Lesson 1: Abstract Photographs (25 points)
Abstract photography is a method of expressing ideas and emotions with photographed images without the intention of creating a realistic image. By avoiding and going beyond the usual representations of an object, or scene you can reveal details that are normally ignored, such as, colors, shapes, lines, designs, etc.
Compared to more popular photography styles like product, outdoor, and wedding photography, abstract photography goes against many photography rules. It gives you the freedom to take a photo of anything that grabs your attention and allows you to express your artistic nature.
Take at least 5 excellent examples of abstract photography.
How to Take Abstract Photos
1. Start with everyday objects.
2. Simplify the composition: Communicate through color, shape, lines, pattern, repetition, form, contrast, etc.
3. Get close to the subject.
4. Blur the subject with movement, or looking through something (rain on a window, cellophane, tissue paper, etc.).
5. Change your angle of view: Use exaggerated perspective or camera angles.
6. Keep it mysterious. If you can identify objects in the photo it looses the abstract quality.
Compared to more popular photography styles like product, outdoor, and wedding photography, abstract photography goes against many photography rules. It gives you the freedom to take a photo of anything that grabs your attention and allows you to express your artistic nature.
Take at least 5 excellent examples of abstract photography.
How to Take Abstract Photos
1. Start with everyday objects.
2. Simplify the composition: Communicate through color, shape, lines, pattern, repetition, form, contrast, etc.
3. Get close to the subject.
4. Blur the subject with movement, or looking through something (rain on a window, cellophane, tissue paper, etc.).
5. Change your angle of view: Use exaggerated perspective or camera angles.
6. Keep it mysterious. If you can identify objects in the photo it looses the abstract quality.
Lesson 2: Abstract Architecture (50 points)
In this lesson you will focus on just architecture - buildings, windows, railings, etc. for the abstract photographs.
Take at least 5 excellent examples of abstract architecture. Place these photos on your Weebly website in a gallery labeled Abstract Architecture. Next you will learn to use Photoshop to abstract one of your photographs even more. |
Lesson 3: Abstract Your Abstract Architecture Even More (100 points)
In this lesson you will make your abstract photographs more abstract by using a minimalist approach using Photoshop. Your objective is to flatten each shape by using a single color – no values, no shadows, no gradients – only single hued colors. The colors you select are your choice. The photograph you select should have at least 15 shapes that need to be selected and colored.
Before you start this assignment the teacher will guide you in an in-class demonstration using the "pink wall" photo located in Schoology.
STEPS 1. Open a photograph in Photoshop. 2. Break your photograph into polygonal shapes using the polygonal lasso tool. a. In the LAYERS pallet – select your background layer. b. Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to outline straight edged shapes. Make sure the shape is connected (closed). You will see a marching ants outline when the shape is closed. c. Press COMMAND and J to place this shape in its own layer. d. Color the layer by selecting EDIT > FILL > COLOR. The color picker will open and you need to pick a color. Note: If the shape doesn't fill with color you might need to select the layer again. To do this place the mouse over the layer in the layers palette. Then press and hold the COMMAND key and click the mouse. This action selects the shape with the marching ants outline. 3. Repeat Step 2 a thru d until the entire photograph is broken into flat colored shapes. Note: ALWAYS select the background layer/original photograph before you outline a shape with the polygonal tool. |