1. Select an Artist

Lines: Each photo contains lines, which either divided space or outline the shape in the photo. There are vertical, horizontal, curvy, and straight lines; however, each line in the picture serves other elements. For instance, in picture 4, vertical and horizontal lines create a pattern. In pictures 1 and 2, the lines outline the shapes, creating a composition.

Shapes: Shapes also played a significant role in Ola Kolehmainen’s photographs. However, using shapes in different photos has different effects. For example, in pictures 1 and 2, when different shapes are combined, their composition gives viewers a mysterious feeling and increases their artistic value. In contrast, in picture 4, shapes became a part of a pattern, dividing the space into many little pieces.

Patterns: Patterns are primarily represented in pictures 4 and 5. These two patterns are different. The pattern in picture 4 gives viewers a sense of order. All elements in that photograph were lined together, and each space was aligned and tidy. Whereas the pattern in picture 5 gives viewers a sense of level by repeatedly layering the same shape ( each time flipped vertically).

Tone: Each photograph has a different tone, which creates different atmospheres and conveys different feelings. Pictures 7 and 8 have a bright tone since they have a brighter color, bringing a sense of brightness and cleanness. Additionally, in picture 5, there is a process of the color gradient, from dark to bright, following an order which draws viewers’ attention from bottom to top.

Colors: Ola Kolehmainen likes to use colors in his photographs, demonstrating both balances and contrasts in colors. Pictures 4, 5, 7, and 8 have a balance of color since they are all similar; in other words, they all follow the same color saturation. On the other hand, pictures 1, 2, and 3 have different colors that create a contrast. A balance in color expresses calm, and a difference accentuates its visual effect.

I had chosen this photographer because his use of colors in his photographs grabbed my attention when I was doing my research. He used colors in many different ways, such as color gradients, balance, and contrast in color. The essential idea of my vision is COLORS,  and Ola Kolehmainen presents colors in some special ways, which inspired me, as a photographer, how to include colors in my photographs.

 

2. Respond to an Image

I choose this image because the use of color differs from what people usually do. People often include balanced colors in their photos; however, the colors in this photo are pink and green, which contrast with each other. Therefore, Ola Kolehmainen breaks a common rule in photography; however, resulting in creating beautiful and unexpected images. Another unusual about this photograph is the curvy lines. We see straight lines more often than curvy lines, and sometimes, it could be hard to capture curvy lines in your photos since they are more difficult to compose than straight lines. The subject is presented in a spiral structure in this image, and the photographer captured it from two different angles. The outlines (curvy lines) of the subject crossed with each other, forming a sense of mixing.

Lines are best represented in this photograph, which is important because it is a critical part of making this image look abstract. In this photograph, the lines are curvy and crossed with each other. These lines played a significant role in this photograph, such as conveying emotions to audiences and dividing the space. To begin with, although the curvy lines are crossed, it is not confusing the viewers; instead, it gives a feeling of smoothness and vividness. Therefore, the composition of these curvy lines makes the photo abstract. Another thing that makes this image abstract is that the lines divide the photograph into different pieces. In this case, the lines became the outline of each shape in this photograph, and each shape has various colors, green, pink, or white. These lines/outlines create direction in the picture, letting the viewers’ attention follow the lines. 

I like this style mainly because of his use of color. One characteristic of Ola Kolehmainen’s photographs in color. In this photo, pink and green are the main colors, supplemented by white. Pink and green form a sharp contrast since pink is a warm color, whereas green is a cold color; moreover, white fills the background and highlights the subject’s outlines. Instead of containing lots of colors, Ola Kolehmainen only includes several colors, but each color appears in a large area in the photos. In conclusion, I like this style because it gives full play to the role that color can play in a photograph and enhances its visual effect as much as possible.

I would adapt this style to my own photography by being aware of compositions in my life around me. Before taking a picture, consider the composition and color, think about what scenes I want to include in this image, where my camera should be placed (angle, height…), and how this photo’s color will look. As an abstract photographer, all these attempts are for me to form a solid visual effect in my photographs. This image clearly demonstrates the keys to taking colorful photos with powerful visual effects. This inspired me to pay more attention to similar compositions in life and also let me want to focus more on architecture as my subject.

 

3. Revise My Vision