Post your abstracts

[Donald Miller]

It's been awhile since we have had a thread of abstract images. I will kick this off with a recent image.

[G Benaim]

OK, I'll bite. Here's one of mine, works just as well (better) as a little 4x5 contact print as in the larger sizes. What size do you print yours, Donald?

[Richard M. Coda]

Two recent images...

Mustang Library entrance (BW) 8x10 TMax100
Rust Abstract (color) 4x5 Velvia 100

[Tony Karnezis]

Great work. Most of my abstracts are on 6x6. I'll dig up some LF and post them soon. Until then, keepumcomin.

[matthew blais]

Don't remember if I posted this before, so I'll do so..
4x5, Shore Acres OR

[jnantz]

...

[Miguel Coquis]

egg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RwFNDsHP6Tk/SUQqKo0V1uI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Cac2wrUgumk/s800/huevito.jpg

[rcjtapio]

I guess I'm not too surprised that this thread never really took off. Abstracts are not literal photographs of the subject in front of the camera & are harder to understand. Yet, abstracts are the most exciting photographs for me. I'll throw are few out to see if there might be some other souls that enjoy them as much as I do. I know most people's reaction is "huh." But that's OK, I still enjoy making them.

Rick Tapio

[rcjtapio]

Here is another set of abstracts.

Rick Tapio

[Chuck Pere]

Nice Rick. I really like the fence one, third in the first group.

[boris]

rick,
i do enjoy your pictures very much! complimenti, great vision
most people have no idea of the truth... therefore most people just copy the tast of the majority. therefore the tast of most people is a good guidance...
if they like your work start to be suspicius!
more pics please.
boris

[Kerik Kouklis]

This thread brings up a question I have whenever I see work described as "abstract". I'm wondering what that label means to different people. For me, if the subject is easily identified as to what it is (e.g. Miguels' egg), it's not an abstract. The image Don posted definitely is. Just my opinion...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Okay, I almost forgot that I had these.

Jim

[Joe O'Hara]

Good thread! Rick, the 3rd one in your first set reminds me of they days I used to spend with a Tek 465 scope in front of me. Nice work all.

These two are from last week. I was working the shady side of a 19th century battery in Salem County. N+2 development was used to expand the tonal range. (It's great how
TMY responds to this.) 150mm Symmar-S in the old Wista.

[rcjtapio]

Love them. These are great images. Thanks for posting everyone. Here are four more.

What is abstract? Back in 1977 & 1978 I was lucky enough to attend the Ansel Adams Workshops in Yosemite, & found that Ansel thought of his photographs as abstract, which will surprise many. (When someone asked Ansel why he shot in B&W, his answer was because it was one more step removed from reality.) Think about it...really all photographs are abstract just as menus are not real food.

Rick Tapio

[Jim Galli]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/ElevationWheel.jpg
elevation

[cobalt]

Here is another set of abstracts.

Rick Tapio

The one on the far right is really nice. I'd be proud to hang that one on the wall.

[jnantz]

...

[Steve Gledhill]

Interesting to consider just what 'abstract' means. Wikipedia mentions "... a degree of independence from visual reference in the world". Accepting that then I'd say these two are abstract. Looking through my entire collection of images these are the only ones that I'd classify that way although I do have some that border on the abstract. The wiki description is nicely open by saying "... a degree of ... ". Both images were taken the same afternoon of the rock walls in Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass.

[ljsegil]

Not sure if these qualify, but I'll post and leave that judgment to the forum. I kind of like them, so I suppose that shows the state of my own taste. Hope someone may get some pleasure or at least a laugh.
Larry

[ljsegil]

Just one more as I am unable to critique my own stuff well enough to winnow the wheat from the chaff (and two small format digital that don't belong but I think are kind of cool and want to put up for the forum in violation of the rules and norms of our society (and yes, I was sort of an SDS participant in my youth, so please forgive my further, continuing transgressions)).
Larry

[nathanm]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2835848976_1974ec7608.jpg

[andress007]

SWIFT & Son lens '1860

[jnantz]

....

[Bruce M. Herman]

Here are some abstracts from the southwest.

1. Water laid sand
2. bush in sand dune
3. Log in an adobe wall

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Here are some abstracts from the southwest.

1. Water laid sand
2. bush in sand dune
3. Log in an adobe wall

Bruce I really like that first one. Look like you took it on Mars. Nice work.

Jim

[D. Bryant]

This thread brings up a question I have whenever I see work described as "abstract". I'm wondering what that label means to different people. For me, if the subject is easily identified as to what it is (e.g. Miguels' egg), it's not an abstract. The image Don posted definitely is. Just my opinion...

Perhaps the phrase 'Abstract Expressionism' should be used to classify the type of work like Donald's and others whose images do not visually describe an identifiable or recognizable object. In other words a style of photography that produce a non representation image which expresses or describes an idea or emotion thought or felt by the photographer.

Or these types of photos could be said to be examples of visual thinking; thoughts that cannot be written about or verbalized by the photographer, visual perceptions that have been captured with a visual media.

I forgot who wrote this but someone once remarked that there are only two types of photographs, "What is it?" or "Who is it?".

Don Bryant

[Miguel Coquis]

Hi,
Yes. If you can only see "eggs", thats what you have seen !
It all depends with which eyes one sees when seeing abstracts.
There where eggs there, when I took the picture...
That I can not help.
Normally, I felt light and what it offers to me !!!!
Then just follow...
Good luck.

Perhaps the phrase 'Abstract Expressionism' should be used to classify the type of work like Donald's and others whose images do not visually describe an identifiable or recognizable object. In other words a style of photography that produce a non representation image which expresses or describes an idea or emotion thought or felt by the photographer.

Or these types of photos could be said to be examples of visual thinking; thoughts that cannot be written about or verbalized by the photographer, visual perceptions that have been captured with a visual media.

I forgot who wrote this but someone once remarked that there are only two types of photographs, "What is it?" or "Who is it?".

