impressions

Abstract photography is rather difficult to define. Most often it involves focussing on a fragment of a scene and isolating it from its context in such a way that identification with reality is more or less removed, placing the emphasis on shape, line, colour, texture, contrast and luminosity. “More or less” because there are many levels of abstraction!

A macro lens can often allow the close focus combined with creative angle of shooting required to produce many good abstract images. There are many opportunities to pick out details within the natural world around us which have great beauty and emotional impact without the requirement to hang a label over it.

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) has become a favoured technique in the abstract photographer’s work in recent ways as photographers strive to go beyond realism. This involves using a slow shutter speed - normally 1/4 of a second or less - and moving the camera during the exposure. Another technique is to use multiple exposures to create a single image. Both techniques are very hit and miss, especially in unpractised hands, often more miss than hit! But some beautiful work has been created. The results are often more impressionistic than abstract, but I’ll leave any argument to others!

I have used a number of different techniques to create the photos in this gallery. I particularly enjoy getting close to the details and colour of rust, for example, or the petals of the flowers in my garden. I also enjoy using rippled reflections to create impressionistic images of trees. And I practise ICM to render familiar scenes very differently. I hope you enjoy this selection.