Abstract Realignment
I have those times when my brain just doesn’t want to do anything, let alone anything creative. When that happens, I do an abstract black and white with split toning in Lightroom exercise. It’s not the most magnificent thing in the world, but it’s fun play and it sometimes gets the brain moving again.
Next Time: Old Dictionaries
I love them and I have two. One I just found is pretty cool.
Club Shoot Archive
Here are a couple of archive photos from January’s photo club table top night. I brought my own light source and reflectors as well as some subject matter, but it is kind of a free for all, so I ended up photographing mostly items the other members brought. Mine ended up being mostly floral items and a vintage green glass dish.
Next Time: Sand Dunes
I went to Michigan and checked out a National Lakeshore area.
Thaw-Freeze
It’s freeze-thaw cycle time around here. We’re more in the thaw today, thankfully. However, one morning last week I went out to get some shots of a creek that was thawing and had frozen in places again. Thaw-freeze, if you will. this makes the ice patterns more interesting and complex. There were also trapped bubbles, and added bonus.
Next Time: Mugs or Spring
I have some more mug photo ideas wandering around in my brain. Otherwise, well see how quickly Spring gets here.
Somewhat Abstract
I said I was going to do abstract. Well, this is a little more realistic than I normally do, but I would say it counts. Split toning on all but one of them, mostly close-ups, but, yes, a little more realistic than usual for this kind of post.
Next Time: Night photography or try again.
Woods and Abstract
I think fall was the last time I did something like this. After my last couple of posts, I just need to get used to shooting out in the woods again before the spring flowers come.
Ever feel like something is watching you?
I shot and split toned the above two thinking of them more like rock formations than broken off trees.
Next Time: More Nature or Archive
Rainy Abstract
Despite the rainy weather, I decided to take my camera outdoors for abstract shots. The light was soft, but dim, so the tripod was a must. Damp surfaces also have a different look about them, not to mention the rain drops adorning various surfaces.
Next Week: Archive or Lightening Rods
Abstract Nature
One of the most wonderfully abstract and textured things in nature happens to be bark. Rocks and snow are also up there in my book. Thankfully, we don’t have any snow yet. It’s pretty, but I’m not ready for it. I put a black and white layer on all the shots in Photoshop, then I tinted them to further remove them from normality. I don’t really want them to look like bark. The focus is supposed to be on the shape, texture, and tone.
This last one isn’t very abstract, but it was too interesting to pass up: a naturally occurring number 11.
Next Week: Nature or Antique Jewelry
I’m hoping to go for a long walk in the woods, weather permitting, of course. If not, I may share some cloud shots.
Highlights of Average Cars
Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t permit me to make it to a cruise night last week. I’ve got some prospects for next week, so hopefully things will come together this time. Meanwhile, here are some artistic shots of more average vehicles. It was a color, shape, and texture exercise. Good practice for when I get my lens on something more interesting.
Yes, I like tail lights, but I did consider other parts of the cars.
Next Week: Cruise Night or Nature
Which one it is depends on when I can find a cruise night and what else is happening in my life.
Indoor Abstracts
Last week, the weather was poor and I was in an odd mood. I felt inspirationally dry, so I decided to play a game, resulting in some less serious photographs. The rules of my game were as follows: all images were to be shot as if in monochrome, toning/split toning in Lightroom would later be used to enhance the feel of the image, photographs were to be of everyday objects in one room, objects should preferably not be easily recognizable in the final shot, normal object orientation was to be seen as a barrier to overcome.
This was the first object to grab my attention. The soft, round shapes and contrasting materials made me think of three things: a flower, ice cream in a cup, or some sort of mod-style architectural detail.
desk lamp
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For the third image, I went a bit more standard than the rules. The detail on my new lamp provided a symmetrical heart shape with some additional ornamentation. I found it hard to resist.
Lastly, I wondered about the bottom side of vases. I’ve photographed lots of them, but always right side up. This particular example had a flower shape on the bottom. The unrefined and scared glass bottom coupled with a purple tone reminded me of the photographs of uncut amethyst in science books.
I couldn’t do this every week. For one thing, it wouldn’t be adequate practice and skill building. It’s a break. A chance to let loose and do something different for once just as a creative exercise.
Next Week: Outdoors or First Camera
Depending on the weather, I’ll either shoot more of the natural world or give you a look at the first camera I learned to use.