Don Bryant

[Miguel Coquis]

This thread brings up a question I have whenever I see work described as "abstract". I'm wondering what that label means to different people. For me, if the subject is easily identified as to what it is (e.g. Miguels' egg), it's not an abstract. The image Don posted definitely is. Just my opinion...

http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#search/eggs/11e2f76987d2f43c
Kouklis,
Eggs are not mine and there is none description, at all. Only a visual.
No property syndrome. I am photographer not a farmer.
As I say before some where else: eggs is what you see !
How come can you see something else ?
"abstract" can not exist alone, it needs ones acceptation.
Ease your mind and something else can probably appears....

[jnantz]

miquel

as beautiful as your egg image is ( and i like it! )
i think images like that are more "conceptual" than "abstract"
i always understood abstraction to be something totally different
than conceptualism, but perhaps they are both one in the same
and bring us that much closer to the universal truth we all search for.

i look forward to the next one!

john

[Steve Gledhill]

Two recent images...

Mustang Library entrance (BW) 8x10 TMax100
...

What a superb image Richard. One I wish I'd seen - and will look the likes of in future.

[rcjtapio]

In my head, conceptual is different than abstract. Conceptual photographs are based on a idea...IE shooting a hunk of dirt from all 7 continents of the world. All 7 images may look the same in each picture, but it is important that they we all shot miles apart from each other. It's that idea that is important.

Abstract, on the other hand, is more metaphysical. The photograph is more than a literal picture of something. The photograph is more than what something looked like. The photograph has some meaning beyond the subject matter. (IE...the photograph might work just as well when viewed upside-down.)

It is interesting to me that I see the interpretation of the Bible and other holy literature the same way. Do you believe the Bible literally, or can you see truth metaphorically? Both schools exist in theological circles today. My guess is that, if you are one to see the stories in the Bible as literal truth (they really happened just as they are described), you might not enjoy abstract photographs. Just a theory on my part.

Attached are a few more of my abstracts.

Rick Tapio

[A.J. Dickson]

Not really an abstract, but kinda exited as this is one of first attempt with Dallmeyer 1b, touch of swirlies just creeping in, tiny DOF.

[jnantz]

...

[Colin Graham]

...

Wow, those are fantastic John. What a great series.

[jnantz]

hi colin

thanks! i'm glad you like them :)

john

[Miguel Coquis]

...


John, these are fantastic, another dimension !!!
Love much third one !!!

[jnantz]

hi miguel

thanks for the comment -
i kind of like the depth the
scrapes add as well ...
back when i was coating big glass plates to print on
i abandoned the emulsion after a while, and just printed out
the subb'ed plates because the "messed-up" subbing on glass was kind of fun :)
i guess i am moving backwards as i move forwards ;)

john

[Richard M. Coda]

What a superb image Richard. One I wish I'd seen - and will look the likes of in future.

Thank you, Steve.

Where is Evesham? I was born in West Runton, Norfolk (near Cromer). Don't remember anything... moved to the US when I was 3. Also (from your website), when did Wyoming secede? :)

[Merg Ross]

Most recent.

[Steve Gledhill]

Thank you, Steve.

Where is Evesham? I was born in West Runton, Norfolk (near Cromer). Don't remember anything... moved to the US when I was 3. Also (from your website), when did Wyoming secede? :)

Richard,
Evesham is 14 miles SE of Straford upon Avon and 30 miles S of Birmingham.

Norfolk is a fantastic county to photograph - especially all along the North Coast of Norfolk to the East of Cromer. I'm a regular visitor there and have had a show at a gallery nearby in Holt. You should come back home some day and give it a try!

I see what you mean about Wyoming seceding - at least as far as my website is concerned. By separating it out from my other USA pictures it's really meant to show that it was a particular trip that stood out photographically speaking from many of my others to the US.

[rcjtapio]

Hi Steve...

Just checked out your website...very nice!!!....you are a busy boy. I really enjoy your eye. I see a lot of Bruce Barnbaum influence. Have you attended one of his workshops?

Rick

[Steve Gledhill]

Hi Steve...

Just checked out your website...very nice!!!....you are a busy boy. I really enjoy your eye. I see a lot of Bruce Barnbaum influence. Have you attended one of his workshops?

Rick

Rick,

Thanks for your kind comments. I really need to update my website as I have a lot of new material to add from over the last 18 months or so. And some culling is definitely called for too.

I like a lot of what Bruce B does though I haven't been on one of his workshops. But I do spend quite a bit of time with people who have attended - so your sensing an influence is perhaps well observed. He and I would part company though over the final rendering of the print. I'm totally wedded to digital processes once I have my Tmax negative in hand whereas, from what I hear, Bruce would most likely be of a different persuasion. But I stand to be corrected!

[Steve Gledhill]

Richard,
Evesham is 14 miles SE of Straford upon Avon and 30 miles S of Birmingham.

Norfolk is a fantastic county to photograph - especially all along the North Coast of Norfolk to the East of Cromer. I'm a regular visitor there and have had a show at a gallery nearby in Holt. You should come back home some day and give it a try!

I see what you mean about Wyoming seceding - at least as far as my website is concerned. By separating it out from my other USA pictures it's really meant to show that it was a particular trip that stood out photographically speaking from many of my others to the US.

Oooops ... South West of Stratford not SE. And West of Cromer - not East.
I must have been having a disorientation day

[plepagejp]

My Chamonix 45n-1 just arrived last week and now I can finally stop lurking around this forum. There is a lot of inspiration to be found here. This is from my first outing with the camera, my first time using TMY-2 and my first time developing sheet film... I have a lot to learn but, much fun will be had.

[Jim Michael]

Steve, amazing detail and contrast in your Anasazi petroglyphs. How'd you manage that?

[Steve Gledhill]

Steve, amazing detail and contrast in your Anasazi petroglyphs. How'd you manage that?

