Abstract Photography - Part 2

The subject of the "Abstract Photography - Part 1" posting was a Christmas tree (as seen above). Not a great picture on its own (actually it's pretty bad), but sometimes that's the point with abstract photography.

I shoot abstract images primarily for two reasons.  The first is to create an original/unusual image. The second is to make the most out of a less than ideal situation.  The first reason is pretty straight forward. The second probably requires some explanation.

There are times when the subject to be photographed is boring or uninspiring.  That's where the element of creating an abstract image comes in.  It at least gives you the opportunity to try and create a more interesting image than you might otherwise produce.

Also, it sometimes just comes down to the limitations of the camera.  This usually happens when the is very low (little) light.  In very low light, the camera often requires a slow shutter speed (the lens has to remain open longer than you would normally like).  This slow shutter speed often produces pictures that are out of focus.  If your image is going to be out of focus, you might as well use that to your advantage; sort of like making lemonade out of lemons.