Abstract: Special Interest Group
Contact: Barb Morban
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The IACC Abstract Special Interest Group (SIG) meets about once a month during the club year (September to May), most often on the first Wednesday of the month.
Typically, for each meeting, each SIG member brings digital images which form the basis of a critique and discussion session. Time also will be allocated to share technical knowledge and skills, and to socialize. Please note change: for each meeting, please bring 2 (two) theme images and up to 3 (three) open images. |
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Meetings: September 2019 to June 2020
(Wednesdays 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.)
- October 9, 2019 (solarization) click here for background article
- November 6, 2019 (abstract in nature) click here for background article
- December 4, 2019 (impressionist abstract) click here for background article
- January 8, 2020 (minimalism)
- February 5, 2020 (abstract in architecture)
- March 4, 2020 (abstract in black and white)
- April 1, 2020 (abstract in macro)
- May 6, 2020 (showcase: best of your best)
What Helps To Create A Good Abstract Photograph?
(to download this guide, click here)
“In abstract photography, often there aren’t the usual frames of reference for the viewer; they’re not looking at anything immediately recognizable or discernible. This lack of context in which to evaluate an image is one of the reasons why abstract photography can be so challenging and equally enthralling. The subject matter is often implied or suggested rather than overtly and literally presented.” (source)
While abstract photography does not follow strict rules, there are a couple of elements that give an abstract photo more depth and increase its appeal.
"Abstraction takes place when a photographer focuses on a fragment of a natural scene, isolating it from its context." (source) The isolation can take place in camera or in post-processing.
The main points to consider when choosing an object that you find visually interesting, intriguing or captures the eye are:
“Abstraction forces you to reach the highest level of the basics.” (Alan Soffer)
“In abstract photography, often there aren’t the usual frames of reference for the viewer; they’re not looking at anything immediately recognizable or discernible. This lack of context in which to evaluate an image is one of the reasons why abstract photography can be so challenging and equally enthralling. The subject matter is often implied or suggested rather than overtly and literally presented.” (source)
While abstract photography does not follow strict rules, there are a couple of elements that give an abstract photo more depth and increase its appeal.
- Simplicity (a lot of subtraction results in a cleaner image that is visually lighter and easier to interpret; the point is to ‘simply’ represent a subject)
- Composition (a good abstract photo always has a clear, structural design; a lot of thought goes into the order, placement and balance between shapes, patterns, textures and even colours)
- Angle of View (choosing the right angle of view involves looking for the best vantage point that will complement your subject and keep distraction out of the frame; e.g., unusual angle, flipped image)
- Lighting (lighting can emphasize, dramatize or give prominence to subject forms, details or areas within an image; e.g., many of the most mysterious and intriguing abstract images have silhouettes, backlighting and interesting shadows)
- Harmony (photographic elements that create visual balance and proportion; e.g., strong colours and muted colours complement the focal point, creating a cohesive abstract photo)
- Mystery (abstract images trigger emotional responses and imaginations through an element or mystery and intrigue, thereby helping viewers to have a sense of wonder and appreciation for even the most complex images).
"Abstraction takes place when a photographer focuses on a fragment of a natural scene, isolating it from its context." (source) The isolation can take place in camera or in post-processing.
The main points to consider when choosing an object that you find visually interesting, intriguing or captures the eye are:
- FORM (Lines, e.g., lines that intersect, curved lines, repetitive lines, diagonal lines; Shapes, e.g., circles, triangles, squares, spirals)
- COLOUR (Colour is used to draw the viewer in and keep the viewer’s attention longer)
- TEXTURE (Texture is created by the roughness of a surface and is often a product of lines, light and/or shadow; texture adds interest, creates confusion and intrigue making the viewers question what they see)
- PATTERNS (Patterns are like textures but are more structured; e.g., snowflakes, spider webs).
“Abstraction forces you to reach the highest level of the basics.” (Alan Soffer)