Jim,
Filters and Photoshop. It's never easy to predict which filter will work best so I stand in front of each petroglyph and try each filter in turn usually looking for the highest contrast effect. I find it necessary to let my eye accommodate to the filter for a while (15 > 20 seconds or so) and have the filter close to my eye to block out extraneous light to get the best notion of how the filter will affect the image. For some a red filter does the trick whilst others need deep blue or dark green. Obviously all depends on the rock colour and and the colours of the petroglyphs. Photoshop can then help out some more for ink printing just as can the appropriate usage of variable contrast papers for silver printing. And of course there's N+ film development too.

[Jrewt]

I'll give it a go =)

http://www.emulsionfoodphotography.com/images/Dirt,-Patterns-on-driveway-copy.jpg

[Miguel Coquis]

and more !

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Expo%20Mars%2009/Abstracto-000.jpg

[Miguel Coquis]

light,
or shadow ?

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Expo%20Mars%2009/Volets.jpg

[spiky247]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2817583530_b8e5d6236c_o.jpg
AWO119

[z_photo]

i really like this shot. given the caption it sort of goes from A to Z

[jnantz]

...

[Jim Galli]

...

Excellent John. I'm inspired. J

[jnantz]

thanks jim!
glad i could help :)

[Nana Sousa Dias]

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2156/bicicleta800pixeis.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bicicleta800pixeis.jpg)
Cambo Legend 810, Schneider Symmar S 360/6.8, HP5+

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1487/pulodolobo1150k.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pulodolobo1150k.jpg)
Wista 45 DX, Nikon W 210/5.6, Tmax 100

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4194/urbanidades15135kb.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=urbanidades15135kb.jpg)
Wista 45DX, Nikon W 150/5.6, Tmax 100

[mattpallante]

at the curve

[h2oman]

Matt,

I like your image, but I wouldn't think of it as an abstract! And I like your tree image as well, particularly the perspective.

Gregg W

[Jim Cole]

Here's one from last week that may only qualify as an abstract because the viewer may need to look at the image a bit to figure out what's going on.

4x5 Acros, 210 Schneider, Souped in Rodinal 1:49, N+2 Development

23493

[Dandy97]

Recent image.

[Jim Cole]

Here's another one from last week.

4x5 Velvia 100, Schneider 110 XL

23685

[Jim collum]

Ebony & Betterlight


http://www.jcollum.com/fm/pebble_1apr02_010c-8bit.jpg



http://www.jcollum.com/fm/betterlight_108-sharp.jpg



http://www.jcollum.com/fm/pebble_1apr02_005c-8bit-a.jpg

[Steve M Hostetter]

8x10 405mm 16" @4.5

[sanking]

This is kind of an abstract.

12X18" carbon transfer print on aluminum.

Sandy King

[Jim Cole]

Sandy,

Very cool! Through sculptured concrete?

[sanking]

Jim,

Not sure about the building material. But these are large windows in a Chinese garden. This garden is in Suzhou, China.

Sandy



Sandy,

Very cool! Through sculptured concrete?

[willwilson]

Vine Detail. I've been doing a lot of texture work lately. This is particularly nice as a large print 20x24 or so.

Chamonix 45n-1, Delta 100, scanned print (Forte VC Fiber, my old stash anybody else miss this stuff?)

[Richard M. Coda]

Vine Detail. I've been doing a lot of texture work lately. This is particularly nice as a large print 20x24 or so.

Chamonix 45n-1, Delta 100, scanned print (Forte VC Fiber, my old stash anybody else miss this stuff?)

Very Jackson Pollock. Cool.

[willwilson]

Thanks Richard.

[Steve M Hostetter]

this is my abstract- 8x10 16" 4.5 Kodak efke 25 D76 scanned neg

[A.J. Dickson]

Dont know about abstract, but what the s***. Phase One p25 back and a dallmeyer 1b lens. Probably an effect from returning the back to its shooting position with the lens open.

[Jim Galli]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/MisclMenisci/59E_4s.jpg
EDSEL

Waterbury Meniscus

[mccormickstudio]

I like this thread. Great work here.

http://craigmccormick.com/CM/scan/mccormick_murphys_1_scan.jpg

http://craigmccormick.com/CM/scan/mccormick_murphys_2_scan.jpg

[Miguel Coquis]

Here is a silent sound
Mentor 9x12
Xenon 125 mm f:2
scan neg
http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sound%20/0012-bis.jpg

[Michael Roberts]

Done with a 1910-ish Korona 4x5 and Zeis Kodak Anastigmat No. 4 on EPN 100.

[Miguel Coquis]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/MisclMenisci/59E_4s.jpg
EDSEL

Waterbury Meniscus

Great matter !!!
Like this much !
Bravo Jim
PS:Waterbury Meniscus ???
What is it ?
Thanks

[Jim Galli]

Great matter !!!
Like this much !
Bravo Jim
PS:Waterbury Meniscus ???
What is it ?
Thanks
Thanks Miguel. The Waterbury was a small cheap everyman's camera sold by Scovill in the 1880's. They had a little brass lens that is just a meniscus behind an aperture with a couple of washers to make the aperture smaller. I removed the factory disc so that it can shoot wide open at about f6. This gives it a very nice softness. Happily, they aren't worth very much and not too hard to find. The tones on that picture are really very smooth.

[Miguel Coquis]

Thanks Jim for the explanation, this keep me learning.

This one for the WE,
...I go to the hills
when my hearth is lonely.....
la, la, la-la-la....
http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sound%20/0021.jpg

[Michael Roberts]

Very nice work, Miguel!

[Jim Galli]

Very nice work, Miguel!Yes, yes, beautiful.

[darr]

Here are some abstracts from the southwest.

2. bush in sand dune



Bruce!
Love it!!

Darr

[Ted Stoddard]

Here is mine....

What do you all think?

Tafoni Study

[Miguel Coquis]

Thanks Michael, Jim for your kind appreciations.
I am having great time with this wonderful instrument.
I'll post some others later.



