How to take interesting abstract photos on smartphones

Once you understand what abstract photography is, learn how to take abstract photos, and edit existing photos to turn them into abstract photos, you will have a new genre to explore.

What is abstract photography?

In short, abstract photography is any photograph that is divorced from reality in some way. These are photos that are not immediately recognizable as belonging to the physical world in which we live. Abstract photographers use light, texture, perspective, movement, extreme close-ups, etc. to create images that are both satisfying and surreal.

Any type of photography can be art, but abstract photography straddles the line between photography and art like no other genre. It's for this reason that many people don't even dare to try it, but it's also the reason why more people should explore this exciting genre.

The most beautiful abstract photographs in the world can be extremely captivating to look at and contain meaning conveyed by the artist/photographer. However, there's no pressure on you to consider them art if you don't want to.

Abstract photography is a fascinating genre of photography that, when done right, can satisfy anyone's creative cravings. However, at first you might feel a little overwhelmed, so like many other creative projects, the trick is to try it and see what happens.

Things to keep in mind when taking abstract photos

If there's one word that sums up what you need to keep in mind when taking abstract photos, it's "opportunity." Photographers are always (or should be) looking for photo opportunities. And abstract photography is no different from any other genre in this regard. You should always look for interesting shapes, patterns, textures, reflections, light sources, and angles.

However, unlike other genres of photography, you need to think about abstract photography when looking for these opportunities. You can also take advantage of opportunities that naturally present themselves or create your own using different objects, angles and light sources around you.

There are also opportunities you spot and can capture without changing anything. Tree bark, when photographed under certain lighting conditions, will no longer look like tree bark. A textured material, when photographed close up, reveals its fibers and creates something that looks unrecognizable without context.

Opportunities are created that require your participation, including anything from shining a light source on an object to change its appearance, to arranging a series of objects in a certain way. certain to get the desired look. As long as the result is abstract to the viewer, it doesn't matter how the photo is set up. This photo is a shot of the inside of the washing machine, with a blue object added for a pop of color.

How to take great abstract photos on your phone

There's no real difference between taking abstract photos on a smartphone and taking them on other devices. The only exception is when you use extreme close-ups to create an abstract image. Although many smartphones have good zoom functions, they quickly lose focus compared to dedicated DSLR cameras with macro lenses attached.

However, this is not an obstacle. If you want, you can buy a clip-on macro lens for your smartphone. They vary in price and quality, but if you can find a good lens, it will allow you to get closer to your subject without losing focus from your smartphone camera. And good macro photography can form a great foundation for abstract photography.

However, this is not the only way to take beautiful abstract photos that will delight viewers. Experiment with different angles, lighting conditions, and objects that wouldn't normally be ideal photography subjects. When you take abstract photography, you are the architect, bending and shaping the world around you to find sublime qualities.

Start by pointing your camera at something you think could potentially be turned into an abstract piece. Try zooming in on the most interesting part, changing the angle, or turning on the flash (even in bright conditions) to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary.

Testing is the key factor.

During testing, you'll find that some photos turn out better than expected, while others need more editing. To create impressive works, editing is the most important part of the process.

Lesley Montoya

Update 10 August 2024