

My best,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

I find this type of shooting that you did very unusual. A tutorial for this kind of work would be great.

 

So you are shooing patterns you find in the sand on a beach which has waves ...did I get that right? I cannot imagine how the trees reflect on the sand...where are the trees? :)

 

Thanks for sharing this.

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

Hi Piet,

It sure does fit here. :)

 

I think it would be hard for someone to understand what it is without a name in this case. You were lying down when you took this? How tall is this..

It is a vine connected into to the ground...or hanging?

 

Thanks for sharing,

Phyllis

 

Fantastic. I can easily see this printed on canvas in a gallery wrap.

 

My best, Phyllis

 

Very nicely done Barre...

Looks like pages of something..I like the light on this one a lot.

:)

Thanks for sharing.

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

Wood yes? Nicely done especially the toning. Thanks for sharing Ramazan.

 

My best,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

This picture is a close-up of frozen water at a glacier tongue. The B&W conversion and enhanced contrast give it an abstract feeling in my view. Taking pictures at the front of a glacier is quite an experience with countless photographical subjects and the noise of moving ice around you.

http://www.1x.com/photo/476937/group:43:all

Here's one more of my abstracts. http://www.1x.com/photo/419522/group:43:all Guess what it is? It's a macro of sand and receding water. It was the diagonal structure that made me take the picture. Such subjects live only for a second or two. Processing was done in Capture NX2 and Nik Color Efex Pro, tonal contrast enhancement.

 

Thomas,

Glad to see some "sand art" in this group. That's my favorite subject. I very much appreciate the "mandala nature" of this type of image, too.

 

Thanks, Phyllis. I'm not sure where or how to do a tutorial I do have some background information on these images at another site (https://tomoscott.exposure.so ), but I'd be happy to write something for 1x.

 

In the meantime, here is an answer to your question.

 

I have a couple of beaches near my house that produce a unique mix of colors, mainly from the bluff walls. These walls have mineral sediments made up of mud,sulfur,iron ore, and a host of other minerals. These colors leech into the sand.

 

The problem is, you need a very high tide, followed by a very low tide, to get the right patterns. And the low tide has to be around dawn, or most of the patterns will be destroyed by footprints or paw prints. Then there sand flies to contend with. In their larval stage, they can make some interesting tracks, but at a certain point, they destroy the patterns as well.

 

On top of that, most of the patterns are so-so. They are interesting in their own right, but once you've seen them a hundred times, they're no big deal.

 

As a result, I'd say that 90% of my trips to the beach end up with no images at all. In fact, over the past 10 years, I've ended up with 43 images in color and 48 in black & white.

 

All the images start with a clean pattern, which I don't disturb. After that, I may add some rocks, as in this one: http://1x.com/photo/513390/all:user:499791 .

Sometimes, the pattern itself is nothing exceptional, so I add things from the beach to create an image, as in this one: http://1x.com/photo/498313/all:user:499791 . Sometimes a famous work can be my inspiration, as in this one, http://1x.com/photo/498289/all:user:499791 , where the image from Manzanar by Ansel Adams was in the back of my mind.

 

 

I also spend time thinking about the right title. My goal here is two-fold. First, I want the viewer to understand what my vision was. Second, and more importantly, I hope to stir the viewer's imagination, so that they see other things that I didn't even think of. My wife, who is an elementary school teacher, takes these images to her classes and asks her students to come up with stories for them, and the results are often fantastic.

 

Sorry for the long response -- I hope I answered your question!

Tom

Great document with wonderful images Tom. Thank you very much.

 

Phyllis, I guess what you meant by a tutorial is a blog entry. So I did that:

http://1x.com/member/tomoscott/blog

 

I hope you enjoy the story, and if I can answer any other questions, let me know!

Tom

 

While waiting out in the car for my daughter to finish her music lesson, a wicked rain storm blew in and this was how I captured the moment!

Moonlight Sonata

http://1x.com/photo/518976/all:user:445346

Thanks,

Beth

- abstract from Israel, just bridge cables, taken from the bus on the way.

- http://1x.com/photo/515782/all:user:51113

- thanks Phyllis

 

Beautiful work, Ag. I love the little crosshatch at the very top of the image. Amazing that you took this from the bus -- it looks like something that would take hours to set up correctly!

