How to See in Abstraction: A Guide from an Abstract Photographer's Perspective

Abstraction, in the context of photography, is more than just a genre or style. It is a mindset—one that invites you to see the world not as a mere collection of objects and scenes but as a complex interplay of shapes, colours, textures, and light. As an abstract photographer, I often find myself stepping away from the traditional notion of "capturing reality" and instead focusing on creating images that challenge the viewer’s perception and engage their imagination. This approach requires a shift in perspective, a way of seeing that emphasises the emotional and conceptual power of the visual rather than its literal representation.

In this article, I will guide you through the process of learning how to see in abstraction, as well as offer practical techniques to help you develop an eye for abstract photography. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, learning to approach the world from an abstract perspective will open up a realm of creative possibilities.

1. Reframe the World Around You
The first step in seeing in abstraction is to intentionally change how you look at the world. The most important thing to understand about abstract photography is that it does not depict reality in the way traditional photography does. Abstraction distills the essence of a scene, often removing recognizable details or objects. Your goal as a photographer is not to capture a subject in a literal way, but rather to isolate and emphasize specific elements that evoke an emotional response.

Start by reframing your perception of everyday scenes. Look at objects and spaces as shapes, lines, and patterns. A tree, for instance, can be seen as a collection of repeating textures and organic shapes, rather than as a living organism. A glass of water might transform into a study of reflections and light. The key is to take a moment to step back and allow your mind to move beyond the obvious interpretation of the scene before you.

2. Focus on Details
Abstraction thrives in the details. In traditional photography, the focus is often on capturing the broader context of a scene, but in abstract photography, the details themselves become the subject. Start zooming in on small, often overlooked elements. A crack in the pavement, the reflection of light on a metallic surface, or the texture of a wall can become the building blocks of an abstract image.

This approach requires patience. Sometimes, the most beautiful abstractions emerge from things we might pass by in everyday life. You might find unexpected patterns in the folds of fabric, the play of light on water, or the arrangement of objects in a cluttered room. By focusing on the minutiae, you can discover a new way of seeing the world around you—one where beauty is often hidden in plain sight.

3. Play with Light and Shadow
Light is one of the most powerful tools in abstract photography. It has the ability to completely transform an object or scene, shaping how we perceive it. Experiment with how light and shadow interact in your compositions. Harsh, direct light can create dramatic contrasts, sharp lines, and strong highlights, while soft, diffused light can lend a more subtle, dreamlike quality to your images.

Consider how light and shadow can blur the boundaries between recognizable subjects and abstract forms. A simple object placed in front of a strong light source can cast long, distorted shadows that evoke a sense of mystery or otherworldliness. Shadows can obscure details, leaving only shapes and silhouettes, forcing the viewer to interpret the image based on their own perceptions.

4. Experiment with Composition
In abstract photography, composition is paramount. The way you arrange elements within the frame is what guides the viewer’s eye and contributes to the overall mood and impact of the image. Unlike traditional photography, where the rule of thirds or symmetry might dominate, abstract composition allows for much more freedom and experimentation.

Try placing your subject off-center, allowing empty spaces to play an equal role in the composition. Use diagonal lines, circles, or curves to create movement and dynamic tension in the image. Consider the relationships between different elements within the frame, and how their proximity or distance from each other can affect the emotional tone of the photograph.

You might also experiment with unconventional framing, such as cropping tightly to emphasise only a portion of the subject. This allows you to highlight the texture, form, and colour of an object without revealing its identity, creating a sense of intrigue and ambiguity.

5. Embrace Minimalism
Minimalism and abstraction often go hand in hand. When you remove unnecessary distractions and focus on only a few key elements, you can create powerful images that resonate deeply with the viewer. Minimalism encourages simplicity—by stripping away excess, you are left with the core essence of the subject.

To embrace minimalism in your abstract photography, look for scenes or subjects with strong, clear lines or patterns. Pay attention to the space between objects and use negative space to enhance the sense of emptiness or calm. A single line, shape, or colour can convey more than a cluttered composition.

6. Use Colour Creatively
Colour plays a crucial role in abstraction. It can set the tone of an image, evoke emotion, and create a sense of depth or movement. In abstract photography, the relationship between colours is often more important than their literal meaning or representation. Experiment with colour contrasts, complementary hues, or even monochromatic schemes to add depth and mood to your images.

Sometimes, a limited colour palette can evoke a feeling of harmony, while bold colour contrasts can create visual tension. Consider how different colours interact within the frame. The bold reds and oranges of a sunset might be used to create a sense of warmth, while cool blues and greens could evoke calmness or tranquility. Abstraction allows you to explore these emotional cues more freely, without the constraints of representational photography.

7. Play with Focus and Depth of Field
In traditional photography, sharp focus is often essential for capturing fine details and creating clarity. However, in abstract photography, you can use focus and depth of field creatively to distort reality. Experiment with selective focus, intentionally blurring certain elements in the scene to create a sense of abstraction.

Shallow depth of field can isolate parts of an image, turning everyday objects into something unrecognizable. By deliberately choosing where to focus, you can guide the viewer’s attention and create a more dreamlike or surreal atmosphere. Similarly, using a wide depth of field can ensure that all elements within the frame are equally sharp, creating a dense, intricate pattern of shapes and textures that invite the viewer to explore every corner of the image.

8. Break the Rules
Finally, don’t be afraid to break the conventional rules of photography. Abstract photography is all about pushing boundaries and challenging norms. Allow yourself to experiment freely with angles, perspectives, and unconventional techniques. Shoot from above, below, or through objects to create distorted perspectives. Use reflections, textures, or motion to add complexity to your compositions.

The beauty of abstraction is that there are no right or wrong answers. It’s about exploring your personal vision and expressing how you feel about a subject, rather than how it "should" be seen. Trust your instincts, and let your creativity guide you.

Conclusion
Seeing in abstraction is a journey—one that invites you to move beyond the obvious and embrace a world of new possibilities. By reframing your perspective, focusing on details, experimenting with light and composition, and embracing minimalism, you can unlock a rich visual language that speaks to emotions and ideas rather than literal representations. The beauty of abstract photography lies in its ability to provoke thought and invite interpretation. It is a way of seeing that challenges the viewer to look deeper, to engage their imagination, and to experience the world in a whole new light.

So, go out and explore. Look at the world not as it is, but as it could be. Discover the abstract beauty that resides in the simplest of things.