Abstract in Photography

"No problem is ever permanent. Sands always shift."

Words and photos by Ann Newman

abstract-photography-art-sand-dunes-in-death-valley

Where abstract photos and words become soulmates.

Your imagination wants to take you places. Let's explore!

What is abstract in photography?

Abstract in photography is a style where the subject may not be recognizable. Or an abstract photo can be composed so you are viewing a familiar object in a way you’ve never seen it before.

Lines, colors, textures, repetition, patterns, scale, motion, and shapes convey meaning beyond the literal. Abstract images brings you the unexpected and changes the way you view the world.

Take a look at these abstract photography galleries.

Galleries »
Color Field Photo Art

Head silhouette with Grand Canyon layers inside

“Shadow Traits” from my Abstract Landscape Photography gallery. You live most of your life inside your head, so use your imagination to make it a nice place to be.

Hi, I’m Ann. I see things.

I am an abstract photographer with an eye for detail, a champion of things overlooked, and a weaver of patterns of connection.

Abstracts in photography fire me up.

When I look at abstract images, my creativity soars, and loads of ideas cascade around me.

Then I write.

I think of words as the soulmates to my images.

This frantic pace in life would leave some to believe that no one reads any longer. But I know that’s not true. You are reading this right now, see?

But we need something to read that inspires us: we search for meaning to affirm that we aren’t in this daily struggle alone or without purpose. We need to feel a connection to each other and to our reason for being here.

I hope these creations change the way you view the world and your part in it. May they spark your imagination. That’s where all great ideas sprout and problems get solved. We need you and your way of thinking to complete this puzzle.

And that’s why I do this. To share what I see and how these abstract images make me feel in the hope you get inspired and add to the beauty in the world in your own way.

As a bonus, I’ve thrown in some humor to reward you on the journey. Smiling and laughing release tension. Bring it on, right?

Welcome to Annstracts.

Now go see things.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited.
Imagination encircles the world.”

–Albert Einstein

What are some examples of abstract in photography?

1. Close-up shots

By getting close, the camera gives us details that our eyes may not comprehend. Close-up photography focuses on shadows, textures, and lighting instead of the context of the object. I find that close-up shots help me to look at mundane subjects in a new way. And that brings out creativity, imagination, and appreciation for what we might overlook.

Texture for photography brings urban decay photos to life. In my Beauty in Decay gallery, I explore the world of peeling paint, rust, and broken objects close up. In the abandoned, I see beauty that reminds me of the impermanence of life.

Close-up nature photography magnifies a plant, animal, insect, or scene so that you notice unique details. The more you notice, the more emotionally connected you become to nature which has benefits in both directions. Restore your connection to wonder with close-up nature photos in my Abstract Nature Photography and Abstract Landscape Photography galleries.

“Grounded” from the Beauty in Decay gallery. Connected to your past, deeply supported, and reaching out and upward. The tree symbolizes the seasons of life. This abstract image of rust and peeling paint reminds us how our roots give support.

2. Impressionist photography

Using my camera to record motion creates impressionist photography that is soft and painterly, and therefore, inherently abstract in photography. You are transported to dreamland with an impression of a scene. Motion creates blurs that mimic brush strokes, hence the name, borrowed from the impressionist painting era. Beautiful gradient colors emerge as you can see in the Color Field Photo Art Gallery. The precision typical in photography is erased, and with that, the emphasis is on immersing yourself in an experience. I find that in comparison to traditionally sharp photography, I drop judging a photo when it is impressionistic. And dropping judgment is real freedom.

“Standing in Time” from the Impressionist Photography gallery. During the turn of the century, architecture offered opulence, extravagance, and grandeur in a theatrical manner. And shooting it in an impressionistic style as an abstract photo captures the essence of an era of glitter long gone.

3. Abstract landscape photography

The scene within the scene is simpler and less overwhelming than the broad, sweeping landscape. By zooming close in, you may not know the exact location of the landscape, but you’ll connect with the intimacy and beauty of a single element like a tree or a reflection. Reimagine the environment around you. Size and depth are unknown, and you are allowed a sense of play with abstract landscape photography.

Isolating a landscape can include the removal of color to simplify and eliminate distraction. Black and white abstract pictures of landscapes allow you to concentrate on the contrast between elements and bring a new sense of appreciation to lines and patterns.

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“Reflecting Outward” from the Abstract Landscape Photography gallery. Looking at an abandoned lumber mill’s windows, I realized that instead of seeing inwards, the windows reflected out towards the hillside. We are encouraged to look inwards. But there’s also value in an outward perspective; evaluating how our actions might affect others. What does the mill think as it looks out? Its mission had been to saw those trees down. An introspective abstract in photography, don’t you think?

4. Digital abstraction art

For my digital abstraction art, I start with one of my photos and transform the image with technology. In the days of dark rooms, photographers used chemicals and techniques to change how their photos emerged. In much the same way, with digital technology, I can change elements to transform that original image into a new piece of art that did not exist previously except as a vision in my head.

In some cases, I blend photos together; in others, I morph the subject to include more energy and emotion than it originally held.

Looking is not the same as seeing. While we blame technology for everyone swiping so fast through photos, it’s really more about our frazzled attention span. I invite you to slow down and engage your imagination while discovering digital abstraction art and see for yourself. These abstracts in photography have a lot to offer.

abstract-photography-art-digital-lilly-abstraction

“Consider Spinning Lilies” from the Digital Abstraction Art gallery. “Consider the lilies, they neither toil nor spin.” (Luke 12:27) A visual lesson that being anxious is unhelpful. Worry is unbelief. We all need a reminder. Let this abstract image help you to keep your faith.

