Natural Abstracts in Photography

As a photographer who primarily shoots landscapes I am often focused on the 'big picture'. Normally, I want the viewer to see the subject for what it literally is, a mountain scene, an autumn forest, or waves crashing on a rocky shoreline. In those cases my job is to present that scene in an artistically pleasing way using various compositional strategies. There are times however, when a small piece of that landscape catches my eye and I try to present it in a more abstract, rather than literal, way.

What is a Natural Abstract?

By its strictest definition abstract art "does not depict objects in the natural world, but instead uses colour and form in a non-representational way." Well, as a nature photographer that definition is a bit rigid. It can be rather difficult to photograph objects in the natural world and have them completely lose all of their literal references. Even an abstract image involving a tree will likely still be recognizable as having been photographed using that tree. The challenge in abstract photography is to move from the literal presentation of the subjects in your image (trees, rocks, waves, etc.) to creating images that are more impressionistic.

There are also degrees of abstraction. Some of the images in this article are more abstract than others. There are no strict rules. The goal is not to create a purely abstract image, but to create an aesthetically pleasing photograph that allows for greater interpretation by the viewer. It's about trying to see the real world in new and interesting ways.

Use the Elements and Principles of Design

Regardless of what you photograph, a good composition is going to involve one or more elements of design (line, shape, colour, form, texture, space) and at least one principle that dictates how those elements are put together (pattern, balance, contrast, unity, rhythm, emphasis, movement). In abstract photography those elements and principles take on more meaning than the actual subject you are shooting. Keep your eyes (and mind) open for how those elements present themselves in the natural world. In the photo below the rising tide was creating a circular shape that was 'eating away' at the shoreline. To my eye, the colour contrasts and shapes were more important than the actual subject matter.

Keep it Simple

Simple compositions often work best. Abstract photography and minimalism are not the same thing, but a minimalist approach will usually create a more engaging and visually appealing photograph. An important skill for any photographer to develop is to look beyond the big picture and see the smaller pieces that make up the scene. I'm a firm believer that for every good photograph, what you leave out of the image is just as important as what you include. Always look for distracting elements in the frame and work to eliminate them.

Move It!

A painterly effect can be created using intentional camera movement. Although the literal subject becomes distorted, the abstract elements, especially line, form, colour and texture can be amplified. A shutter speed of 1/10 to 1/4s is usually ample. Just be sure to disengage the image stabilization in your body and/or lens as it will try to counteract your movements. Experiment with different motions and try softening the focus to create a dreamy effect.

Not Quite Natural

There are photography contests out there where your landscape image would be disqualified if there is anything in the shot that is noticeably touched by human hands - a building off in the distance, a trail winding through the frame, or a fence crossing a field. When it comes to abstracts however, human elements work beautifully. The regular geometry of what we construct can make for some interesting abstracts when thought is given to the overall composition. Urban environments can be a gold mine for the abstract photographer, but there are plenty of opportunities within a rural setting as well.

Final Thoughts and Images

Very few nature photographers set off solely to shoot abstracts. I certainly don't. But I try to keep an open mind and see the potential beyond the literal subjects that are presented to me. Even if my goal is to capture a traditional landscape shot, I make a point to be aware of my surroundings and look for an interesting abstract within the scene in front of me. There have been a number of occasions in which the only photos I keep from a shooting session are the more impressionistic images. The rest just don't speak to me.