Thanks Jim for the explanation, this keep me learning.

This one for the WE,
...I go to the hills
when my hearth is lonely.....
la, la, la-la-la....
http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sound%20/0021.jpg

[Bruce M. Herman]

Darr,

Thank you for the kind words!

Bruce

[Miguel Coquis]

Here is on last for this WE
Listening to the violin with a Wide Open Eye and a Xenon 125 mm f:2 t:12 sec
4x5
100 ASA

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sound%20/Silent-Sound.jpg

[Allen in Montreal]

Very cool. Well done!




Here is on last for this WE
Listening to the violin with a Wide Open Eye and a Xenon 125 mm f:2 t:12 sec
4x5
100 ASA

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sound%20/Silent-Sound.jpg

[Hector.Navarro]

http://www.paginasprodigy.com/hnavag73/LA CIUDAD/images/22.BN45.0308C.jpg

Cambo SC 4x5, Tominon 127mm, Kodak T-MAX 400, 1/4s@f45, Filter (-), overcast daylight

[Joe Smigiel]

http://my.net-link.net/~jsmigiel/images/blues.jpg

4x5 cyanotype

[Richard M. Coda]

Kelp Detail, Pt. Lobos. 2007
Arca-Swiss Field, Nikkor 120 Macro, TMax 100

[aphexafx]

http://my.net-link.net/~jsmigiel/images/blues.jpg

4x5 cyanotype

Very cool!

[willwilson]

Let's revive this thing! Here's a brand new one.

Cambo 8x10, 240 Fujinon A, Delta 100

[Andrew O'Neill]

If you go to the link below, you can see some of my Assemblages series. All are Kallitype prints.

http://web.me.com/andrewoneill/andrewoneill.com/Assemblage_1.html

[Andrew O'Neill]

I guess not very many photographers do abstracts...

[dlin]

4x5 negative printed to 8x10

[Colin Graham]

Wow, that's gorgeous Daniel, nicely done.

[Alex Hawley]

Type 55, facing into the sun.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3344990093_f5ae42c01a_o.jpg

[Jim Galli]

Wow, that's gorgeous Daniel, nicely done.

Yes, yes!

[stehei]

graflex, dallmeyer press

[Steve M Hostetter]

Daniel,, nice

[AF-ULF]

Blue Note 1: Cyanotype on Cranes Parchment.

[Miguel Coquis]

Coming back, have a great WE fellows !!!
Light&Shadow
Mentor 5x7 (crop to 5x5)
Tmax 400
Scanned neg

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sounds/Sound-0040.jpg

[darr]

Coming back, have a great WE fellows !!!
Light&Shadow
Mentor 5x7 (crop to 5x5)
Tmax 400
Scanned neg



--

Nice!!

[Brian Ellis]

Don't remember if I posted this before, so I'll do so..
4x5, Shore Acres OR

Fascinating photograph Matthew. Shore Acres is one of my favorite places to photograph and I've spent a lot of time there but don't recall making anything as interesting as yours.

[Chuck Pere]

Coming back, have a great WE fellows !!!
Light&Shadow
Mentor 5x7 (crop to 5x5)
Tmax 400
Scanned neg

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sounds/Sound-0040.jpg

I like this. It always amazes me how people see these things.

[Anders Korhonen]

super pictures here!
One from my finals project, plagued with newbie difficulties like uneven developement, dust and scratches, running out of lith developer etc. Original lithprinted. Adox 25 ortho, 1:100 rodinal. 60's 180mm symmar
Anders
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3565504101_cc4049bd3b_o.jpg

[jnantz]

...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

This is a shot from this past weekend up the Ojai canyon near my place. This is an 11x14 carbon transfer print shot on Efke 25. The print has some very nice relief and it is too bad I could not get it all in the scan. The shadow detail on this is amazing and too bad it does not show in the scan. Looks abstract to me.

Jim

[jnantz]

...

[Jim Galli]

...

Beautiful John!

[jnantz]

thanks jim!

john

[Miguel Coquis]

...

Hi John, your visual, that I appreciate much has some subliminal force for me !
Was touched and find this one BTW, today...
http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/abstracts/Cerises-00.jpg

[jnantz]

hi miguel

thanks :)

i love the shapes and textures in this last one ..
it is dark as night and reminds me of so many things.
i think that is the beauty of abstract images, they can
remind us of all sorts of things ( real or imagined ).

great stuff!
john

[Heroique]

Abstract art, by Norris Geyser Basin (Yellowstone Nat’l Park).

(Or a few strokes by Barnett Newman??)

Tachi 4x5
Schneider XL 110mm/5.6
1/15th sec. @ f/16
Velvia 50 (refrigerated old version)
Epson 4990

[Steve M Hostetter]

Abstract art, by Norris Geyser Basin (Yellowstone Nat’l Park).

(Or a few strokes by Barnett Newman??)

Tachi 4x5
Schneider XL 110mm/5.6
1/15th sec. @ f/16
Velvia 50 (refrigerated old version)
Espson 4990

Very cool

[Donald Miller]

***

[Richard M. Coda]

Abstract art, by Norris Geyser Basin (Yellowstone Nat’l Park).

(Or a few strokes by Barnett Newman??)

Tachi 4x5
Schneider XL 110mm/5.6
1/15th sec. @ f/16
Velvia 50 (refrigerated old version)
Epson 4990

That's beautiful!

[Heroique]

Thanks Steve & Richard – Norris Geyser Basin’s deep-blue pools, chalky minerals and colorful organics make the photographer’s job easy. It's my favorite place in Yellowstone, especially at dawn when you're alone there. :p

[Miguel Coquis]

Silent Sound Series
Mentor Studio 5x7
Scan Neg
http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/June%2009/Silent-Sounds.jpg

[darr]

Silent Sound Series
Mentor Studio 5x7
Scan Neg


Very beautiful. I like the title as well. How did you create it?
Darr

[jnantz]

i LOVE that miguel

[Miguel Coquis]

Thanks Darr and John for your positive appreciation !
Darr, this pic makes part of a subject I am exploring.
I made an exhibition on May in Paris, "silent sounds" and I continue to work on it.
Will give you a link so you can see the whole series if you like.
Have a nice week end with plenty of great shots !!!

