Abstract photography breaks free from the confines of the real, transforming the familiar into captivating compositions of shapes, lines, textures, and colours. In the words of Aaron Siskind, a pioneer of abstract photography, “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” Abstract photographers like Siskind and Jerry Uelsmann use a variety of techniques to create these evocative, non-representational images:
The Dance of Abstraction: Abstract photography often involves a shift in perspective. Cameras become tools for exploration, not just documentation. As Minor White, a master of black-and-white abstraction, once said, “A photograph, especially a good one, is explained in a way that is not literal.” Photographers might zoom in on a mundane object, like a peeling wall or a pile of leaves, revealing a hidden world of intricate patterns and textures. Alternatively, they might use slow shutter speeds and camera movement to create ethereal blurs of motion, transforming reality into a landscape of colour and light.
The Play of Light and Shadow: Light plays a pivotal role in abstract photography, not for illumination, but for its inherent visual qualities. Abstract photographers like Barbara Kasten manipulate light and shadow to create dramatic compositions. Harsh contrasts can evoke a sense of energy, while soft gradients can create a sense of serenity. Light can be used to highlight specific textures or to create a sense of depth within a two-dimensional plane.
The Embrace of Experimentation: Abstract photography thrives on experimentation. Photographers might use unconventional techniques like shooting through filters, using alternative processes, or even creating photograms (images made by placing objects directly onto photographic paper and exposing them to light). As Jerry Uelsmann, known for his surreal photomontages, stated, “The camera is an instrument that records the emotional and psychological states of the photographer.” By venturing beyond traditional methods, photographers unlock a world of creative possibilities, translating their inner world onto film.
The Power of In-Camera Manipulation: While post-processing plays a role, many abstract photographers achieve their unique effects directly in the camera. Multiple exposures, achieved by taking several photographs on a single frame, can create layered and dreamlike visuals. Lens manipulation techniques like tilting or using close-up filters can distort reality, creating a sense of disorientation and inviting the viewer to interpret the image in new ways.
Seeing the Unseen: Perhaps the most crucial skill in abstract photography is the ability to see the unseen. Abstract photographers train their eyes to identify the potential for abstraction within ordinary scenes. A cracked windowpane might become a study in geometric lines, or a rippling puddle can transform into a swirling canvas of colour. As Aaron Siskind so eloquently put it, “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving.” By cultivating a deep connection with their subjects, abstract photographers translate emotions and ideas into captivating visual experiences.
Abstract photography is a journey of exploration, both for the photographer and the viewer. By employing these techniques, photographers challenge our perception of the world, inviting us to see beauty in the unexpected and to engage with the image on a purely emotional level. So, the next time you encounter a piece of abstract photography, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind it. It’s a testament to the photographer’s ability to transcend the real and create a captivating world of pure visual poetry.
