Creating Art from the Elements

I posted a few abstract photos a few weeks ago and I received several emails and responses regarding the images. Some wondered how did I do it and others just provided comments.

I actually wanted to post information about the pictures when I uploaded them. However, I never got around to providing the story behind the image. Nevertheless, that’s what this blog is designed to do.

I received an email from PPSOP.com, an online photography class I took. The email inspired me to combine everyday elements and photograph them in an abstract manner, thus “creating” art.

As a photographer, there are many debates as to what or how we should compose our shot. There is the “purist” belief that we should only photograph a subject in its natural state. Therefore, any manipulation of the scene by “removing” or “adding” elements is forbidden. However, I believe such unnecessary restrictions confine creativity. Therefore, as a direct violation of this rule, I bought a bouquet of flowers and sprayed them with a water bottle. I wanted to simulate the early morning dew flowers have. This leads me to my latest images.

“Oil and water don’t mix!” This is a saying often used when two opposing parties are unable to work together. However, as a photographer, it is the basis for creating abstract art because literally, “Oil and water don’t mix!”
I used a colorful magazine cover for this demonstration. The cover had many easter eggs in pastel colors on the cover. The soft colors would provide an excellent backgeound. Next, I used a baking tray and filled it halfway with water. After that, I grabbed some cooking grease and put it in the water. The grease remains separated from the water while it floats. Lastly, I placed my camera and a Tamron lens, 70-300mm lens with the macro feature, on a tripod over the glass tray and began photographing the interaction between the water and the oil.

As I began learning photography, I was advised to read photography magazines, websites, etc. and if I found something I really like to try and emulate it. The photographs I took are such an example. However, real growth comes when you no longer replicate other photographs. Instead, you’re motivated from within and you begin to see life in terms of lines, patterns, shapes, colors textures, etc. Then, the key is to capture them and introduce people to a world within a world.

As my journey continues and I photograph these moments, I look forward to sharing that growth with you.

Keep Shooting!

-Roger, Moore Images