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/June%2009/Sound-Sources.jpg

[Colin Graham]

Wonderful series Miguel.

[Miguel Coquis]

Thanks Colin for your appreciation.
Great to have positive feedback !!!

[Chris Johnson]

Hello all. This is my first post to the forum. I have been a luker for a while and thought I would share this abstract image. Thanks, Chris.

http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.62647384.jpg

[ljsegil]

I don't know, maybe it's architecture rather than abstract (not good of either, most likely), but it's different (for me, that is). Canham 5x7, Efke 25, 19" Red Dot Artar, f/22, one second (too long, that is).
LJS

[Miguel Coquis]

tree&wind

[jnantz]

tree&wind

miguel,
this is stunning!

one of my favorites of yours :)

thanks for posting it

john

[Miguel Coquis]

miguel,
this is stunning!

one of my favorites of yours :)

thanks for posting it

john

I enjoy a lot the time expend behind the GG, listening all visual propositions.... what takes place there is usually very intense.
Thanks for your interest.

[Gary L. Quay]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3636696755_78561d21db.jpg

An older image. Camera: Linhof Technica, Lens: 150mm Linhof, Film: Kodak Tmax 400.

--Gary

[Michael Gordon]

I'm told by its viewers that this is an abstract, so let's see what this audience thinks.
http://michaelegordon.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/mojaveyucca1.jpg

[Richard M. Coda]

http://members.cox.net/rcoda/photo/artclub001.jpg

My most recent abstract (one of six). Actually a snippet of my daughter's high school Art Club group abstract painting. The whole painting is 5x10 ft - this is just a small piece. The teacher allowed me to photograph it and we may sell prints and note cards to help fund the art club supply list.

Arca Swiss 4x5Field, Nikon 120 Macro, Fuji Velvia 50

A photographer friend of mine insists that this type of work (and even photos of graffiti or portions of graffiti) are not art. I think that if you contemplate a subject, even if it another art form, and isolate something out of the whole and come up with an interesting composition, then it is. Steichen photographed sculpture. What say you?

[Joe O'Hara]

Richard, that is way cool. I don't know how the rest of the painting worked, but this part does.

[Richard M. Coda]

Richard, that is way cool. I don't know how the rest of the painting worked, but this part does.

Here's the entire painting photographed by the teacher. I actually had my opportunity with it before it was "completed".

http://members.cox.net/rcoda/photo/artclub_all.jpg

[Joe O'Hara]

Here is a recent kind of landscape/abstract... I'm afraid it looks pretty bad after compressing it to fit the image size constraints...

[Steve M Hostetter]

http://members.cox.net/rcoda/photo/artclub001.jpg

My most recent abstract (one of six). Actually a snippet of my daughter's high school Art Club group abstract painting. The whole painting is 5x10 ft - this is just a small piece. The teacher allowed me to photograph it and we may sell prints and note cards to help fund the art club supply list.

Arca Swiss 4x5Field, Nikon 120 Macro, Fuji Velvia 50

A photographer friend of mine insists that this type of work (and even photos of graffiti or portions of graffiti) are not art. I think that if you contemplate a subject, even if it another art form, and isolate something out of the whole and come up with an interesting composition, then it is. Steichen photographed sculpture. What say you?

This makes me wanna learn this type of painting,,, mind blowing color

[Richard M. Coda]

This makes me wanna learn this type of painting,,, mind blowing color

It's not hard... you either throw it or drip it.

I'll scan the other 5 and post them soon.

[Merg Ross]

http://members.cox.net/rcoda/photo/artclub001.jpg

My most recent abstract (one of six). Actually a snippet of my daughter's high school Art Club group abstract painting. The whole painting is 5x10 ft - this is just a small piece. The teacher allowed me to photograph it and we may sell prints and note cards to help fund the art club supply list.

Arca Swiss 4x5Field, Nikon 120 Macro, Fuji Velvia 50

A photographer friend of mine insists that this type of work (and even photos of graffiti or portions of graffiti) are not art. I think that if you contemplate a subject, even if it another art form, and isolate something out of the whole and come up with an interesting composition, then it is. Steichen photographed sculpture. What say you?

Richard, I agree. Subject matter, of any kind, should not be eliminated from the process of presenting form and design; in your case, with the addition of color.

Sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, California, 1970.

[Richard M. Coda]

in your case, with the addition of color.

Merg,

I have been a black and white photographer my entire career (over 30 years) and only recently began exploring color (I'm color-blind). Years ago I would have only thought about something like this in black & white, a la Siskind or Brett. Today, I would only think about it in color. After your comment, I went into Photoshop and tried all the B&W filters... none of them did anything for me.

It's funny... I take a LF "class" (more like a social club) with Rod Klukas and I'm a member of Imageworks (http://www.imageworks.org) (a LF group here in Phoenix). Up until a year ago I was known as the 8x10 B&W contact print guy. Now I'm known as the color guy. :confused:

[Merg Ross]

Merg,

I have been a black and white photographer my entire career (over 30 years) and only recently began exploring color (I'm color-blind). Years ago I would have only thought about something like this in black & white, a la Siskind or Brett. Today, I would only think about it in color. After your comment, I went into Photoshop and tried all the B&W filters... none of them did anything for me.

It's funny... I take a LF "class" (more like a social club) with Rod Klukas and I'm a member of Imageworks (http://www.imageworks.org) (a LF group here in Phoenix). Up until a year ago I was known as the 8x10 B&W contact print guy. Now I'm known as the color guy. :confused:


Richard, no doubt that this image is enhanced by the colors. By the way, being color-blind is not that unusual among photographers. I am, and I know that Brett was also color-blind. It would be interesting to do a survey.

