Photographing the Abstract

Abstract photography is defined as photos that are not clearly recognized. In other words, the parts are not recognized as being parts of a whole.

Abstract photography is best suited for macro photography, but it doesn't have to be. On several occasions I have taken photographs of parts of a subject simply because of the available vibrant color.

Some of my favorite photo subjects are found at carnivals. I have several shots of those old wooden horses found at carnivals, parts of signs, parts of vending machines etc.

The idea is to find a specific part that has a discernible pattern or texture and if the color is vibrant even better. The shot should be pleasing to look at, it should bring intrigue to the equation and make the viewer ask " what is this? I want to see more!

Some of the best subjects are found in the leaves of plants (fresh or dry) and the petals as well as the stamens of most flowers. Note: for special effects when photographing dry leaves, use a gold reflector to add warmth to the shot.

Tree bark offers ample opportunity to show pattern and texture. Insect wings, specially butterflies, are specially suited because they most always have a clear pattern and often also have vibrant colors as well. Pebbles are a good source too. Bird feathers make great subjects because of their repetitive patterns, although you would have to photograph the feathers by themselves and not on a bird. Close ups or macros, due to the magnification will make even the sightless movement a blur so the uses of a good solid tripod is essential.

A technique that I have used on more than one occasion is to photograph the eye of marionettes, characters at carnivals statues and so on. They lend themselves very easily as conversation starters and our brain will immediately focus on the eyes. Next time you look at a photo, see where your focus falls on first (assuming that eyes are present in the photo).

Keep in mind that the key is to show only portions of the subject that are not clearly discernible as part of a whole (you can't tell what it is). Include patterns, if repetitive then better. Use color, vibrant colors work best. Make it a documentary; start with abstracts, then take shots that show more and more of the subject until it finally becomes clearly visible and recognizable.

Glass cups, jars, colored windows, colored marbles, these are excellent for abstract photography. Here is a sample of one of my most successful shots: a tall glass, filled with soda and ice cubes, placed on a dark board that has a small hole and which is illuminated from below and shot from above. Try it as an experiment and get in close. The room must be dark with only the light of the illuminated glass being the only source of light. This is a simple set up but illustrates the essence of abstract photography.

Other subjects can be a piece of string, parts of a painting, cloths, clay pots, parts of figures and ceramics. The list goes on but you get the idea.

Although not all abstracts need be of close ups, if you decide on doing macro photography, then the use of macro lenses or magnification filters, a solid tripod and a ring flash are items that you should not be without.

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Luis E Gonzalez
Long time Miami resident, enjoys photography and has been doing so for over 20 years. Currently employed in the social services industry in career development. Graduate of the University of Miami with bachelors degree and concurrent doctorate degree.

Varied experience in many fields, such as US. Navy reserve member during the operations Dessert Storm & Iraqi Freedom, State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer, Public School Teacher, Retail Management.

I am dedicated to sharing my photography experience with everyone.
You may reach me at luisegonzalez1961@hotmail.com

http://hubpages.com/profile/LuisEGonzalez

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Photographing a Newborn Baby

Newborn photography is a special and exciting experience. Newborns change so much after their first couple weeks of life, that it's best to photograph newborn babies before they are two weeks old. After two weeks, many newborns develop baby acne and aren't as flexible as they were during their first few days of life.

Here are a few tips to take successful newborn baby photographs:

HEAT YOUR ROOM
One of my most important things about photographing newborns is to make sure that the space you photograph the newborn in is very warm. Like adults and kids, newborns don't like being cold, so turn up the heat if you want a happy baby. If you plan on doing naked baby shots, the temperature of the room is critical.

FEED & CHANGE THE DIAPER OF YOUR BABY
Babies are happiest when they have recently been fed, so make sure to feed your baby subject before the shoot. Also, no one likes a dirty diaper, so make sure to check your baby's diaper before the shoot so that he or she doesn't feel any discomfort.

