Landscape photography is fun to do and with the right preparation, the results are stunning images that showcases grandeur.
But have you heard of abstract landscape? A type of photography that goes beyond what we usually we see. If not, then you are in for a ride.
What is abstract landscape photography?
Abstract landscape photography is a different take on the genre. Instead of showing a landscape head-on, abstract landscape use natural elements to depict a scenery.
These types of photographs are a product of the photographer's imagination. It is through their eyes that lights, shadows, textures or patterns, illustrate a spectacle.
Tips for abstract landscape photography
Abstract landscape photography is an addicting genre. Your eyes will continue to wander and search for things that could pose as a landscape. It is a great mental exercise too.
With that in mind, here are some abstract landscape photography tips to get you going.
1. Lines, lines, and lines again
Lines are everywhere. If composed properly, these lines will provide an interesting image. Depending on how you frame an image, it could also be combined with other elements such as texture.
2. Look for textures
Textures adds character to an image. Like lines, it is also everywhere. Using textures on an image makes it more interesting as the viewer could be drawn to the irregularities.
Sometimes, textures also have a striking pattern which adds to the image's beauty.
3. Eyes down low
Sometimes the best images can be taken beneath us. By that, it means looking at the ground and searching for patterns, textures, or lines.
This tip is also a great exercise to train your eyes because as you continue to do it regularly, even the mundane things would like great when photographed.
4. Any lens will do
While landscape photography favors ultrawide lenses such as a 10-24mm, it is not as important when it comes to abstract landscape photography.
The reason is that the bigger picture is created by you as a photographer and not by nature itself.
With landscapes, you are often taking a photo of the beauty of the mountain. But with abstract landscape, you create a beautiful image of a mountain through lines, patterns, textures and other elements.
It does not matter whether you have a kit lens or not. Any lens will work but you have to know their limitations as well.
5. Colors are your friend
As mentioned earlier, landscape photos are often vibrant with colors popping here and there. The same is applicable with abstract shooting.
Contrasting colors work well in abstract photos. It also applies on contrasting lights such as a dark subject on a well-lit background.
6. Use negative space
This is a simple yet effective way of shooting abstracts. Search for a lone subject in a sea of nothingness. The results are usually breathtaking.
7. When in doubt, water is your friend
Water is a great subject when studying photography. It is one of the things that you can photograph when practicing shutter speed.
It also serves great purpose in abstract photography. Slow it down and you get mesmerizing and silky smooth water. Go with a higher shutter speed and you easily stop the time.
So when in doubt, search for some water and play with it.
8. Light and shadows
Like colors, light and shadows are contrasting elements that work well together. Try to look for harsh light as it may produce lines through the shadows.
9. Try a different perspective or scale
Play around with perspective and scale. The goal is to "fool" your viewer that you are in a different place, perhaps on the beach or in the mountains, but in reality, you are just in your backyard.
The aim is to produce an image that begs the question. "what is this?" or "how did you take this?"
10. Do not be afraid to experiment
Photography is freedom and it applies to abstract landscapes too. Do not be afraid to mix and match the tips mentioned above. Remember, the goal is to take a photograph that satisfies you.
As you go on with experimenting, you will learn what you want and what you do not want to shoot.
Abstract landscape photography has no rules. By the name itself, it is a free for all of ideas. Let your creativity do the work.