I've been working hard on my new "Industrial Abstracts" portfolio. I've added a couple to the group gallery.

 

I See You [ Radiator Grill ]

http://1x.com/photo/519593/group:43:all

 

Riveting [ Door Panel ]

http://1x.com/photo/519595/group:43:all

 

Those who know me would probably be surprised I'm doing "non-natural" abstracts. I'm having a blast doing it, though. The sun and the weather act on old machinery much the way it does on the cliffs near where I live.

 

I'm amazed how difficult it is to find old machinery in Southern California. Luckily, there is a museum near me for old gas and steam engines, and they have about 5 acres filled with old farm and industrial implements. A lot of them have been restored, but many of them, fortunately for me, have been left in the sun to brave the elements. The result is some great subject matter for abstract photography.

 

Disc:

 

http://www.1x.com/photo/520405/all:user:253040

 

I challenge anyone to guess what this is

Here is one série done with petals from an apple tree fallen on the road. 8 stop filtre, slow speed with movement is how I took the photo.

 

http://1x.com/photo/508691/all:user:237795

http://1x.com/photo/508692/all:user:237795

http://1x.com/photo/508697/all:user:237795

 

One of the new series I started this year is called "Wave Remnants". It consists of images that are created by the waves, and last for only 30 seconds or so. I look for patterns of seaweed that are fairly graceful, and that have clumps of ocean foam attached to them.

 

The foam in real life is not much to look at, but under the surface, has a very interesting three dimensional form. By digitally enhancing these images, the grace of the seaweed and the texture of the foam are exposed.

 

I only have 9 images in this series so far. They're quite hard to get, since typically the seaweed is messy or the foam is ugly. But it gives me yet another reason to return to the beach time after time.

 

http://1x.com/photo/521850/group:43:all

Hello Phyllis; Beth Evan; Tom O Scoot; and any one want to comment to my work. take a look

 

http://1x.com/photo/521914/all:user:51113

 

Thanks so much.

The Learner.

This is for Tom who asked about tutorials. Thank you for the instructions.

What I had in mind was a bit different. A short time ago, Ralf (one of the founders) pointed out that they would be creating a new tutorial book. This information was posted in the lx blog but you may have missed it. So this is what I was talking about. If you are interested follow the instructions here in the blog.

 

.....

will include all the tutorials of the old books as well a lot of new ones, all in all around 1000 tutorials, a true well of photographic knowledge! All these tutorials are proof read to ensure highest quality in all aspects and that no important information is missing.

 

Every contribution to this new tutorial tutorial book is very much appreciated and will make you earn 500 points in the levels system for each tutorial you write. You will also get 3 months of Pro membership for each tutorial. Please get in touch with one of the book editors (http://1x.com/members/crew) or ralf[at]1x.com, if you want to help out to write one or more tutorials to inspire a lot of people and to help them develop as photographers. If you are not familiar with English, write it in your own language and we will find a translator.

 

I hope that helps.

Phyllis

 

Thanks Beth for participating. I am curious as to what equipment you had available..interesting shape colors.

 

My best,

Phylis

 

Excellent processing of this image. Amazing that you captured something so

familiar and made a work of art from it. I see it was published also. :) Congratulations.

 

Phyllis

 

Hi Ag,

Well, I will make a simple comment.

What gives the image interest is the light...You managed the light on the pattern in such a way that it gives it the feeling of a tunnel. Also the light gives the shot a gradient look which adds some interest.

 

Thanks for sharing,

Phyllis

 

Okay this is fun..

Is it a CD or DVD with water or oil drops on it? :)

 

Phyllis

 

Thanks for sharing how you made the images.

 

I had look through your gallery and one that I liked a lot which you did not post was this one:

http://1x.com/photo/504877/all:user:237795

 

What I like is the sense of movement..they look like feathers blowing in the wind...

 

Thanks for the share...

Phyllis

 

Thanks Tom,

What a great way to show off a 'part' of areas around a glacier. What I really like about this one in particular is that it has a focus point.

 

I wondered how you got so close? :)

 

Thanks for the share...

Phyllis

 

Thomas, I would like to place this photo at the top of our page here as it is time for a change.

 

Can you send me an OE mail and I will give you my email address as to where you can send the photo. You will have to choose an area of the photo you like and crop it to 1200 x 250.