As to subject matter, I am reminded of Imogen Cunningham's response: "I will photograph anything that can be exposed to light". And she pretty much did just that.

[Pat Kearns]

Okay Merg, you started the ball rolling with the color blind photographers, you can add my name to the list.

Richard,
Boy, I may not be able to name the colors correctly but they certainly explode in your photo. Have your friend google Jackson Pollock to learn about abstract expressionism. I think the owners of his work would tend to disagree with him.

[kev curry]

...

[Chuck Pere]

Lots of great photos on here. This try is 4x5 with 150 lens.

[sly]

Chuck, I like that. My mind keeps wanting to make it into a face, unsuccessfully.

Here's one of mine from a recent car enthusiasts get together. Rained the whole time. My focusing cloth was drenched.

[Steve M Hostetter]

Verito ,222mm, Korona 8x10" Tmax400 1/50 @f16

[rcjtapio]

Gotta keep some abstracts going.

Rick Tapio

[Jim Galli]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/Wee_Petzvals/Sunray/Tambour.jpg
...

[Joe O'Hara]

super pictures here!
One from my finals project, plagued with newbie difficulties like uneven developement, dust and scratches, running out of lith developer etc. Original lithprinted. Adox 25 ortho, 1:100 rodinal. 60's 180mm symmar
Anders
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3565504101_cc4049bd3b_o.jpg
Very nice, Anders, I like it.

[Donald Miller]

A couple of recent prints. 5X7 Wisner-450 Nikkor M.

[Miguel Coquis]

letters or numbers ?

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Silent%20Sounds/Sun-Ayez-Pitie.jpg

[cjbroadbent]

letters or numbers ?
.... d'un p'tit pâtissier
Dont l'amour se perd ....

[jnantz]

...

[Dany]

A couple of recent prints. 5X7 Wisner-450 Nikkor M.

Perfect Donald, absolutly perfect imagination and composition.

.David.

[Donald Miller]

Thanks Dany

[Miguel Coquis]

.... d'un p'tit pâtissier
Dont l'amour se perd ....

thats sweet !!!
....et de ses larmes,
se forment des rivières....

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Up! 8x10 carbon transfer print.

Jim

[Colin Graham]

Nice one Jim!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Colin thanks. Here is another one. I think I posted this as a horizontal and this is the vertical printed on Azo developed in Amidol and untoned. "Fade to Black, Tuolumne Meadows".

Jim

[Edwin Beckenbach]

135mm Sironar-S, f22, 1 sec, Provia 100F, 81EF, ping pong balls

32609

[ericpepin]

those abstract are really nice here is one I love
http://www.shawnmcnulty.com/art/L/perseverance_red_abstract_painting.jpg

[Donald Miller]

5X7 - 305 G Claron

Efke PL 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[gene LaFord]

5X7 - 305 G Claron

Efke PL 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

I bet that print is visually delicious!!

gene

[Donald Miller]

I bet that print is visually delicious!!

gene

Thanks Gene, Yes it is one that I like a great deal.

[Donald Miller]

Phoenix, Arizona

5X7 - 305 G Claron

Efke PL 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[Donald Miller]

Phoenix, Arizona

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance -MAS Amidol

[austin granger]

Silo, Seneca, Oregon

http://austingranger.com/web/lights/44-silo_seneca_oregon.jpg


Huw's Truck after Dust Storm and Rain, Black Rock Desert, Nevada

http://austingranger.com/web/lights/64-huws_truck_after_dust_storm_and_rain_black_rock_desert_nevada.jpg


Salt Point, California

http://austingranger.com/web/lights/79-salt_point.jpg

www.austingranger.com

[Jim Galli]

Huw's Truck after Dust Storm and Rain, Black Rock Desert, Nevada


Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' bout

[Donald Miller]

Beautiful work Austin

[austin granger]

Thanks guys. Now, for extra points, can anyone identify what sort of truck that is? Someone actually did that from looking at this print which I thought was pretty amazing.

[jeroldharter]

Thanks guys. Now, for extra points, can anyone identify what sort of truck that is? Someone actually did that from looking at this print which I thought was pretty amazing.

F250/F350?

[Scott Walker]

Thanks guys. Now, for extra points, can anyone identify what sort of truck that is? Someone actually did that from looking at this print which I thought was pretty amazing.

Tough one, the only newer truck I can think of that had any lines even close would be the 2002 or so Duramax. Prior to that would be late 50s to late 60s ford.

Excellent images by the way.

[h2oman]

Ice sheets, Tulelake, CA.

[austin granger]

Thanks guys. Now, for extra points, can anyone identify what sort of truck that is? Someone actually did that from looking at this print which I thought was pretty amazing.

For those waiting with bated breath, It's a Dodge, a Dakota I think, a 1999 or 2000. Ah well, I guess no one wins the Ebony 20x24...

[Jim Galli]

For those waiting with bated breath, It's a Dodge, a Dakota I think, a 1999 or 2000. Ah well, I guess no one wins the Ebony 20x24...

A Dodge! That explains it. Dodge paint looks like that without the dust and large rain drops.

[sanchi heuser]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/5329714096_37378fc48f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58013730@N08/5329714096/)
Ultraviolet #1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58013730@N08/5329714096/) by andi_heuser (http://www.flickr.com/people/58013730@N08/), on Flickr

Made with a pinhole camera on Polaroid 57 film using UV light.
Needed ten hours exposure time with the 3200 ASA:eek:

[Donald Miller]

Milano, Italy

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M
Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[kev curry]

Sh*t... thats nuts Donald! It looks like a H R Giger!

[Maris Rusis]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5385879910_4d8135fa9d_b.jpg
Ferns after Fire, Alexandria Bay


Gelatin-silver photograph on Agfa Classic MCC 111VC FB, image area 16.2cm X 21.5cm, from a Tmax 100 4x5 negative exposed in a Tachihara 45GF field view camera with a 21cm f4.5 Voigtlander Heliar lens working at f32.

