What is Abstract Photography?
 In essence, abstract photography has no description,
as there is no standard or universally accepted
definition. However, many photographers believe that
abstract photography is a form of photography that
has no literal meaning, and focuses on color, lines and
form rather than the whole subject.
 Some photographers believe that abstract photography
doesn’t have a clear subject, while others believe that
abstract photos transform the subject into a
completely unlike object.
What is Abstract Photography?
 Abstract photography doesn’t follow the normal rules
and principles of design; instead, we are given a
glimpse of the photographer’s own thoughts and
emotions.
 Minimalism, which isolates a certain subject, is a
commonly used tool in abstract photography.
 Abstract photography doesn’t necessarily have to mean
something, but rather sets the mood or atmosphere to
the viewer.
History of Abstract Art/Photography
 Abstract art began to see popularity during the
beginning of the 20th century.
 Abstract art includes the movements of Cubism,
Neoplasticism, and Abstract Expressionism.
 Many prominent abstract artists include Pablo Picasso
and Georges Braque.
Picasso, Pablo. Skull and Pitcher. (1945)
Braque, Georges. Houses at L’Estaque. (1908)
History of Abstract Art/Photography
 Abstract photography has appeared in history as early
as 1916, after Alvin Langdon Coburn coined the term in
his essay ‘The Future of Pictorial Photography.’
 Coburn is commonly referred to as the father of
Abstract Photography, being one of the first
photographers to emphasize it.
Coburn, Alvin. The Door in the Wall.
György Kepes, Untitled. (1940)
Elements of Abstract Photography
 There are four essential elements in abstract
photography:
 Form
 Lines
 Color
 Texture
Elements of Abstract Photography
 Form: form refers to any
three dimensional shape.
It can either be
geometric/man-made or
natural/organic. Form
plays a part in abstract
photography because
photographers want to
find objects or forms that
have an emotional
impact on the viewer.
Elements of Abstract Photography
 Color: color is used in
photography to create
contrast, interest the
viewer, or create an
emotional reaction. In
abstract photography, it
has the same purpose: it’s
used to attract the
viewer’s attention and
stimulate his/her
perceptual system.
Elements of Abstract Photography
 Lines: lines, just like
form, can attract the
viewer to a certain point
to interest in the photo.
When used well, they can
turn a good image into a
great image.
Elements of Abstract Photography
 Texture: texture and
repeating patterns are
common in abstract
photography. It can
provide either rhythm or
chaos in a photo,
depending on the
photographer.
Common Abstract Photography Subjects
 Common abstract photography subjects include:
 Nature
 Architecture
 Household items
Common Abstract Photography Subjects
 Nature: nature is a
common abstract
photography subject
because there are no
limits when it comes to
nature. With thousands
of plants, animals, or
even skies to take
pictures of, abstract
artists can really
experiment with different
shapes and colors.
Common Abstract Photography Subjects
 Architecture: skyscrapers
and other structural
shapes are great subjects
because they can provide
very unique shapes and
patterns(i.e.: window
panes on a skyscraper).
Buildings also have a
distinct appeal
Common Abstract Photography Subjects
 Household items: a part of
abstract photography is
taking something normal,
and transforming it into
something completely
different. This is why some
abstract photographers like
to take photos of normal
household items, as the
viewer can easily identify
them; this allows the
photographer to provide a
unique yet familiar
experience.
Abstract Photography Today
 Even today, abstract
photography is still a very
popular form of
photography.
 Famous photographers
like Tony Sweet and
Wolfgang Tillmans still
focus heavily on abstract
photography.
A photograph in Cuba, taken by Tony Sweet
Abstract Photography Today
 Tony Sweet is an American
photographer, most notably
known for his abstract style
of nature photographs.
 He is also a jazz musician,
author, and workshop
instructor.
 He was rewarded with many
awards for his work,
including being named one
of Nikon’s Legend Behind
the Lens.
Other Notable Abstract Photographers
 Ciro Totku
 http://www.totku.com/
 Alan Babbitt
 http://www.abproductions.com/
 Wolfgang Tillmans
 http://tillmans.co.uk/