 

Let me know if you are interested.

 

Thanks,

Phyllis

Phyllis,

While waiting out in the car for my daughter to finish her music lesson, a wicked rain storm blew in and this was how I captured the moment!

Moonlight Sonata

http://1x.com/photo/518976/all:user:445346

I took the photograph with

Nikon D7100

Focal Length 105mm

Shutter Speed 1/60 secs

Aperture f/5.6

ISO/Film 200

I love the atmosphere that the photograph has...gazing at the moon, stars and milky way.

In reality this is rain drops on the passenger car window, a spot light hanging on a weathered mustard yellow shed and my dog's smeary nose prints all over the window (Teehee)!

Best Wishes,

Beth

The first image in a new series I started in Feb. 2014, called "Liking Lichen."

 

We were at Pierce Point Ranch in Point Reyes National Park. If ever there was a place for grand vistas, this was it. I hiked around for a couple of hours to see if I could find an interesting image -- no luck. Then I started looking at the fences and wood on some of the unrestored buildings there. The lichen and weather beaten paint, subjected to year after year of sun, salt air, harsh wind, and rain, combined to create some terrific abstractions that to me, represented everything about that place.

 

For me, this is what abstract photography is all about -- to find images that represent the essence of something, without being that thing.

 

http://1x.com/photo/522900/group:43:all

Hello everybody, really enjoying all the abstract images in these posts. Here is an abstract image of water, a subject matter that I am fairly obsessed with and spend a lot of time both shooting and processing.

 

http://1x.com/photo/523034/all:user:499475

 

I wrote you a message Phyllis

 

Thanks for the honour.

Thomas

 

 

It is actually leafs on the ground at automn. Once again with an 8 stop filtre, slow speed and exposed with movement of the camera.

 

Cheers!

I like very much your third one. Soft and sensual .

 

Thanks Beth. I love the Teehee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It is so comforting when our cameras' are available and something interesting happens...:)

 

Phyllis

 

Once again Tom thanks for sharing your work. :) I hope others will have a look.

 

My best,

Phylllis

 

William,

I think sometimes Obsession is a good thing. :) A driving force...so many creative people are indeed obsessed with their art/craft.

 

So bring the water on....

Thanks for sharing,

Phyllis

Hi Phyllis.

 

Its a drop of olive oil floating on water.

 

Hi

Its a drop of olive oil floating on water

This post is for all members who are participating in this thread and members that will arrive.. I am so pleased to see that people have an interest in Abstract photography.

 

I appreciate that you are posting your work and I have enjoying looking at it.

 

Since this is a 'group' interaction between and among the group members is important if indeed we are going to call ourselves a group. We can all learn so much from each other, and I already have looking at your work and then at times going directly to your portfolios...

 

After you post your own photo have a look at those who came before you as we have so many talented people here. What is even more interesting is that the approach that various people are taking with Abstract work is so different for each one of us.

 

It will get boring pretty quickly if I am the only one posting my thoughts/questions about each photo. So, lets pretend we are in a room sitting around and when someone comes in with a shot...and posts it here....just try to imagine that they had it in their hand and were showing you...

 

What would you do. :))

 

Lets try to keep this positive as the critique section is available for anyone who wants an in-depth critique or ways to improve the photo.

 

Ask questions, and talk to each other.....

 

I cannot be here every day...so this will be a big help to me.

 

I will keep looking and picking featured photos. I am not the group adm but just part of the Crew and one who loves Abstract photography...

 

I am also going to post question(s) in the topic areas - feel free to join in there and talk to each other. :)

 

If you have any ideas about how to improve the group please write to me/send me an OE message.

 

Thanks to all,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

Hi Everyone,

Hopefully this will open the floor for discussion...my submission is of starlings taken on a warm foggy day with snow still on the ground. It bored me the way it turned out so I jazzed it up and made it more of an abstract. I will post original first then end result. Would love any comments, thank you!

Bored Starlings

http://1x.com/photo/522742/all:user:445346

Starlings

http://1x.com/photo/524031/all:user:445346

Best Wishes,

Beth

 

I commented on Beth's Starlings elsewhere, and I have to say I like both versions! I'm still partial to the more abstract one, however. There's something about the squiggly lines in the abstract version that gives the whole image a very liquid feel.

