Scouting the internet to try and get a simple layman’s definition for “Abstract Art” was quite an interesting task indeed. The definitions were as varied as the art that they represent.
“Abstract art is a medium to convey, that, which is implied rather than that which is recognised.”
That’s the best I could do to summarise all of the definitions which I found and liked. So, abstract photography is simply taking a photograph that concentrates on shape, form, colour, pattern, texture and movement.
Not only does wildlife photography offer varied opportunities to get abstract images of creatures that roam the planet, but it also offers a chance to photograph more common species in a new and different way. This week, I want to show you some of my favourite abstract images that I have taken, and also try to explain why I found them interesting. Many were instinctive photos and could easily just being explained away with a “I simply like them”.
Asian elephant and calf
The above photo is a touching moment between a mom and her calf. This scene was taken on a really hot day in Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. We had arrived at a waterhole to see if anything interesting was about, like the Asiatic Leopard which I was keen to photograph.
This pair walked in from behind our parked position and moved quickly, and with much joy, into the water. We were in the blazing sun and the overall scene was washed-out with the harsh afternoon sun, not the best light for appealing wildlife photography.
At this point you have three choices. Go back to the lodge for a nice cool shower, shoot for black and white images which would require a lot of processing, or, try some abstract photography that cuts out a lot of the light.
I grabbed the 500mm lens and focused on the calf which had moved in for a bit of affection. I like the intimate crop and took several photos as mom swung her trunk to cool them off. This is my favourite.
Love the movement in this shot. You can almost feel the cool splash of water! 🙂