7.5. ABSTRACT NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
In previous examples, you've seen photographs made to represent the essence of the objects. These "representational" photographs are meant to clearly depict a recognizable subject in the most visually appealing way, using the visual clues provided by effective seeing, nice light, and good composition.
Abstract nature photography is something else all together. It's pure design. Think of it like being in kindergarten and working with many different craft materials to make a picture. Multicolored construction paper, string and yarn, glitter, and, of course, crayons and markers. When putting together a picture like this, you don't need to worry if it clearly shows something identifiable; all that matters is that it's interesting and visually appealing. See 7-21 for an example.
Figure 7-21. ABOUT THIS PHOTO Abstract image of water and pebbles (ISO 320, f/5.6, 1/500 sec. taken with a Canon EF 75-300mm lens).
What matters most is that the composition provokes the viewer's curiosity and contemplation without providing any concrete answers. This is abstract nature photography.
7.5.1. WHAT IS ABSTRACTION?
An abstract photograph presents a generalized, broad depiction without details or clues to influence the viewer's comprehension of the subject matter. In any photography, true abstraction can be very challenging. Abstraction in nature photography is ...
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