 

Beth inspired me to find an avian abstract, and one was waiting on the beach for me today:

 

http://1x.com/photo/524441/group:43:all

 

Hello Phyllis and Everyone like abstract.

I just upload my work, take a look and comment please.

 

http://1x.com/photo/524608/all:user:51113

 

Thanks so much.

 

Ag Adibudojo.

The Learner.

Hello Beth,

 

I like both photos, but I have a preference for the shot you describe as bored starlings, I would have used this one to dodge and burn and see what comes out. I may have also toned or duotoned it.

 

Cheers

 

Christine

 

Hello Ag

 

I like your photo very much, for its choice of colors and textures. It is intriguing and vibrant. Nice work !

 

Christine

Hello Phyllis,

 

How do we go about creating a group? I like your proposition and I am quite interested in being more involved. ;-)

 

Christine

 

Thanks Christine; Regards,

Ag

 

Thanks so much, Phyllis Clarke .

Ag

Hi Christine, Thank you so very much on commenting. I like your idea of revisiting "Bored Starlings". Don't get me wrong, I do like it, it just has not reached it's potential and a look at simple options to satisfy that is a good idea. Thank you!

Beth

 

Hi Christine,

Can you explain a bit more about what you mean via an OE mail and I will try to help you.

 

My best,

Phyllis

I went on a 5 mile hike with my dog yesterday, and we came upon an abandoned corrugated steel shed. It had been left alone long enough for copious amounts of lichen to grow in the grooves of the corrugated panels, and for the paint to peel in the sun. I ended up with these two images.

 

The first is of the peeling paint on the corrugated steel. The circle on the underside of the "elephant" is actually a rivet.

 

Flying Elephant

http://1x.com/photo/528381/group:43:all

 

The second image was made possible by the colorful lichen growing in the grooves of the corrugated steel.

Aspen Grove

http://1x.com/photo/528380/group:43:all

Tom,

You surely do have a good eye to see these sort of things.

 

The first one has a good focal point..and the second looks lie paper to me..old very old paper that one might have written on....in Calligraphy or some old ancient text.

 

How did you process these....after shooting?

 

Thanks for sharing,

Phyllis

Great energy in this group, nice to see all the love for abstractions. Here is one a close up of a giant flag being waved at a sport event.

 

http://1x.com/photo/529429/all:user:499475

 

 

Thanks, Phyllis. Shots like this are always in raw with a 50mm prime as close as I can get. I always use a tripod and a remote clicker, and since many of the shots are in the shade, exposure can be around a second or two.

 

Typically, I don't really know what I have until I look at it on the big screen. Both of these images cover an area that was no larger than 6 inches or so. So in the field, I'm primarily looking at compositional elements. It's when I get them home that I'm often blown away by the additional lines and shapes within the image.

 

Generally I boost the contrast a bit after doing mild raw pre-sharpening. I may emphasize a color depending on the composition. For example the red streaks in "Aspen Grove" are richer and deeper. Often, with these and my Sand Vision series, I look for the lines in the composition and increase their contrast with a 4 px pen, line by line. Sometimes this process can take hours, and it has to be subtle or it looks overwhelming and fake.

The wonderful abstracts of Tom O Scott inspired me to revisit old images of a piece of rusty painted metal. I found it with a layer of ice due to freezing rain on the surface. I have included 3, I have more in my gallery if you are interested in looking. I did not name them because I did not want to sway people into seeing just what I see in the images. In these abstracts I believe everyone sees something a little different and I'm very intrigued to know just what that might be. I hope you enjoy...

Frozen Rusty Metal l

http://1x.com/photo/525326/all:user:445346

Frozen Rusty Metal

http://1x.com/photo/526668/all:user:445346

Frozen Rusty Metal lV

http://1x.com/photo/526717/all:user:445346

Best Wishes,

Beth

hi Phyllis, hi everybody. There are a lot of positive energy in this group. i think i will learn a lot about abstract photography.

 

best regards,

 

Mustafa,

 

here one of my abstract image

 

http://1x.com/photo/510011/all:user:303485

 

Beth,

Thank you for the complement. I've already expressed my admiration for your Rusty Metal series -- the colors are so rich, and the composition is superb.