5. Abstract black and white pictures

Miinimalism is powerful. Shapes become prominent. Shadow and light interact to provide contrast. Abstract black and white pictures pull your eyes to shapes and textures. Structure and space take the prominent stage. Black and white are timeless and dramatic. Throw in an abstract element and you are taken to a world that is unlike the one you inhabit.

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“Setting the Pace” from the Abstract Black and White Pictures gallery. Shapes like paddles and staircases remind me of how many efforts are best when paced. You can try to take stairs a few at a time, or paddle like mad, but can you sustain that? Let this abstract in photography guide your tempo.

Testimonial examples.

This is why I do what I do. You are my inspiration.

Abstract in photography — why do people like abstract photos?

We live in a time where images flash by us in a constant stream. We consume those pictures like we are electric appliances operating at high speed. We are in hyper-drive. Eventually, our motors burn out.

Many people, including myself, enjoy abstract photos because it is an opportunity to explore different perspectives. Seeing things from a different angle encourages problem-solving. And because abstract photography is different from what you are used to seeing, you explore thoughts and feelings more readily.

Although many people claim to not enjoy reading, there are still those of us who find value in the poetry of words. Together they bring context, as Seth Lewis explains in his post.

I’m on a mission to slow down and notice things, including how I am feeling. Living with an appreciation for each moment is what brings calm. Here’s the invitation to join me in the imaginative world I see.

The benefits of abstract photos.

abstract photography art of chainlink fence pattern with splash of red paint

“Hard Wired” abstract in photography from “Everyday Objects as Art” Gallery.

“…abstract art frees our brain from the dominance of reality, enabling it to flow within its inner states, create new emotional and cognitive associations, and activate brain-states that are otherwise harder to access. This process is apparently rewarding as it enables the exploration of yet undiscovered inner territories of the viewer’s brain.

–Vered Aviv, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Why buy abstract photos online?

Access to more information about the art, the process, and the artist.

Of course, it’s fun to be on vacation and wander through galleries or go to art shows. But when you have an empty wall, and you can’t take time off to travel, you have a huge resource at your disposal: the internet.

But there are so many places to find abstract photos, and that is where it gets confusing.

Where to buy art online?

Um, right here? Hint, hint…

Direct from artists…we are everywhere! But it’s hard to get noticed in the noise.

If you are in search of unique, authentic, and original abstract in photography to express your style, you are in the right place. Take a look around the galleries and see if an abstract photo speaks to your soul. If you like what you see, but aren’t quite ready, sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll alert you to new pieces.

As you explore this site, I can almost guarantee you won’t see the same abstract artwork in your doctor’s lobby, in the grocery store bathroom, or in your neighbor’s house–unless they have awesome taste. Hahaha.

Seriously, I keep seeing one abstract image in all of these places. No doubt, they bought from a big-box retailer, either online or in a mass market store. There’s so much art in the world, yet the big-box online art galleries drown us, little guys, out. They’ve got deep enough pockets to grab all the top spots in search engines.

So if that’s where you land to search for abstract in photography art, you’ll only see what they find works in their algorithm. And the worst is that you’ll never get to know the artist. I think that’s a huge miss. Feeling something for the image is one thing, but understanding what makes an artist tick gives you much more depth to the artwork.

When you have the opportunity to buy directly from an artist, you can learn about the art and the process. In addition, you have a real person that wants you to be thrilled with your investment. I’ve heard horror stories from my artist friends that sell through these big-box online art stores about customer service. I want to make your selection of art feel safe, easy, and personal. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

Express yourself for goodness sake with art that speaks to YOU.

Black and White Abstract Picture: Mirroring

Impressionist Photography: Bending with the Wind

Impressionist Photography: Releasing Tension

Abstract Landscape: Gemstone of the Canyon

Choose inspiring messages so the abstract photo on your walls speaks to you.

Well, not literally. Although that might be interesting. Hmmm….

I bet there’s a way to make these prints talk, but I’m not that technically savvy.

But really, you’d prefer peace and quiet, I’m guessing, right?

Seriously, when we connect with art, we are connecting with ourselves. The artwork you decorate with inspires you, makes you feel appreciative, and sparks meaningful conversations with others.

When you purchase artwork directly from the artist, you are not only helping a creative being like yourself; you can know more about the background of the artist and the piece. The more you know, the more you’ll make an emotional connection to the art and the greater appreciation you’ll receive from your investment. Plain and simple, it just feels good. And that’s what we all want more of, right?

I’m a big believer in having positive energy surrounding me. And once you know more about the art, the process, the artist, and the vision, you’ll know if the energy will offer your living or working space with the right vibe. Explore for yourself.

“Objects are People Too” in the Everyday Objects as Art gallery. While this art print may not be able to speak, I think they’d have a lot to say. Someone turned an old cash register on its side, and left it out in the elements to rust and deteriorate. The keys were stripped of their covers and our eager friends were left here naked to the elements. Can you imagine the stories they would tell, if they could?

My most recent journal entry and print.

Journals

How modern red white and blue abstract art supercharges a room: stunning effect!

I saw a flag fluttering in the breeze. On a large building, mirrored panels reflected that flag. But as I shifted my vantage right and then left, I saw many patterns and wanted to see how they’d capture in a photo.

Prints

Cloudburst

The rest of the Grand Canyon watches with envy as a small section gets all the attention of a cloudburst. From the Black and White Abstract Pictures gallery.