CREATE A BABY NEST NEAR A WINDOW
Most babies tend to flinch when flash from a camera is used. Therefore, it's best to situate your subject close to a window so that natural light can be used. If you have a bean bag or a couple big pillows, arrange them to make a "nest" on a table, stand, or on the floor near the light source. Cover the nest with a few baby blankets and you've got the perfect setup.

BE PATIENT
When photographing a baby, you have to work on the baby's schedule. So don't rush, take your time, and enjoy the experience.

SOOTH YOUR SUBJECT
You can sooth a baby by making a repetitive soothing noise. Another method of soothing a baby is picking the baby up and slight rocking it back and forth. If you have warm hands, you can try placing one of your finders between the two eyebrows of the baby. There is a pressure point in this area and it causes the baby to feel sleep and relaxed.

MOVE AROUND
In order to get the perfect photograph, you should try to move around your subject. There are definitely more flattering angles to every face. Try photographing from the side, above and from different angles that seem appropriate. Make sure to allow light to hit your subjects face and body while moving around him or her.

Enjoy the process:-)

Photographing at the Zoo

At the zoo photography tips will hopefully give you the opportunity of taking better shots of wild animals that otherwise would not be possible unless one was to travel to Africa, South America or any of the exotic places where zoo animals come from.

Unfortunately, most zoo operating hours are not ideally suited for photography. By the time you buy the tickets, take a bathroom break, get the map and make it to the tiger's exhibit, the tiger is sleeping or lounging around just causally looking at those strange bipeds staring at him. So you run to the gorilla's enclosure only to find more of the same.

If you have ever wondered why zoo animals are always asleep or basically just laying around, even thought you raced to get there just as the park opens? it's because they were fed about two hours before the park even opened.

Zoo animals offer most of us the chance to take great wildlife photos without having to travel outside of the country, although nothing beats an experience in the African plains, most often than not the prices for such trips can be overwhelming.

Here's a tip, most, if not all, zoos have special viewing times for zoo members, zoological association members and zoo donors. These special viewing times carry a fee but can be manageable. But the best is that they are usually during the best times for photographing animals in action. These times are earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the temperature is cooler and animals are eagerly awaiting their meals. Think of it, would you want to be prancing around after a full stomach or during the hottest part of the day?

Once you find yourself at the zoo during these special times, concentrate on taking shots that represent the animal in their natural environment as best you can. Try to avoid shots in which the animal's enclosure is visible. Also try avoiding unnatural looking "rocks" plastic or resin trees, fencing, and obvious feeding stations. Remember that the goal is to represent the animal as it would be represented if it were in its natural habitat. However, if you plan on selling your shots, be very clear and forthcoming in identifying the shots as being taken in a zoo.

When photographing your zoo adventure, concentrate on the animals eyes, even if other parts of the animals are not sharp or slightly out of focus, the eyes must always be sharp and clear. Do take advantage of freely roaming zoo animals, such as peacocks to do close ups when safe for your and your subject.

If you find your subject behind a fenced enclosure, place your lens as close to the fencing as possible and use a wide aperture. This will render the fencing almost invisible with just a minimal loss of detail. If your subject is behind an acrylic or glass enclosure, the same holds true, get your lens as close to the barrier as possible otherwise the glass or acrylic will promote reflections which will be visible on the final print.

The better zoos are those in which the environment has been carefully planned so that the animals have space to roam and made to look as natural as possible, a good example is Metro Zoo in Miami Florida. Seek this type of zoos for better photographic opportunities.

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Luis E Gonzalez,

Long time Miami resident, enjoys photography and has been doing so for over 20 years. Currently employed in the social services industry in career development. Graduate of the University of Miami with bachelors degree and concurrent doctorate degree. Varied experience in many fields, such as US. Navy reserve member during the operations Dessert Storm & Iraqi Freedom, State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer, Public School Teacher, Retail Management.

I am dedicated to sharing my photography experience with everyone.
You may reach me at luisegonzalez1961@hotmail.com

http://hubpages.com/profile/LuisEGonzalez

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luis_E_Gonzalez