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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> What is abstract photography?
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 08/26/2008 07:55:38 AM · #1
it sounds like a silly question but what is it? is it a special type of photography or category? an explanation would help :)
 08/26/2008 08:06:01 AM · #2
Ahhh start an argument here rather than look it up for yourself. Sir, I like your style.
 08/26/2008 08:08:00 AM · #3
This might be a place to start. It is more a style than a type.
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Definitions of abstract on the Web:

* consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
* pilfer: make off with belongings of others
* existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment; "abstract words like `truth' and `justice'"
* abstraction: a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance; "he loved her only in the abstract--not in person"
* consider apart from a particular case or instance; "Let's abstract away from this particular example"
* not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature; "a large abstract painting"
* outline: a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
* give an abstract (of)
* dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention; "abstract reasoning"; "abstract science"
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Google Images found using Abstract Photography as the search criteria.
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Looking through your challenge entries, there are a few that are very abstract in their composition.

Message edited by author 2008-08-26 08:12:48.
 08/26/2008 08:13:22 AM · #4
Abstract photography is the source of many a rant on good ol' DPC.
 08/26/2008 08:34:28 AM · #5
Originally posted by CEJ:

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Google Images found using Abstract Photography as the search criteria.
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Some of those I wouldn't call Abstract.
Anyway, here's what the ol' Wikipedia says about Abstract Art:
"Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which exists independently of visual references to the world."
 08/26/2008 08:36:03 AM · #6
it wont matter what we think. I bet you anything I will get a comment or two saying something is not in focus...ITS ABSTRACT!!! :P
08/26/2008 08:36:49 AM · #7
Originally posted by Pug-H:

Some of those I wouldn't call Abstract.


I wouldn't call a lot of the images found with either of those links 'abstract.' BUT, that is what DPC has in their Abstract gallery and what Google has labeled Abstract.
 08/26/2008 08:37:00 AM · #8
Or a comment like: I can't tell what it is? Hopefully not, since it's abstract.

Or the reverse: I CAN tell what it is so it's not abstract.

;o)

Message edited by author 2008-08-26 08:37:34.
 08/26/2008 08:37:59 AM · #9
never mind...

Message edited by author 2008-08-26 08:39:33.
 08/26/2008 08:38:50 AM · #10
I will consider this as an abstract picture:



Such a picture will probably not do well on dpc
 08/26/2008 09:10:14 AM · #11
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
I will consider this as an abstract picture:



Such a picture will probably not do well on dpc


So would I!!!! Lovely shot!
 08/26/2008 10:12:31 AM · #12
Since I'm entering this challenge, I won't be voting in it. But if I were voting, I would give higher marks to shots where I would say, "What the heck is this shot of?" Even if someone were to enter a flower, it better be one heck of a macro or angle that I've never seen before. Abstract should be an unrecognizable subject, imo.

That picture just above would get high marks from me. The best I can come up with is some sort of lamp shade. But then again, the green and blue portion almost kills that guess.
 08/26/2008 10:21:38 AM · #13
Originally posted by ti_evom:
... Abstract should be an unrecognizable subject, imo....

Let the games begin - I disagree!

Just because I can recognize what it is , does not mean it isn't abstract.

Let's say the subject is a green glass vase. Sticking in some flowers and taking a shot is a still life, not an abstract.

As long as it isn't about the vase, as such, but about an aspect of it that we don't normally and usually consider, it counts.

It needs to be about the form, the shape, the color, the degree of opacity, the way it reflects light or whatever else. Odd points of view, a macro shot or unusual angles might help, as would interesting ways in which it was lit up.
 08/26/2008 04:23:31 PM · #14
Every photograph has an abstract nature to it because the act of photography is, among other things, deciding what to take/what to leave out. Some people express this idea with the statement "every photograph is a lie."

The most perfect abstract is one that involves none of the five senses. Pure thought. Mathematics. Dreams.

A not-quite-perfect abstract would require only one of the five senses. Like listening to music. Or looking at a photograph. A photograph is at its most abstract when it limits you to the one sense, just looking, not seeing anything in particular. In the first moment of looking at an abstract photograph, there is only form & line, the most basic mechanics of sight. In the next few moments of looking at an abstract photograph, it may be possible to identify the subject, or the imagination may create its own subject.

