The statement means that in abstract photography, the subject of the photograph is not the main thing that grabs your attention or makes the photo interesting. Instead, other aspects such as colors, shapes, patterns, or lighting are more important and captivating. Abstract photography focuses on creating visually appealing or thought-provoking images by emphasizing these elements rather than the subject itself. So, the subject might be recognizable or familiar, but it takes a backseat to other visual qualities that make the photo intriguing.