Share Six | Abstract

June’s theme over at Share Six is abstract.  Those of you who know me personally as a photographer know that I am a portrait photographer.  This is what I love though about being part of a photography group that does themed challenges like this.  This group of gals is constantly stretching me and helping me grow.  If you are a photographer and haven’t taken part in these monthly challenges or any other challenges, I highly encourage you to do so.  You will find that it’s very fun and you learn a lot, therefore your skills improve.

As I said, abstract is not something I’ve really even dabbled in.  So I was really racking my brain trying to figure out what I was going to photograph.  It dawned on my that I could use intentional camera movement to make ordinary objects become abstract.  I haven’t even really played with intentional camera movement either, but what better time than now?

For my first image, I waited until later in the evening.  I knew because of using a slow shutter speed I’d need less light.  I pointed my camera up at some trees.  When I pushed the shutter button, I twisted my camera creating the swirl.

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For my next image, I just pointed at some grass (still in the evening when it was getting dark) and moved the camera a bit as I pressed the shutter.

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For my third image, I actually shot it during the middle of a bright sunny day.  I pointed up at a tree. I shot at ISO 100 and f/29 and 1/2 sec. shutter speed.  I used my 28-135 and started wide, but zoomed as I pressed the shutter.

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My fourth image was the same technique.  This was a picture of the pond behind our yard.  This is one of my favorites of the set. Who knew I’d like intentional camera movement and zooming so much?

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For my last two, I waited until after dark and headed to the carnival/fair that happens to be in town right now.  I wanted to do some light painting, and I once again used a slow shutter speed and intentional camera movement.

For this first one, I just left the shutter open and moved my camera all around.

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For this second one, I held the camera still for a second so I could get the ferris wheel somewhat defined, then moved the camera in a wave pattern.IMG_4587_web

I hope you enjoyed my interpretation on the theme abstract.  I have to say, I had a lot of fun playing around getting these images.  I hope you will too! Get out and have fun creating art!  First though, continue through our circle to see Janet’s blog.  You won’t be disappointed!