“Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element. Albert Renger-Patzsch and Aaron Siskind photographed the ordinary to reveal their beauty. Uta Barth reversed the typical use of the camera, shooting out of focus and Andreas Gursky photographs the repetition of elements. During this unit, you will investigate appropriate examples of abstract photography and respond in your own way.”

I think abstract photography is more about the patterns than about the subject, and there are also certain ‘rule-breaking’ elements in abstract photography that are associated with our first unit. For example, shooting out of focus or blurred can direct the audience’s attention to other elements like the shapes or the colors, which can be more important in abstract photography than a subject. Abstract photography can be freeing in some ways because it is experimental and new, but it can also be more difficult to make it look good while also exploring non-conventional photography methods. I look forward to studying abstract photography and observing how it will change my own perspective of looking at things.