Abstract Photography -- Composition for Great Images

Abstract images are fun to create. In addition, some of them can be quite impressive. However, some skill is required to create really impressive abstract images. Composition is one of the most important skills. Composition establishes how the form, color, and curves are positioned inside an image. There are many different ways to handle composition. This article is too short to perform a comprehensive review of composition. However, three different aspects of composition, as they relate to abstract images, will be covered.

* Rule of Thirds

* Golden Triangle

* No Rules

Rule of Thirds : One method of composition that is very common is the rule of thirds. When using this rule, the image is divided into thirds both vertically and horizontally. The center of interest is placed where the vertical and horizontal lines cross.

Golden Triangle Another compositional option that can be used is the golden triangle. With this approach, a diagonal is drawn from one corner of the image to the opposite corner. Then, lines are drawn from the other two corners such that they intersect at a 90 degree angle with the first diagonal. The center of interest is positioned close to one of the intersections of these lines.

No Rules: While the rule of thirds and the golden triangle can create some great abstract images, one of the great things about abstract photography is that it is not always necessary to follow the rules. Sometimes, it is just best to go with whatever sparks your imagination.

The Art of Subtraction

People respond to abstract photography on an instinctual or emotional level. So, when creating abstract images, one needs to remove anything that does not strengthen the viewer's emotional reaction. This is referred to as the art of subtraction.

So, how does one go about creating an image that communicates an emotion? It comes down to a three step process: 1) identify the emotion, 2) identify the elements that strengthen the emotion and add them to the image, and 3) subtracting everything else from the image.

A natural response might be to ask why this is so important. The answer is that items in an image that help the image communicate its emotion strengthen the image. All other items serve only to dilute the image .In short, all things that do not strengthen the emotion of an image weaken the image.

Summary

Strong compositions lead to strong abstract images.



Of course, there is a lot more to learn about Abstract Photography Skills.