[Donald Miller]

Sh*t... thats nuts Donald! It looks like a H R Giger!

Hi Kev, I don't know the artist that sculpted this. I don't believe that it was Giger.

[Richard Kaye]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5380691940_8100e4d23b_o.jpg

This was from a 4x5 glass plate onto which I had splashed PVA glue and other stuff.

[Jim Becia]

Ice formation.

[Donald Miller]

Smoke
5X7 - 305 G Claron

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[darr]

Very Nice Donald!

[Steve M Hostetter]

I like it Donald!

[Donald Miller]

Thank you Darr and Steve

[mikebarger]

Donald, could you speak to the setup of the smoke print? It is really a work of art.

Thanks, another displaced individual from Kansas.

Mike

[Donald Miller]

Donald, could you speak to the setup of the smoke print? It is really a work of art.

Thanks, another displaced individual from Kansas.

Mike

Hi Mike, Thanks for your generous comment. The lighting was set as a single light source at 90 degrees to the axis of the lens/smoke source. Care was taken to eliminate light spill on either the lens or the background (black board). Best wishes...

[KyledeC]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19172489/Dune%2C%20Montana%20de%20Oro%20State%20Park%2C%20California%2C%202009.jpg

Made with a Sinar F, with a 210mm lens. Using Fomapan 100 film.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19172489/Moving%20Stream%2C%20Sedona%2C%20Arizona%2C%202009.jpg

Made with a Sinar F, with a 135mm lens. Using Fomapan 100 film.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19172489/Shadows%20of%20Sand%2C%20Phoenix%2C%20Arizona%2C%202007.jpg

Made with a Sinar F, with a 210mm lens. Using Fomapan 100 film.

[Donald Miller]

5X7 - 305 G Claron

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[Mark Whiting]

Here are a couple of older Rock Abstracts. I like them, but not sure if they really work

Please comment and critique


http://www.ianmarkwhiting.com/gallery_3/jpegs/rock_light.jpg


http://www.ianmarkwhiting.com/gallery_3/jpegs/diagonal_sandstone.jpg

Toho 4X5, Tmax 100. Not sure what lenses where used.

Mark Whiting

[austin granger]

I'm not sure if this qualifies, but I think it's not far off.

Ships, Alameda

[Donald Miller]

Very nice...I like your compositional choice.

[Donald Miller]

Maricopa County Arizona

5X7 (cropped) - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[Shailendra]

I'm not sure if this qualifies, but I think it's not far off.

Ships, Alameda


I know this location well...I'd consider this nice piece of work abstract :)

[kev curry]

4x5 apo symmar 210/PMK/darkroom print

[Steve M Hostetter]

nice one kev,

took me a few before that image kicked in

[kev curry]

Cheers Steve glad your on the mend man!

[jnantz]

4hour +/- bulb exposure,
4x6 dry plate ( hand coated )
hand made 4x5 camera + lens

scanned
can't make a print from it, fix will make the image vanish
and more light will turn it grey
( and developer will turn it black )

[Jim Galli]

4x5 apo symmar 210/PMK/darkroom print

This is really really wonderful!

[h2oman]

This is really really wonderful!

Ageed! I too took a bit to figure it out.

[kev curry]

Jim, h2oman, glad you like it, thanks!

[austin granger]

I know this location well...I'd consider this nice piece of work abstract :)

Thank you Shailendra. Here's another:

Surf, Drake's Beach, Point Reyes

[austin granger]

1. Blue Wolf Motel, Oakridge, Oregon

2. Alameda Naval Air Station

www.austingranger.com

[Shailendra]

1. Blue Wolf Motel, Oakridge, Oregon

2. Alameda Naval Air Station

www.austingranger.com

Nice shot in Alameda. It's such a unique place to shoot, and frankly I'm surprised that many photographers in the Bay Area overlook it.

[austin granger]

Nice shot in Alameda. It's such a unique place to shoot, and frankly I'm surprised that many photographers in the Bay Area overlook it.

I grew up in Alameda, when the base was off limits, so when they finally opened it up, it was exciting to go exploring, and see what was there!

That said, I did get hassled a little bit by security when I made that picture. I don't think he was sure whether I should have been photographing or not, so he basically told me to finish up the shot and then be on my way. This was a some years ago though-maybe things have changed now that the base has been open for awhile.

[Jim Galli]

http://tonopahpictures.0catch.com/Workshop09Images/BedSpringsS.jpg
bed springs

[Donald Miller]

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[RPippin]

An ode to Jim Fitzgerald. Taken with Per November 2010.

[Mark Stahlke]

Here is one from downtown Denver.

Shen Hao PTB 4x5, Schneider Apo-Symmar 180mm f/5.6, Ilford HP5+
http://www.stahlke.us/uploads/jungle_001.jpg

[jnantz]

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol


wow donald !
that's beautiful ... is it
a photograph of one of the sculptures you have made ?

i hope you have more !
john

[jnantz]

a recent kick i am on, sometimes with cyanotypes
sometimes with hand coated silver paper ...
this one is a contact print from a 4x5 neg
then worked on with water colors and crayon

[Donald Miller]

a recent kick i am on, sometimes with cyanotypes
sometimes with hand coated silver paper ...
this one is a contact print from a 4x5 neg
then worked on with water colors and crayon

This is very creative and quite engaging John. I like it a lot.

To answer your earlier question, yes it is.

[dlin]

Plantscape

[Jim Galli]

Beautiful! I'm a fan.

[kev curry]

me2!

[Scott Walker]

Count me in, very nice

[Donald Miller]

Stunning Daniel

[Donald Miller]

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[Zaitz]

Wow, last two shots are fantastic. I take it with my Crown Graphic I can't get a bellows long enough to get in that tight like in dlin's shot? Love the detail and tonality.

