Abstract Photography Practice Assignment - Free Lesson

Abstract Photography

This assignment teaches students the fundamentals of abstract photography by encouraging them to focus on shapes, patterns, and textures. Through specific shooting tasks, learners will explore creative compositions and develop their unique artistic style.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the principles of abstract photography focusing on visual elements.
  • Experiment with different compositions and techniques to create abstract images.
  • Develop a personal style by critically evaluating and reflecting on their work.

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Before You Shoot

  • Choose a location with interesting patterns or textures, such as an urban setting or natural landscape.
  • Gather a variety of objects to photograph close-up, focusing on their shapes and textures.
  • Set your camera to aperture priority mode with a fixed ISO of 200.
  • Familiarize yourself with the rule of thirds and negative space concepts.
  • Prepare to experiment with light and shadow by selecting different times of day for shooting.

The Assignment

Technical Focus

  • Use aperture priority mode to control depth of field and isolate subjects.
  • Incorporate intentional camera movement to create dynamic abstract effects.
  • Experiment with macro photography to capture fine details of everyday objects.
  • Explore the effects of backlighting to enhance shapes and textures.
  • Use a tripod to stabilize your shots during longer exposures for smooth abstract images.

Creative Focus

  • Seek inspiration in mundane objects around your environment to find abstract potential.
  • Play with reflections in water or glass to create layered images.
  • Use color contrasts to evoke emotions and add depth to your images.
  • Capture shadows and silhouettes to emphasize shapes and forms.
  • Experiment with different angles and perspectives to challenge traditional viewpoints.

Assignment Tasks

  1. Find a textured surface (like a wall or fabric) and shoot a close-up image using aperture priority mode at f/4 with ISO 200 fixed to create depth.
  2. Capture an abstract image of moving water, using shutter priority mode at 1/100s with ISO 200 fixed to freeze the motion.
  3. Photograph a collection of everyday objects from above, ensuring to fill the frame with shapes, using aperture priority mode at f/5.6 with ISO 200 fixed.
  4. Use intentional camera movement while shooting a busy street scene, using shutter priority mode at 1/30s with ISO 200 fixed to create a sense of motion.
  5. Create an abstract image focusing on light and shadow by shooting through a translucent material using aperture priority mode at f/2.8 with ISO 200 fixed.
  6. Find an urban environment with patterns (like pavement or buildings) and shoot from a low angle, using aperture priority mode at f/8 with ISO 200 fixed to capture depth.

💡 Stretch Tasks

  • Develop a series of 5 images that tell a story through abstract photography, using various techniques learned in this assignment.
  • Create a photo collage of your abstract images, focusing on color and shape relationships to convey a theme.

DO / DON'T

DO

  • ✓ Do explore different locations for varied abstract opportunities.
  • ✓ Do take multiple shots from different angles to find the most compelling composition.
  • ✓ Do adjust your framing to include negative space for a more balanced composition.
  • ✓ Do review and edit your photos to enhance colors and contrast after the shoot.
  • ✓ Do seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain insights into your abstract work.

DON'T

  • ✗ Don't rely on literal representations; focus on the essence of the subject instead.
  • ✗ Don't be afraid to experiment; failure can lead to unexpected and rewarding results.
  • ✗ Don't shoot in direct sunlight without considering shadows, as they can overwhelm your composition.
  • ✗ Don't ignore the importance of composition; the arrangement of elements is crucial in abstract photography.
  • ✗ Don't use too many elements in one frame; simplicity often leads to stronger abstract images.

Reflection Questions

  • What emotions did your abstract images evoke, and why do you think that is?
  • How did experimenting with different techniques influence your perspective on abstract photography?
  • What challenges did you face while shooting, and how did you overcome them?
  • In what ways do you think your unique style is developing through this assignment?

📚 Related Reading

Before you start, read these related blog posts to deepen your understanding:

For Foundation Plus members: Submit 3 images from this assignment for personalised feedback in your next Zoom session. You should upload to the shared Dropbox folder - link provided by Alan when you joined Foundation Plus.

Alan RangerComposition & Creative