Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : Abstract Photography

Monday, May 9, 2011

Elements of Abstract Photography

Part Two, Exploring Abstract Photography

On Part 2 of Abstract Photography, I will continue to explore Ron Bigelow's concepts on how to create a strong abstract image when there are no rules for composition to follow and the art of subtraction applies to anything that does not strengthen the viewer's emotional reaction.

Bigelow provides us with three essential elements that are paramount in creating the abstract image: Form, Color and Curves.

Form is the shape of an object in an image and as stated by Bigelow, "serves as the framework upon which an abstract image is created."

Bigelow further stresses that abstract images must begin with good form, however to define what makes good form is instinctual, and is reacted to emotionally, not logically. In producing the abstract image, we are given the task "to find objects that create an emotional reaction." Furthermore, "When one looks at an object and immediately reacts, "Wow, look at that", a strong form has probably been found."

Color as stated by Bigelow is what "grabs" the viewer and "stimulates the viewer's perceptual system." Color not only catches the viewer's attention, it also prevents the eyes from wandering and keeps the attention in the scene. The use of color in abstract images can be intense, saturated colors, or also contrasting colors.

Curves add interest to the abstract image by controlling the viewer's eyes within the image. Curves can either direct the viewer's attention to the center of interest or control the eye's movement through the image in a graceful or dynamic way.

So as I begin the transition to abstract photography, I will be even more open to the emotional stimulating scene that presents itself to me. For all during my journey into nature and landscape photography, I have held the belief that I do not find the image, but it finds me.

For more information please visit

http://www.ronbigelow.com.

What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences.

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"

Many of these images are available on my website:

http://www.bonnierannald.com/

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download.

All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Exploring Abstract Photography

How to Photograph Outside the Lines

Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking in terms of abstract photography and that might be caused from the flowers staring to bloom and all the macros I've been out taking while enjoying the spring.

I have always been intrigued by abstract art since my early college classes in art appreciation. And unlike so many who consider the medium simple, I shied away from abstract photography because to me it is a much more difficult expression with no set rules on composition. It's like coloring outside the lines and coming up with a meaningful picture.

With this week's post, I would like to explore some discoveries that I have made about abstract photography from master photographer, Ron Bigelow. I was led to Ron Bigelow's website and article, entitled "Abstract Photography" after posting a question on Facebook to artists and gallery directors, inquiring what makes a photograph abstract. What I learned from Ron Bigelow as I paraphrase his words, "is that Abstract Photography relies more on our primal sense of form, color, and curves than it does on detail." Bigelow further believes that "there is no standard, universally accepted definition of abstract photography" . . . that "image detail takes a back seat to form, color and curves. . ."

As I begin to ponder Bigelow's words, I begin to wonder what I am getting myself into since I have always been an advocate of image detail being one of the principles that define a strong photograph image. However, I also discover through Bigelow's article that "the brain's logical processes are more subdued when viewing abstract images" . . ."instead the reaction is much more instinctual."

As Bigelow's words start to incubate in my mind, I look over a number of my photographs and discover that I have been drawn to the abstract in so many of the images that I have previously photographed. As stated by Bigelow, "abstract photography communicates to the viewer primarily through the viewer's emotions." At this point, I become very excited because I have been told on numerous occasions that my images touch the viewer on an emotional level. And to further paraphrase Bigelow, "the abstract form plays to the photographer's benefit because our human emotions are much more powerful than our logical systems."

In the past week, I have been on a sojourn so to speak, to evaluate how my photographs fit in with Bigelow's beliefs. During my teaching and coaching days, much emphasis was placed on the psychological aspects of human performance and I completely agree with Bigelow that color, form and curves evoke strong reactions that are pre-programmed in to our neurological systems.

In next week's post, I will delve deepen in to Bigelow's article and look at the essentials of color, form and curves that make up the abstract photograph.