Zooming in can turn every day scenes into unexpected abstracts. When I use the term 'zooming in' for abstractions, I am not talking so much about macro photography with special lenses, as well as picking a detail of a larger subject to create the abstract photograph. In many ways, the imagination is the limit. There is no binding theme between the various abstract shots created this way, the usual abstract ingredients like line play and patterns will always come into play though.
Anyway, here are some of my favourites in this genre.
Curves 'r' Us (2007)
This is a detail of a decorative umbrella from a Hamburg
shop. This was the first time I created this type of zoomed in abstract with my camera.
Abstraction in grey tones (2008)
This one is all about curves and rectangles. The black and white
conversion makes the white curve stand out even more. It is a zoomed in
shot of a jumbo jet engine, displayed at Schiphol airport.
Abstraction in tulle (2009)
A shot I took through a Paris shop window at night - talk about challenging conditions! It is a detail of a bridal dress.
Parallel universe (2010)
Not just an abstract, but also a study in zen-like elegant minimalism.
This is part of a restaurant decoration in Amsterdam, shot under an
angle to get a diagonal composition.
Shanghai patterns (2011)
This is a shot of a metal fence in Shanghai, transforming it into an
abstract composition with inherent depth that is quite pleasing. This
also marks my first commercial success: a Singapore company purchased
the non-exclusive rights to use it in their brochure.
Abstraction in red and blue (2011)
A crowd favourite, and one of my own as well. Also a clear illustration
about one of the general principles about abstract photography: "if your
abstract is a detail shot, also take a shot of the overall subject for
reference. It is embarrassing to have a successful abstract photograph,
and when asked for more information, failing to remember what it
actually was." All I remember is that it was in the German city of
Leverkusen, and that it is a zoomed-in shot. But of what? A piece of
art? A piece of machinery? I will have to go back there one day.....
Peugeot (2013)
Whilst shopping in Bocholt (Germany), we encountered an old Peugeot car
that was used as decoration in a mall. I zoomed in one of the
headlights, creating an image that hovers between abstract and surreal
depiction (it sometimes reminds me of an insect).
![Psychedelic [2016 200/366]](https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8581/28342724232_f2162e8833_z.jpg)
Psychedelic (2016)
A close-up of a shop light, with conversion to black and white to further stress the almost psychedelic shapes. It's always fun to look around (and up) while the wife is fitting clothes.
Fiat Lux (2017)
This is a close up
of a decorative ceiling light in a Zwolle clothes shop. I loved one
comment on Flickr: "a dentist who takes LSD?"
Centripetal (2017)
One of my personal favourites. I walked by this subject almost twice a
day for many years before I spotted the opportunity. It is actually a
detail of an air conditioning unit outside the local supermarket, I
pushed the contrast after conversion to black and white.
Convergence (2017)
Opportunities for abstract photographs are everywhere, you
just have to spot them. This is actually the steel access plate to a
ship moored at the riverside near our home. I converted it to black and
white, and flipped it upside down for further alienation.
Led there be light (2018)
Not a personal favourite, but rather to my surprise
it collected lots of faves . It is a close-up of a light in a bar in
Meppel where we drank coffee. And that's not a typo in the title.
Canvas abstraction (2019)
A zoom in on a canvas sail of a boat moored in a canal in the Zuiderzee Museum Enkhuizen. I liked the combination of curves and colours.
A day at the races (2019)
Another example of abstract possibilities that are available if you just look for them. This is a detail shot of some kind of electricity connection device spotted above a street in Shanghai.
Unparallel lines (2020)
I doubt anyone would guess what they are looking at here. It is actually a detail of a local sundial near the Koornmarktpoort in Kampen.