 

You bring up an interesting point about the naming of images. I don't think there is single valid point of view on this. I do give mine names (usually) because for me, it's part and parcel of the creative process. I take the risk that if the viewer doesn't see what I see, then they will immediately reject the image. [Perhaps that's why all my images get rejected here! :-) ].

 

On the other hand, I find just as often that the name inspires people to take a second look and see what they see, which is often different from my vision.

 

Again, I think BOTH approaches are valid. The approach I reject, though, is the one that says, "the image is the only thing that counts, and the name shouldn't even be shown."

 

Tom

Tom,

I love that you name your images, and I can tell you spend some time to grasp and then connect with the appropriate name...I admire that. In fact I think it works especially well with your images and provokes one to ponder more to see your point of view and explore their own. Unfortunately abstract photography has a small audience not a mass appeal. Hopefully your images will inspire others to take a closer look at the the minute aspects of our world.

Keep On Keepin On Tom,

Beth

True that abstract does not attract a lot of people, you must really be a passionnante and artistic photographer to go down that path. I really enjoy the different visions of everyone here, what they portray, and the story behing the pics. On my part, I really love what I do and the pics I come up with really fulfill me on their own. My paintings have always been abstract and I am so glad I get to create abstract with my camera now, way less material involved... no drying time... As Tom put it, a lot of work goes into creating such art, and it is only when I get home as well, on my computer, that I get nice surprises. I too work in RAW and not much additional ajustements are made out of camara raw on my part.

 

Love this group, indeed, nice energy going here, you're right William!

 

Ciao Ciao

Hi all,

 

I usually don't do so much in abstract domain... however I had this one in mind for couple of weeks and was finally able to make it !

http://1x.com/photo/533514/group:43:all

 

This is Geneva water jet, famous city landmark.

I wanted to shoot something new and luckily this one is becoming popular over here...

 

 

Hi Mustafa...

WOW..that is an eye cather for sure. Like you I am really enjoying how different people have their 'take' on abstract...

 

Thanks for sharing it.

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

A simply look but easy on the eyes and pleasant I would say. You caught a moment. Thanks for the sharing.

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

I feel the sam way Cristine...it is inspirational to see the different approaches. :))

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

It is so great to see al the posts and photos here....what a lovely group of people you are :))

If I miss anyone please forgive me...

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

2 new landscape abstracts to share

 

fields

http://1x.com/photo/536048/all:user:13704

 

the wind

http://1x.com/photo/535510/all:user:13704

 

splendid abstract getting it's strength by the purity and simplicity. Great framing

 

wonderful abstract structures you found

 

Great pair of abstracted landscapes, love the layers and blurring. Great colors and energy.

Hi Phyllis and group,

 

I am very interest in abstract photography, and like to experiment on different subjects and different techniques. It is so much fun to do that. But I am new in photography and like to learn from the talent people in this group :-). Please feel free to give any critics, suggestion, positive or negative feedback are equally welcome :-)! I feel to accomplish a good abstract photo is more difficult than... while I don't want any body get mad at me :-). Because there is no clear cut standards, it heavily depends on one's artistic judgment and self-cultivation. I read several very intellectual discussions in this group, really helped me to understand "Abstract art" in a broad view. Here are two of my photos:

 

Color in the Water 10 http://1x.com/photo/418787/all:user:449407

Expressive nature 101 http://1x.com/photo/403859/all:user:449407

I took "Color in the water" in Zions National park last full, it is a tree and canyon reflection in the river; "Expressive nature 101" is a motion photo, the subject is... anyone what a guess?

 

Thank you!

 

Shenshen

It's a car on a street (?)

 

Ilike them...especially Color in the Water. When you did this reflection...did you intentionally move the camera or is there some post production work you have done. Very interesting effect. With a texture on it I think it would look like a painting.

 

If you would like to have more detailed feedback on these or any of your works, why not give the Critique section a chance. You may get some great advice. Our chats here are not meant to replace the Critique, but more to support each other. Good luck with both shots. Thanks for sharing..:)

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

Piet,

They are really good!!!!

They are so different - in terms of color and message and I like them both...Imagine them on canvas..in a gallery wrap. :)

 

Glad to see you here.

 

My best,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

"Ilike them...especially Color in the Water. When you did this reflection...did you intentionally move the camera or is there some post production work you have done. Very interesting effect. With a texture on it I think it would look like a painting."

