Digital Photography Composition of the Week

Abstract Composition

Create an abstract photography composition by removing all normal frames of reference

As photographers, we spend a lot of time looking for ways to capture an ordinary, recognizable subject in a unique, sometimes dramatic way. At other times, though, it can be equally gratifying to make an abstract image from an ordinary (or maybe not so ordinary) subject.

In this case, this is a photo of an extraordinary occurrence of a common phenomenon. If I were to tell you more, you might guess the subject too easily. Besides, I'd rather have you reflecting on the abstract qualities of the image.

Photo Critique

A number of elements play off of each other in this image: Darks areas on the right balance the light areas on the left The dark areas also give a calm anchor to the otherwise chaotic composition The angled lines near the top pull the eye the left while the flow of light areas pulls the eye upward. In all honesty, I didn't really think about the balance so much as wanting to get the ridges and bright color captured for their abstract, painterly effect.

Like the directional composition from last week, this one would benefit from having the lines cut across the image at more of an angle.