That's what I think, FWIW. I did look at the previous abstract challenges. And I wish you all the best of luck in the current abastract BW challenge. "D

[eta]

This is a shot of the head of a straight pin. I was doing a minimalitic exercise in the least amount of subject possible, in focus.

Message edited by author 2008-08-26 16:30:59.
 08/26/2008 04:27:28 PM · #15
Abstract in the sense of art or photography means non-representational.
 08/26/2008 04:36:08 PM · #16
Since we are looking at black and white abstracts specifically, I will be looking for patterns and textures. The more interesting patterns and textures the better.
08/26/2008 09:31:57 PM · #17
Now I am sure you have figured it out that I am submitting an entry in Abstract B/W, please vote 15 out of 10 ;)

Thanks for pointing me to the right direction! I appreciate it very much!
08/26/2008 09:42:59 PM · #18
Originally posted by Citadel:
Since we are looking at black and white abstracts specifically, I will be looking for patterns and textures. The more interesting patterns and textures the better.


Yep. That's the definition I generally use. It's not a picture of a subject, per se, but a presentation of visuals: textures, patterns, colors, contrasts, shapes ...

I don't mind if I recognize the subject, but if the picture is primarily about the subject itself, then it's not as abstract. I liked the discussion above about a vase. A glass vase shot in front of blinds, creating interesting lines and swirls in the backlit glass, would be an abstract to me. A picture of a vase, lit from the front, where I'd say "that's a picture of a vase," wouldn't.

In the case of B&W abstract, think "tones" instead of "colors."
 08/26/2008 10:22:25 PM · #19
So, enter some chaotic looking shot and get a bunch of 'huh?' comments and a shitty score. Enter a shot that looks slick but has recognizable objects in it, get a bunch of 'not abstract, dnmc' comments.

This should be a blast. I'm tempted to yank my shot before I have to endure a week of expert opinions about what is or is not abstract art.
 08/26/2008 10:43:33 PM · #20
Originally posted by violinist123:
So, enter some chaotic looking shot and get a bunch of 'huh?' comments and a shitty score. Enter a shot that looks slick but has recognizable objects in it, get a bunch of 'not abstract, dnmc' comments.

This should be a blast. I'm tempted to yank my shot before I have to endure a week of expert opinions about what is or is not abstract art.


Actually, I find that when the challenge says "abstract" the voters are open to abstract photos and show a certain amount of discernment at judging them. This just makes me even madder at voters, because now I know that they are deliberately narrowminded.
 08/26/2008 10:44:34 PM · #21
Originally posted by violinist123:
So, enter some chaotic looking shot and get a bunch of 'huh?' comments and a shitty score. Enter a shot that looks slick but has recognizable objects in it, get a bunch of 'not abstract, dnmc' comments.

This should be a blast. I'm tempted to yank my shot before I have to endure a week of expert opinions about what is or is not abstract art.


Nah. I'm leaving mine in to get both the expert and inexpert opinions. To maybe just get one or two people to say, "I really like this."

With a challenge so up in the air, you can't guess, so why worry?
 08/26/2008 11:02:58 PM · #22
This is really a week that it's almost impossible to anticipate your score.
 08/26/2008 11:11:36 PM · #23
Originally posted by JCDean:
This is really a week that it's almost impossible to anticipate your score.


I anticipate my score to be 6.7352.

;-Þ
 08/26/2008 11:12:18 PM · #24
Originally posted by Pug-H:
Originally posted by CEJ:

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Google Images found using Abstract Photography as the search criteria.
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Some of those I wouldn't call Abstract.
Anyway, here's what the ol' Wikipedia says about Abstract Art:
"Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which exists independently of visual references to the world."


I like that definition but I fear the DPC definition will prevail which is just shoot anything designed by Frank Gehry, call it your own and collect a freak'n ribbon. :P

Message edited by author 2008-08-26 23:13:40.
 08/26/2008 11:23:53 PM · #25
I've never tried to shoot anything "abstract" before, and probably wouldn't have if it weren't for the DPC Olympics. But I really like what I came up with! I think it's visually interesting, with good tones and lots of lines to follow, yet would be difficult to accurately identify.

Now what the voters think mat be a completely different story... :-)
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