 

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

 

The reflection is in a creek, the moving water distorted the imagines naturally. I did some post production work on the colors. Your suggestion to add texture is very appealing, I'll try it :-)!

 

Thank you Phyllis for your suggestion!

 

Shenshen

 

It's a car on a street (?)

 

Very close, but it's not a car, Thomos :-)

 

A white sea bird coming in for a landing on the beach?

 

A white sea bird coming in for a landing on the beach?

 

Tom

I took this photo at a state part's parking lot, after a rain storm the clouds is low and dynamic, the structure with two eyes are the rest room and windows. The truth is always not that glamour:-).

 

Tom

I took this photo at a state part's parking lot, after a rain storm the clouds is low and dynamic, the structure with two eyes are the rest room and windows. The truth is always not that glamour:-).

 

Shenshen..

SO true.

 

For years I loved seeing La Boheme....and Madam Butterfly..I was in a foreign country.

Then I saw them in NYC at Lincoln Center and they had the words on screen so one could understand the Italian......

OMG I was shocked.

Before it was so so so romantic and passionate...After reading the words I realized how ordinary they were...

So sometimes the mystery is not worth losing. :)

 

Phyllis

 

For years I loved seeing La Boheme....and Madam Butterfly..I was in a foreign country.

Then I saw them in NYC at Lincoln Center and they had the words on screen so one could understand the Italian......

OMG I was shocked.

Before it was so so so romantic and passionate...After reading the words I realized how ordinary they were...

So sometimes the mystery is not worth losing. :)

 

Phyllis

 

What's a touching story you told, Phyllis! From now on I am better to keep my veil on! :) Thank you for sharing your story!

 

 

Shenshen,

I don't mind at all knowing what it is. In fact, the greater the contrast between the mundane quality of the real and the beauty of the abstract, the more delightful the image is to me.

 

In my opinion, knowing about the image is an important part of the image itself. We unconsciously do that with all other forms of art. We know when we look at a Munch that he expressed a period of great upheaval in Europe. We listen to Vivaldi and subconsciously know that this is music that is part of the church, yet breaking away from its staid traditions. Art is part and parcel of history.

 

Only with photography do we demand silly rules, that the image must stand on its own, devoid of context, culture, and history. It's not that you can't appreciate art without a knowledge of context and history; it's just that that knowledge can enrich the experience.

 

And thus I look at your image, and I still see the white breast of a sea bird about to land, his beautiful golden claws about to hit the ground. And I am even happier that an ugly restroom has been transformed into a thing of beauty.

 

Shenshen,

I don't mind at all knowing what it is. In fact, the greater the contrast between the mundane quality of the real and the beauty of the abstract, the more delightful the image is to me.

 

In my opinion, knowing about the image is an important part of the image itself. We unconsciously do that with all other forms of art. We know when we look at a Munch that he expressed a period of great upheaval in Europe. We listen to Vivaldi and subconsciously know that this is music that is part of the church, yet breaking away from its staid traditions. Art is part and parcel of history.

 

Only with photography do we demand silly rules, that the image must stand on its own, devoid of context, culture, and history. It's not that you can't appreciate art without a knowledge of context and history; it's just that that knowledge can enrich the experience.

 

And thus I look at your image, and I still see the white breast of a sea bird about to land, his beautiful golden claws about to hit the ground. And I am even happier that an ugly restroom has been transformed into a thing of beauty.

 

Tom,

Thank you for like it no matter where it comes from! It's a compliment. There are many layers for the appreciation a piece of art. I often go with my first instinct "The first sight", if I like it or in love with it then I like to know more about this artist and the history. A less analytically approach. ;) A lot to learn, thank you for sharing your thought!

 

Yes, I think we all do that, but we are also products of our cultural and historical environments. I would be willing to bet that if you were looking at your own image 60 years ago, a few years after the formation of f/64, you would throw this image away because of its "Pictorialist" tendencies. In fact, you probably would not make it in the first place. Instead, you would take the restroom in all its glory, showing every detail of the concrete, and display it as modern industrial art.

 

Haha -- that's all speculation, of course. All I'm trying to say is that photography has grown so far beyond f/64 and established itself as a true art form. And thus we are free to not just create images like yours, but more importantly, to delight viewers like me with them.

