1. Abstract Photography Manipulating Reality

2. What is Abstraction? What does it mean to “abstract” something?What does it mean to “abstract” something? An object? An object? A person? A person? An article? An article? Reality? Reality?

3. Abstraction The quality of being ABSTRACT means: To be separated from its real or actual formTo be separated from its real or actual form Not representing or imitating external realityNot representing or imitating external reality

4. A VERY BRIEF Historical Overview of Abstraction in Painting Neo-Classicism Impressionism… Expressionism Cubism…. Surrealism Modern

5. Why make abstract art? What is the purpose of art? What is the purpose of an image?What is the purpose of art? What is the purpose of an image? How is art different from real life?How is art different from real life? How did the invention of photography change painting & drawing?How did the invention of photography change painting & drawing?

6. What’s the purpose of Photography?

7. Why make abstract photographs?

8. Methods for Creating Abstract Photographs Macro (up-close)Macro (up-close) MinimalismMinimalism –Colors –Shapes & Lines –Textures * Notice in the following examples how photographers often combine all of these techniques together to achieve their goal!

9. Macro A special lens that allows you to focus closely on an objectA special lens that allows you to focus closely on an object Point-and-shoot cameras typically have a little flower icon. Select the flower ON to shoot in “macro” modePoint-and-shoot cameras typically have a little flower icon. Select the flower ON to shoot in “macro” mode Very expensive lenses allow for better, more up-close pictures. Gear matters (unfortunately.)Very expensive lenses allow for better, more up-close pictures. Gear matters (unfortunately.)

17. Minimalism Minimalistic Photography is a style that captures very few subjects or objects within the frameMinimalistic Photography is a style that captures very few subjects or objects within the frame Isolation of an object within the frameIsolation of an object within the frame EmptinessEmptiness

24. Colors Focus on photographing areas or spaces of interesting color combinationsFocus on photographing areas or spaces of interesting color combinations Contrasting colorsContrasting colors Color SchemesColor Schemes Tonal differences in a colorTonal differences in a color

31. Shapes & Lines Identify organic or geometric shapesIdentify organic or geometric shapes Create new shapes via cropping and framingCreate new shapes via cropping and framing Create visual rhythm through linesCreate visual rhythm through lines Direct the viewer’s eyes through the image in a certain directionDirect the viewer’s eyes through the image in a certain direction

37. Textures Identify interesting textures (things that have a rough or smooth feel)Identify interesting textures (things that have a rough or smooth feel) Capture the details of the surface of an objectCapture the details of the surface of an object

49. Written Reflection 1.In your opinion, what is the purpose of photography? 2.If a photograph is abstract (either macro, minimalism, or other) does it still represent real life? For an A, answer 1,2 & 3: 3. Over the last century, photographers have begun to abstract images to a greater degree. Why might photographers choose to abstract reality, rather than depict it as we normally see it? How does this impact the purpose of photography?