[dlin]

Thank you for your nice comments.

Zaitz, I used a 120mm focal length lens on a 4x5 camera. You might be able to achieve a similar magnification with the bellows draw on your Crown by using a slightly shorter focal length. Keep in mind that you don't need to use a focal length that covers 4x5 at infinity when you're doing macros.

All the best,
Daniel

[Jim Cole]

Plantscape

Very nicely done!

[Donald Miller]

Cactus

5X7 - 305 G Claron
Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[Mark Stahlke]

Euclid

http://www.stahlke.us/uploads/euclid.jpg
Shen Hao PTB 4x5, Schneider G-Claron 240mm f/9, Ilford Delta 100

[gene LaFord]

Donald... as always such beautiful work.
Mark ... beautifully elegant.

gene

[Donald Miller]

Thank you Gene

[GabrielSeri]

http://silverpiscis.com/Photography/wall/darkroom67_8.jpg

UFO flying over the ocean.

[Jim Galli]

UFO flying over the ocean.

Fire breathing dragon just below the UFO. They better not mess with him. ;)

[GabrielSeri]

Fire breathing dragon just below the UFO. They better not mess with him. ;)

I see it now! You're right this could be a new godzilla movie. Godzilla vs UFO. ha

[Robert Hughes]

And with all that radiation leaking into the Pacific, Godzilla's mighty angry!

[David Hedley]

From earlier today;
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5628123331_94682dcb3d_b.jpg
Sinar F, Nikkor 300mm, TMax 100 / Rodinal

[jnantz]

this is a long exposed hand coated paper negative sun print
it was scanned directly after removing it from the camera ...

i also flipped it ( something i would have done in the dark, if the negative survived )

[Donald Miller]

this is a long exposed hand coated paper negative sun print
it was scanned directly after removing it from the camera ...

i also flipped it ( something i would have done in the dark, if the negative survived )


Interesting and quite unusual John. Your work is consistently creative.

[jnantz]

thanks for the kind words donald !

john

[Donald Miller]

ASU

4X5 (cropped) - 305 G Claron

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol (toned)

[austin granger]

I'm not exactly sure where to put this one (Urban Landscapes? Architecture? 5x7?) but I think if it's not quite abstract, it's definitely pushing in that direction. Anyway, here it is:

5x7 Deardorff, Fujinon 250, FP4, and with the photographer's head against a wall because he couldn't back up far enough (I really need to get a wide-angle lens one of these days...).

Shrouded Building, Portland
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5681451029_bb48b23aed_b.jpg

[dlin]

Plantscape: Hosta

[Sart_S]

Abstraction,MPP camera(back 6x7cm) on Kodak E-100VS. Symmar 150mm f5.6 lens at f22.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_CwrkxrLxEsA/TcaWxubkwdI/AAAAAAAAAIo/m7YAycDlOB0/s576/Light_Red.jpg

[Jim Cole]

Abstraction,MPP camera(back 6x7cm) on Kodak E-100VS. Symmar 150mm f5.6 lens at f22.


Very nice!

[Sart_S]

Thanks for the positive comments,Jim!)

[Sart_S]

Abstraction,MPP camera(back 6x7cm) on Kodak E-100VS. Symmar 150mm f5.6 lens at f32.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_CwrkxrLxEsA/Tck2Pg4cOVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/5RDbMMnGlVY/s576/Abst-2.jpg

[Gary Tarbert]

Abstraction,MPP camera(back 6x7cm) on Kodak E-100VS. Symmar 150mm f5.6 lens at f32.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_CwrkxrLxEsA/Tck2Pg4cOVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/5RDbMMnGlVY/s576/Abst-2.jpgSerge, love both the images you have posted with the the droplets , Stunning work!! Keep them coming. Cheers Gary

[darr]

Abstraction,MPP camera(back 6x7cm) on Kodak E-100VS. Symmar 150mm f5.6 lens at f32.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_CwrkxrLxEsA/Tck2Pg4cOVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/5RDbMMnGlVY/s576/Abst-2.jpg

Pretty cool!

[Donald Miller]

Abstraction,MPP camera(back 6x7cm) on Kodak E-100VS. Symmar 150mm f5.6 lens at f22.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_CwrkxrLxEsA/TcaWxubkwdI/AAAAAAAAAIo/m7YAycDlOB0/s576/Light_Red.jpg


I like this.

[Sart_S]

Thanks for all the nice comments!

[Sart_S]

Abstraction_3,MPP camera(back 6x7cm) on Kodak E-100VS. Symmar 150mm f5.6 lens at f32.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_CwrkxrLxEsA/TcvuCz1F2yI/AAAAAAAAAJI/G8ZeTMNMKHc/s576/St_3.jpg

[Donald Miller]

Ray Mine

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat HD
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[tgtaylor]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5946535999_965311bc23.jpg

I have no idea what this is. I ran across it this morning while looking for another image:)

On 120 Fuji Provia with a Toyo 45AX.

[Corran]

I really love browsing this thread, these abstracts are really awesome. I tried a little something today, a macro view of the rim of an old glass coke bottle. I used a Schneider 47mm lens as an experiment. Not much compared to most of these but maybe someone will like it.

http://www.oceanstarproductions.com/photosharing/0057toned.jpg

[Donald Miller]

I have no idea what this is. I ran across it this morning while looking for another image:)

On 120 Fuji Provia with a Toyo 45AX.

Intriguing

[Donald Miller]

Not sure if this is the right thread for this.

Clouds - Russell, Kansas

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat Hd
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

[Jim Galli]

Not sure if this is the right thread for this.

Clouds - Russell, Kansas

5X7 - 450 Nikkor M

Efke Pl 100 - Pyrocat Hd
JandC Nuance - MAS Amidol

WOW! Well seen! One of those pictures you find yourself saying, I wish I had seen / done that one! I probably see it often, and don't take the picture.