 

I'm perplexed and thought I would hopefully open a discussion with many artists here in Abstract group. I want to share my Macro, B&W, Abstract, Conceptual Still lifes with you. My point being that these images are an artistic approach to photographing a flower and could fit in many genres. These images are not considered your "typical" photographic genre and one that many photographers find distasteful because it doesn't look 'real'. I'm hoping this will open a discussion about photography as "Art" not just photography as documentation with a message. I thought what better group to 'spring' it on than Abstract. :)

Images below are: An abstract macro image of a paper bark flower arrangement. The image was achieved by camera movement, I wanted to show the delicate textures of a flower with a painterly quality. A peaceful mood that displays a pastel and watercolor painting with a Japanese flair.

Blossom

http://1x.com/photo/541231/all:user:445346

Hana

http://1x.com/photo/539866/all:user:445346

I know these shots are not many people's idea of photography, but my point is not to "document" the beauty of a flower but to artistically portray the qualities and emotions one perceives from a flower. I hope you enjoy and please comment with the first thought that comes to mind.

Honestly, I'm not looking for anyone to write positive cheerful comments on my photos. In fact, write exactly what you feel (keep it respectable). We are all here to learn! This site has extremely talented individuals from all over the world that can offer knowledge, guidance, criticism and most of all, Beauty!

Many Thanks,

Beth

Many Thanks,

Beth

Hi Beth,

 

Coincidentally, I was working on a presentation on abstract photography which I'm supposed to deliver in 11 months. Haha, I have to start now, because it will take that long to organize my thoughts.

 

The first thing I wanted to consider was the whole question of what exactly is abstract photography? So often we are presented with what I regard as a somewhat dogmatic definition: an abstract image is one where the viewer can't really discern the nature of the object presented. Instead, the image relies on shape, form, pattern, etc. to reveal the "inner essence" of that object.

 

At the other extreme, we have the category "documentary" which is often defined as the "pure" representation of reality, with no modification whatsoever.

 

That places many of us in this never-never land, where we don't fit neatly into any rigidly defined category. As you have discerned by looking at my work, I don't find these rigid categories useful or necessary.

 

In fact, ALL photography is an abstraction. This is because the world we perceive is four dimensional, but "flat" art forms, like photography or painting, eliminate two of those dimensions (time and volume), or at best represent them metaphorically. I find it interesting that the categories of "abstract" and "documentary" are typically the only ones that have to do with an imagae's relation to the representation of reality, while all the other categories have to do with the subject matter portrayed.

 

So I have my own definition what an abstract image is:

 

An image for which the representation of reality is purely of secondary importance. Primary emphasis is on metaphor, imagination, shapes, lines, structures, etc. Insofar as objects are recognizable, they are put into a context where the

abstraction of their reality is the predominant aspect.

 

From this point of view, abstract photography is not a modern phenomenon, but one that has arisen right along with the medium itself. For example, look at this Photogram of Algae, by Anna Atkins in 1843: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Anna_Atkins_algae_cyanotype.jpg . Yes, it is algae. But more than that, it portrays the fractal patterns that we find everywhere in nature. I would further say that the sense of wonder invoked by those patterns is the primary goal of the image. Otherwise, a pen and ink drawing would have been far more "realistic."

 

We find many architectural abstracts on 1x that are extensions of that idea. Take this one - http://1x.com/photo/533166/all:user:71398 - for example, that just got "published". It is clearly a tunnel of some sort, and it is clearly a silhouette of a man. So does that mean it shouldn't be posted under "abstract"? That would be ridiculous.

 

So, as far as I am concerned, you have nothing to worry about with your new images, either for their placement in the "abstract" category or their general classification as photography. A photograph, after all, is nothing more than the capture of light, or rather, reflections of light.

 

As for your images, I would not worry about critiques. Yes, get them if you think they can help you technically. Just remember that a critique will not help you with your artistic vision. As has been pointed out several times here, the fact that an image on 1x is popular or not, "published" or not, reflects the tastes of the people on 1x. When Georgia O'Keeffe was 51, many people considered her washed up. Critics panned her focus on New Mexico, especially her desert images. But she stuck to her vision, and had she not, she would at best be remembered as a commercially oriented hack.

