I still remember the day I accidentally bumped my tripod mid‑exposure—what should’ve been a ruined shot surprised me with a swirl of colors I’d never imagined. That happy accident ignited my obsession with abstract photography. Today, I’ll walk you through every step, sharing the lessons I’ve learned (and mistakes I’ve made) so you can create your own mind‑bending images—no boring “how‑to” fluff, just real talk and creative freedom.
Why Abstract Photography?
Before we dive in, let me ask: have you ever stared at a cracked wall or a puddle and suddenly saw art? That’s the magic of abstraction—finding the extraordinary in the everyday. Forget perfect subjects and tack‑sharp focus for a moment. Instead, lean into emotion, texture, and light. You’re not documenting reality; you’re crafting a visual riddle that invites viewers to fill in their own answers.
My Go‑To Gear & Why It Works
Camera & Lenses:
- Mirrorless or DSLR: Manual control is non‑negotiable.
- 50 mm f/1.8 or Macro Lens: Sharp enough for details, wide enough for everyday finds.
Extras I Always Pack:
- Tripod & Remote Shutter: Ideal for long exposures and avoiding shakes—yes, even when you plan to move the camera!
- ND Filters: Let you drag shutter speeds into dreamy territory, even under bright sun.
- Lens Cloth & Backup Batteries: Because nothing kills creativity faster than a smudge or a dead battery.
Hunt for Hidden Textures for Abstract Photography
Instead of “looking for a photo,” I roam with curiosity. That peeling paint on a brick wall? A kaleidoscope of reds and crimps. Frosted glass in a café window? Prismatic color blasts at sunset.
Pro tip: switch off autofocus and focus manually on a point in the frame—your eye will guide you to unexpected compositions.
Play with Light Like a Painter
Light is your brush.
- Backlighting: Hold your subject—say, a feather—between you and the sun for a glowing halo.
- Side Lighting: Emphasize every ridge and dip. Shadows become shapes; shapes become abstractions.
- Silhouette Experiments: Underexpose by a few stops, and suddenly a street sign or a row of chairs transforms into bold, graphic design.
Embrace Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)
I admit: my first ICM attempts looked like my toddler scribbled on the viewfinder. But here’s what helped:
- Slow Shutter (½–2 s): Dial it down until the world blurs.
- Steady Pan or Twist: Follow a passing car, then twist as it moves out of frame.
- Repeat, Refine, Repeat: Each “mess” teaches you how speed, direction, and timing interact.
Soon, you’ll paint with light—swirls of neon traffic, abstracted dancers, or rippling water that feels like liquid silk.
Composition—Break the Rules (Even the Abstract Ones) in Abstract Photography
Forget perfect thirds. Instead:
- Center for Drama: A lone leaf in the exact center can feel like it’s floating in space.
- Negative Space as Partner: Let a tiny droplet sit in acres of dark shadow—mystery guaranteed.
- Mirrors & Reflections: Flip your frame 180° and watch a cityscape or forest turn into a geometric puzzle.
Macro Magic for Microscopic Worlds
Macro isn’t just for ants and flowers—though they’re fair game.
- Get Closer Than You Think: Rust, fabric threads, coffee crema—all reveal galaxies of form and color.
- Focus Stacking (Optional): For when you want both texture and depth across a complex surface.
Post‑Processing to Amp the Abstract
RAW is your safety net. When I first started, I over‑did clarity and ended up with halos around every edge—so I dialed it back. Here’s my streamlined workflow:
- Basic Tone & Contrast: Just enough punch to guide the eye.
- Selective Color Tweaks: Maybe nudge blues into teal for a surreal vibe.
- Crop & Rotate: Sometimes a 90° flip reveals a hidden composition.
- Layer Blends (Lighten/Overlay): Two exposures become one mind‑bender.
Pro Tips & “Oops” Moments in Abstract Photography
- Tip: Check your histogram. If it’s all bunched to one side, you’re missing drama.
- Tip: Embrace under‑ or over‑exposure—abstraction thrives in extremes.
- Oops Moment: I once lost half my shots by not formatting my card. Backup, backup, backup.
- Don’t Do This: Over‑filter everything. Keep a bit of raw texture—our eyes crave it.
Abstract Photography Tutorial with Ray Scott — Turning the Ordinary into Surreal Art
In this creative and inspiring video from the Visual Art Photography Tutorials YouTube channel, photographer Ray Scott shows how everyday objects—like a simple cheese grater—can become the centerpiece of taking abstract photos.
Using Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Color Efex Pro 4 from the Nik Collection by Google, Ray walks us through a macro photography setup that blends technique with imagination. The result? A surreal, dreamlike image crafted entirely from something you might find in your kitchen drawer.
Shot both in studio and outdoors, Ray’s work is grounded in hands-on experience with Canon EOS 6D and 5D series cameras, paired with sharp f/4L lenses and a Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod for added precision. His kit includes the 16–35mm, 24–105mm, and 70–200mm f/4L lenses, plus a 50mm macro with extender—tools that give him flexibility to explore texture, shadow, and detail up close.
Throughout the video, Ray emphasizes not only gear and technique, but also the importance of visual literacy and creative observation. Drawing inspiration from greats like Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Freeman Patterson, he encourages photographers to study the masters—not to imitate, but to discover their own voice.
Whether he’s shooting landscapes, portraits, or abstractions, Ray reminds us of one timeless lesson: great photography often comes from simply being present, paying attention, and experimenting boldly.
Watch the Full Tutorial Below
Video from Visual Art Photography Tutorials. All rights and credits belong to the original creator, Ray Scott.
About the Creator
Ray Scott is the host and creator of Visual Art Photography Tutorials on YouTube, where he shares down-to-earth advice for photographers at all levels. From his Neighbourhood Photographer series to studio macro sessions, Ray’s teaching is rooted in real-world practice, visual storytelling, and a deep respect for the art form.
Shotpdia Challenge for Abstract Photography
Ready to break your own rules? Grab your camera tonight, find one humble object, and turn off auto-focus. Shoot for five minutes straight without peeking at the back of your camera—then review and celebrate any happy accidents. Share your best abstracts with form below for a chance to be featured in our next community showcase!
Shotpedia Magazine Submit Form
Here you an send your artworks to editorial team of shotpedia magazine.
