By : Nikon School Blog | 27 Nov, 2014 |
As photographers we constantly search for interesting subjects. However, sometimes, the subjects are difficult to find, or maybe there's something called a 'photographers block', when we run out of ideas. Those are the times to create a subject out of anything rather than go looking for a subject. Sounds weird? Welcome to the world of abstract photography. Here, everything is a subject and it's your take on it which gives a new meaning to it.
Walls and windows have long been among the favourite subjects of photographers trying to create interesting abstract frames. Firstly they are everywhere around you, presenting an unending variety of texture, colours and patterns – all ingredients to create memorable frames. All you need is a thinking mind and an urge to create something out of nothing.
Just take a walk in your own neighbourhood. Take a good look at the walls that you cross. Some might be old with cracks in them, the paint peeling out, creating abstract patterns. Other might have plants growing out of the cracks. Once spotted, frame them from various angles, highlighting the one aspect which is most attractive.
The best way to frame walls that have patterned textures is to frame them along with some contrasting elements.
Often as walls get older, they develop stains or patches due to exposure to the elements. These walls are more likely to be spotted around the older areas of a city, especially historic cities like Agra, and Delhi. If you're a in any such city, try to concentrate on the walls which themselves are very much a part of the history of that place.
Graffiti and other paintwork on walls can provide great opportunities to create interesting images. Indian villages and semi-urban locations often have houses with brilliantly decorated walls and windows. Your composition should enhance the monochromatic or contrasting elements of the paintwork.
Walls with contrasting elements are good subjects to try selective colouring. This can be done before shooting in some cameras, while in others; it can be done in-camera under retouch menu options.
Don't forget to study the geometry in windows. The straight lines almost always provide potential for interesting frames, but watch out for other shapes as well.
A window framed by an aging wall is always an attractive subject, and you'll come across many around Indian cities, especially in the older sections.
While there's no specific technique to shoot abstracts with walls and windows, using moderate apertures like f/8 to f/11 are recommended to bring out the details. For this Aperture priority is the preferred mode. Unless you are shooting in low light, use low ISO values like 100-200 for best output. Use Vivid picture control to get saturated colours and high contrast
