Understanding Abstract Flower Photography

What is abstract flower photography? And what is it that makes a flower photograph abstract? Many people can automatically recognize a flower painting by Georgia O'Keefe, but the funny thing is that few of these works actually resemble flowers at all.

These are "abstract" images that capture some very recognizable element of the flower that the viewer easily identifies. Modern photographers can achieve some of the same unique results using a range of techniques and approaches.

Come along as Amy Renfrey explores a couple of the do's and don'ts of turning your flower photography into works of art. Amy writes articles for me quite frequently and I must say this is one article that is close to my heart.

I love seeing just how close I can get to flowers using my camera's macro setting. If you are looking for ways to improve your digital photography, I highly recommend Digital Photography Success by Amy Renfrey. One of the bonuses with this book is Digital Photography in Abstract perfect for expanding your knowledge of this wonderful subject.

Sample Abstract Flower Photography Using Photo Editing Software

Before you get too far into the article I thought you might enjoy a few abstract flower art images I created using photo editing software. Just an example of what you can do with a little imagination. I used the macro setting on the last two of these. The pink flowers was taken before I even knew what macro was. And I must admit I am not the greatest when it comes to using a tripod. I guess that is one of the reasons I still call myself a photo enthusiast.

Now I'll let Amy tell you how it's really done.

Abstract Flower Photography Using Macro Setting on Your Camera

The first way to create an abstract flower photograph is to use the "macro" setting on the camera to record the finest or most minute details of the plant. For example, a macro photographer might pluck a sprig of lilac and lay it in the sun in front of their camera’s lens.

This will allow the bright light to illuminate many of the details of the miniscule petals, pistils and stamens that make up a single cluster of the fragrant flowers. This will not be something readily identified as "lilac" or even as "flowers", but there will be something recognizable.

A Few Abstract Flower Photography Challenges

Of course macro photography can also document abstract flower images in many other ways. The thing to remember is that there are a few challenges to macro photography altogether.

The first thing is the environment – it is impossible to hand-hold the camera when taking a macro photograph because the image is in such sharp and short focus that even undetectable movement blurs the image. This means that a tripod is necessary, and the next challenge is in the lighting.

Heading outdoors and using some backlighting is usually the best way to get good abstract flower images, but trying to use the flash fill technique will never work. This is because the lens is so close to the camera that the flash fires over the subject completely. With some experimentation, and a few home-made reflectors, many outdoor macro photographers find great results.

Abstract Photography Using Filters

As Amy gets into talking about other ways to create abstract images, I thought I would share this idea with you. The first two abstract flowers in this set were created using layers in my photo editing software. The computer is often the "dark room" for digital photographers. And the giant hibiscus was simply done by zooming in. Abstract art has always been created by thinking outside the box, right?

In addition to zooming in to take a whole new view of flowers, abstract flower portraits can also come from alternative processing in the field or in the dark room. For example, a photographer can use ultra-violet, polarizing or colored filters to give flowers a unique look.

Even more interesting results can occur when the photographer is using a photo editing program as well. Colors can be selected and altered, extra petals can be added or removed, and many different effects or masks can be applied as well.

The key to good abstract flower photography is to always aim at retaining at least one small element that expresses the nature of the bloom, branch, leaf or bud. This will usually surprise and delight the viewer who suddenly realizes that the abstract image is a familiar garden inhabitant instead!

Amy's writing speaks for itself. If you liked this article you will love her books. She goes into such great detail explaining digital photography that you will wonder how you ever questioned that you could be a professional.

Amy has three great offers for you. For the beginning photographer or photo enthusiast, I recommend Digital Photography Success which includes two free bonuses. And if you are ready to take your photography to the next level, you will be thrilled with Advanced Digital Photography. And for the brave at heart, "I want the whole package!", you can even do that too. It's like having a whole library right at your fingertips. Never again be confused by exposure, ISO or F-Stop again.