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This post offers a number of techniques (selective focus, light and shadows, lines, and texture) which you can use to create abstract images. Each one of these techniques may be used with many different types of subject matter. The goal is to understand the techniques then apply them to whatever subject matter is discovered that will create impressive abstract images.


Selective Focus


Selective focus is one of the most common techniques employed when making abstract images. To apply this technique, a large aperture is needed to produce a very narrow depth of field. The camera is then focused on the center of interest of the image. Everything else is going to be out of focus.


When using selective focus, there are a couple of ways that the technique can be made more effective. First, the color of the background should be different than the center of interest. This will make the center of interest get noticed. Second, curves enable you to help direct the viewer's attention to the center of interest.


Light and Shadows


Using the interplay of light and shadows can create drama within an image. Many photographers have a tendency to think only in terms of light. This can be a mistake -- for light is nothing without shadows. Shadows are not simply a dim mass that borders the light. Instead, shadows are an entity as alive as the light. It is the shadows that shape the light, that bring attention to the light, and that integrate with the light to make striking photographic opportunities. This is particularly true with abstract images.


When using this technique, the primary purpose of the shadows is to enhance the forms within an image. As a result, for this technique to achieve success, it's important to start with quite interesting or remarkable forms.


One more thing to note with this technique is the fact that it usually is most effective if the shadows are fairly dark. This creates the contrast that brings drama to an image.


Lines


Lines can be very effectively employed in abstract images. For this technique to work, the lines must be the principal characteristic of the subject matter. You might say, the lines pretty much become the center of interest.


The lines need to be either graceful or dynamic. Additionally, all the lines must work in harmony. Just having a lot of aimless lines going in every which direction is not going to work.


One last point is that, when utilizing lines in this manner, it is almost always best not to have very strong, saturated, or contrasting colors in the image because this can detract from the lines and weaken the image.


Texture


A technique that is very similar to the use of lines is the use of texture. In actual fact, texture and lines are often used jointly. To be used successfully, the texture should be one of the most dominant characteristics of the subject matter. Furthermore, the texture must work in harmony with any lines that are present.


As when using lines, it is almost always best not to have very strong, saturated, or contrasting colors in the image in order to avoid having the colors detract from the texture.


Synopsis


With these four techniques, you have a nice beginning on creating some fascinating abstract photos. On the other hand, there is a lot more to learn about Abstract Photography.

Four great techniques for creating abstract images are presented in this article: blur, zooming in, partial image, and Photoshop filters. When the techniques have been mastered, they can be applied to various subject matter to produce great abstract images.


Blur


The deliberate blurring of objects can create very interesting images. Dreamy or romantic images work best with this technique Therefore, it is important to select the subject matter carefully.


This technique can be done in a number of ways. Soft focus lenses produce soft images. An alternative is to attach a soft focus filter to a regular lens. If you would prefer to save some money, panty hose stretched over the front of a lens also works. Of course, the blur can always be added during image editing with Photoshop (or any other editing software).


As a last comment on this technique, deliberately blurred images often print best on matte paper. Matte paper produces a softer, gentler image than glossy or luster papers.


Zooming In


This next technique requires a zoom lens. A long shutter speed is used, and the focal length of the zoom lens is changed during the exposure. Generally, it is best to start at a wider angle and zoom into a narrower angle.


There are a few important points with this technique. A tripod is a necessity. Otherwise, there will be blurring caused by camera movement during the exposure. A strong center of interest is required. Without a strong center of interest, the image just ends up being a blur of lines with nothing to grab the viewer's attention. A contrast of tone or color between the center of interest and the background is necessary. This contrast makes the center of interest stand out. Last, this is a trial and error technique. It requires many images to be shot in order to produce one outstanding image.


Partial Object


With the partial object technique, the entire object is not photographed. Rather, the image focuses on just a part of an object. This technique depends heavily on form, color, and lines. The use of lines tends to be particularly important.


Photoshop Filters


Abstract images can also be created during image editing. An easy way to do this is to use Photoshop's filters. Photoshop has many filters that can be found in the Filter menu. The key here is to try different filters until one is found that produces an interesting abstract image.


One thing to keep in mind is that abstract images created during editing often look best when printed on matte paper.


Summary


Each of these techniques can create great abstract images. Now, all you have to do is grab your camera and try them out. While these four techniques are a good start, there is a lot more to learn about Abstract Photography.

Inexpensive digital cameras make it easy and affordable for anyone to become a good photographer. Unfortunately, it takes more than a camera, even a good camera, to take high quality pictures. You must also educate yourself on the proper use of digital cameras.

Photography is an art form. It takes a certain way of looking at things to be able to take pictures that are truly impressive and rise above the ordinary. Fortunately, this can be learned and the skills get better with practice.

Let's begin by analyzing some common mistakes people make when taking digital pictures.

Not Knowing Your Camera

Your camera's manual is a valuable resource. Using it will help you to get the most from your camera's features.

Not Using a Tripod

Tripods help you to achieve sharper pictures, even in low light conditions. It's well worth the extra time and effort. You may not always be able to use a tripod, but it can greatly improve your results when this is possible.

Not Allowing Enough Time for the Camera to Focus

Digital cameras need some time to focus properly and to get the right exposure. Depending on the situation and camera, this could take a fraction of a second to several seconds. Get in the habit of accounting for this when taking pictures. A little patience goes a long way in improving your photographs.

Relying too Much on Zoom

Zoom is a great feature, but it does make the picture grainier, so it's preferable to get closer to the subject then to rely too much on zoom. Of course, keep safety in mind, too. A grainy picture is preferable to entering an unsafe situation.

Relying too Much on the Flash

Natural light generally provides the best pictures. Flash can make pictures look harsh and unnatural, so it's preferable to use natural light as much as possible.

Not Taking Enough Pictures

A digital camera with a good memory card can easily store many hundreds of pictures. This makes it easy to experiment. Try many different angles and compositions and simply delete the pictures you don't like.

Always Putting the Subject in the Exact Center

Pictures like this can get boring. Learn the rule of thirds in composition and you will achieve better, more interesting photographs.

Forgetting to Check the Horizon

If you can see the horizon, make sure its horizontal in the picture. This can be a good way to level your shots.

Selecting a Low Resolution Setting

It's generally not necessary to select a low resolution setting on your camera. It's better to buy additional memory for your camera than to rely on a low resolution setting just to save memory space. Digital memory keeps getting cheaper and it's a good investment for photographers.

Trying to Include too Much

Don't try to cram too many objects and or people into one picture. Pictures are usually more effective when they focus on a single subject. Simplicity is often better than unnecessary complexity.

Not Using the Camera

You never know when you will get a good opportunity to take some great pictures, so make a habit of always having your digital camera with you.