This week, Ritva challenges us to think outside the normal photo subjects and instead think of the abstract. She writes, “Abstract photography breaks the normal rules of realism. It turns everyday scenes, objects, or textures into visual poetry, inviting viewers to see beyond the surface. It plays with light and shadow, blurring reality and using vibrant colors. Abstract images evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and challenge our perception. It is a genre of photography that focuses on the shapes, colors, textures, and patterns of the subject, rather than its literal representation.” You can read her entire challenge post here.
While sequestered at home during the pandemic, I experimented with a technique that modified typical images. Using Photoshop Elements, I created a “twirl” using a sequence of steps. Since then, I have adopted Photoshop’s full version, which now contains a simpler filter to create a twirl. I used an image of a rock wall and applied the filter to create my opening photo.
The process I used in 2020 was more sophisticated than the simpler twirl filter now built into Photoshop. As you can see by this example, it contains some geometric variations not present in the Photoshop Twirl filter. If you are interested in creating twirls like this example, there are several YouTube videos that can walk you step-by-step through the process. Just search YouTube for Photoshop Twirl Effect.
One autumn day, I found a leaf on the ground that had an interesting color pattern. I put it on a placemat and captured a cellphone photo of it. I then used a Photoshop filter pattern to create surreal patterns in the leaf and the placemat. I don’t remember the specifics of the filter I used. It turned out to be a lucky selection.
A set of LED lights depicted an African scene. I created this in-camera effect by setting a long exposure (0.5 sec), and after clicking the shutter, I rotated the zoom lens on the camera.
A few months ago, I experimented with an effect originally developed by Josh Adamski. He has some very unusual images, all done in post-processing. The technique helped capture this Native American performer at a PowWow. The original background was cluttered, and since the performer wasn’t yet onstage, it was distracting. Using Photoshop or Luminar Neo (I can’t remember which now), I separated the performer from the background by putting them on separate layers. The background layer was rotated and blurred, then the performer was reintroduced over the blurred background.
For a view of the metadata or to pixel-peep in high-res, you can view this entire gallery on my Flickr site here. Last week, Donna of https://windkisses.com/ rocked our world with her Earth Day theme. I really enjoyed visiting everyone’s take on that challenge. Next week, it’s Egidio’s turn. Remember to follow him here so you don’t miss his challenge post. If you’d like to join the challenges but need help getting started, check here.
John Steiner
Flare Legend Adventures
Gosh. Interesting and exciting stuff. You were busy indeed with Photoshop et al.
I find it fun to play with processing tools, though I am no expert at Photoshop.
John, I loved your opening shot, Orange and green twirl. The texture you created on the leaf also won me over. What you did with the lights is very clever.
Ritva, this challenge allowed me to remind myself that I used to play with images more than I do today. I need to get back there to do some more experimentation. The latest AI tools should make it easier than ever to be creative… the question is, who’s creativity is it? >grin<
Superb abstracts, John 👏 I thought at first that the first shot was a breaking wave that had been twirled 😃
Now that you mentioned a wave, I can see that. Darkening with the Vignette helped that illusion.
That’s the great thing about abstracts; they’re completely open to individual interpretation 😃 I suppose I was more likely to have seen the curling wave from all my time spent surfing & body boarding 🌊
Great work John 👍😊
Thanks, Brian. Ritva created a fun challenge.
Love these!
Thanks, Dawn!
Thank you for reminding me about those twirl and Adamski effects. I had fun playing with both after you introduced me to them but it’s been a while since I tried and although I posted some twirls at the time I never created enough decent Adamski images to be worth sharing. I must try again!
They are fun to create. Give them another go!
Well done John. I remember when we were experimenting with twirls, this was a fun reminder. Loved what you did with the little native American.
Those twirls were a great distraction from COVID lock-downs. 🙂
Interesting abstracts and thank you for explaining how you achieved.
I love Zoom lights and native American click.
Thanks, Philo!
You are welcome, John.
It looks like you were having fun with Photoshop John! I like the results. I especially like the young Native American and the image background. I do need to learn how to use layers.
I don’t use layers much, but when I have, the results have been worth the effort. I still struggle with placing layers front to back to get the desired results. >grin<
😊
Well done! You created some amazing abstracts using Photoshop. Thanks!
Thank you! A fun challenge!
Amazing and interesting, John. You are the master at figuring out post processing magic. A great way to combat time over the pandemic, with great success. I love the twirls. And the photo from the Pow Wow.
Thanks, Donna! I need to get back to doing more of those “tricks.” >grin<
Clever. They look lovely
Thanks, I.J.
Excellent. Leaf, zoom lights, and young Native American are among my faves. 👏
Thanks, John.
Love the green and orange twirl. It looks ready to take off into space
I did about a dozen of them in 2020. This one was my favorite. Thanks!
Wow, what great abstracts! Each one is unique and so entrancing. I really liked the twirl and its endless possibilities.
The geometry of the design is fascinating, and you are correct about the variations. Change a number or two and you get a completely different design.
So cool, John! First two are awesome, especially the twirl one 🙂
Thanks, Sofia! They are fun experiments, and every tweak of a setting in the filter brings a new design.
I especially like your Rock wall twirl John, great colours and movement.
Thanks! fun challenge!
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