 

As for the images you posted, I think this is a path worth pursuing. They may not be my cup of tea (one look at my portfolio, and you can tell I'm drawn to bold colors and tonality), but this would be the worst reason in the world to stop. I think the idea behind these images is a fascinating one, though, and I look forward to seeing more of these, whether they are "popular" or not!

 

Sorry for the book-length reply,

Tom

Today I created a little experiment called "Slice of Life" which I'm quite pleased with: http://1x.com/photo/541858/

 

Very neat, Bent. Like being inside a light bulb!

Bent Rasmussen

Today I created a little experiment called "Slice of Life" which I'm quite pleased with: http://1x.com/photo/541858/

 

Bent,

 

This is the most beautiful "Slice of Life" I have ever seen, a transparent double strand DNA molecular! I definitely like to know more about how do you create this delicacy if you don't mind :)!

 

Shenshen

 

Bent,

 

This is the most beautiful "Slice of Life" I have ever seen, a transparent double strand DNA molecular! I definitely like to know more about how do you create this delicacy if you don't mind :)!

 

Shenshen

 

Thank you Shenshen,

 

A few years ago, while browsing, I fell over some beautiful sculptures from Bathsheba Sculpture and decided to buy their "DNA mega-crystal" (they have other, mathematical structures as well). To get it to Denmark and through customs cost a pretty penny. Last night I got a new 50mm f/1.4 and decided to experiment on it with some very basic lighting, since I have always wanted to photograph this crystal. I actually also used a small red "pen-laser" to light-paint another "slice" through the structure, although that aspect did not come out so clear. So a big credit goes to the original artist who made the crystal. I just wanted to capture it in 2D space. Then in digital processing I have manipulated contrast and color to my liking, and reframed it slightly to remove the edges of the crystal, so it appears the double-helix is suspended.

 

/Bent

 

 

Thank you Shenshen,

 

A few years ago, while browsing, I fell over some beautiful sculptures from Bathsheba Sculpture and decided to buy their "DNA mega-crystal" (they have other, mathematical structures as well). To get it to Denmark and through customs cost a pretty penny. Last night I got a new 50mm f/1.4 and decided to experiment on it with some very basic lighting, since I have always wanted to photograph this crystal. I actually also used a small red "pen-laser" to light-paint another "slice" through the structure, although that aspect did not come out so clear. So a big credit goes to the original artist who made the crystal. I just wanted to capture it in 2D space. Then in digital processing I have manipulated contrast and color to my liking, and reframed it slightly to remove the edges of the crystal, so it appears the double-helix is suspended.

 

/Bent

 

Thank you Bent for sharing this interesting background story! You really succeed your goals in this photo. The double-helix DNA gives bio feeling instead of the inorganic crystal ones :)

 

http://1x.com/photo/544182/all:user:500386

 

I love abtsract works.

 

I find yhis very nice :-)

 

http://www.1x.com/photo/175473/group:43:all Here is one of my preferred water abstracts. The yellow-black pattern is not organic as it may seem at first sight, it is the part of a rock where erosion has worked. The rather strong colours come from a high tonal contrast in post-processing.

 

Thank you very much Monica.

Hi,

 

I followed the group now for quite some time and enjoyed all the fine pictures you posted here. Now I think it's time to give something back and share one my pictures with you.

 

http://1x.com/photo/555047/group:43:all

 

This picture was taken during a photo session a few years ago. I experimented with a transparent bottle of shampoo (label peeled off), a mirror and a flashlight.

 

I hope you enjoy it...

 

http://1x.com/photo/572386/all:user:509164

Hello there :)

 

I'm new on this side and need to learn a lot of what's going on and how to do things.

I really like abstract photography and got quite a few images.

I started (again) with Photography a year ago, when I bought my new camera and explored all the new features it has to offer ... especially macro images, that I so love.

It would be nice to get to know this community better. (help is appreciated)

 

Looking forward hearing from anyone :)

 

 

Hi Elke, and welcome to the abstract group. I'm an abstract lover myself, so I look forward to seeing more of your work.

This Gallery is CLOSED. Please go to Photo Gallery 2 to place your links to your Abstract photos.

 

Thank you,

Phyllis

Forum Moderator

Red wall

 

http://1x.com/photo/943964/group:43:all

 

Hi Simona,

 

This topic is closed.

 

Please upload this one in the topic of the month of June.

 

Thank you very much.

 

Greetings.

Gil