From representational to abstract

Photography exercise

Time: 30–40min

Tools: Camera or smartphone, image editing software

Goal: Learn about abstract photography and create an abstract picture with the help of image editing software.

Transversal competences: L2, L4, L5

An abstract photograph refers to a simplified, non-representational image with a subject that is difficult to identify. A photograph can be abstracted, i.e. simplified, for example by cropping it or going very close to the subject. Digital photography and image editing software have opened up new methods for creating abstract images. Many artists have taken advantage of the opportunity to modify the data contained in a digital image.

Task:

Take a representational photograph or choose a photograph you have taken earlier.
Edit the photograph into an abstract image using image editing software on your phone or computer.
Experiment with different tools such as: blur, sharpen, smudge, clone, mirroring as well as different brushes and filters.
Present the finalised abstract images in small groups. You can discuss for example the following questions:

What was in the picture before it was edited?
What is in the picture now?
In what stage of the manipulation process did the picture turn from representational to abstract?
Did you notice any specific tools that changed the photograph a lot?
How would you create an abstract image without image editing software?