learn photography

Taking Abstract Motion Photographs

Abstract photography using motion as a creative technique is one of my favourite styles of photographic artwork. Normally a photograph will capture an individual still image, and these do often remain the most memorable. However, many beautiful photographs are not static, but contain motion & movement. By deliberately introducing movement a photographer can add fluidity and an element of surrealness to an image. I find this technique especially effective with ocean or seascape abstracts. Akin to a painter using a brush to paint abstract element to a piece of work, a photographer can use their camera to achieve a similar effect. Click through the slide show below to view some abstract seascapes I took earlier this year in Spain:

How to take abstract motion photographs?

Motion blur photographs, also known as ICM (intentional camera movement) photographs, or abstract images are easy to capture. They need no special equipment, not even a tripod, all you need is some patience, and a camera that allows you to adjust the shutter speed. Take a look at a previous blog I wrote on taking abstract art photos. I have sold a lot of my abstract seascapes to individuals via my website, and to companies via my abstract photography selection on Getty Images. If you would like to purchase one of my abstract images, or any of my travel photographs please send me a message or contact me via my instagram page here.

It’s all about the light:

To create abstract motion photographs you will need a slower shutter speed allowing more light into the camera. To avoid overexposure you therefore want to shoot your images in lower light. That is why abstract motion images work so well at sunrise or sunset. At these times of the day you also get the added bonus of the best colours in the sky. There is no magic formula with motion blur images with regards to shutter speed or aperture, as with all photography, practice makes perfect. In fact the favourite ocean abstract I have ever taken was nearly ten years ago in Huanchaco in the North of Peru. The best way to perfect the motion technique is through experimentation: increasing or decreasing the shutter speed, opening or narrowing the aperture and trying different lighting conditions. Due to the difficulty of removing dust spots with certain motion abstract images I try not to use a very narrow aperture. The smaller the aperture (higher the F stop) the more likely it is that dust spots and specks will show up on your image.

Should you use a tripod?

Many people prefer to use a tripod when taking abstract motion/ICM photos. When taking abstract seascapes, a tripod can be useful for keeping the horizon straight and avoiding moving the camera too wildly up and down. However, I personally never use a tripod, partly due to laziness, and partly to make the motion more natural and free. Instead just adjust your settings, face the ocean (or subject to be taken) and move the camera from left to right whilst taking your shot.

Editing abstract motion images:

I use Lightroom Classic for all my photography editing including my abstract motion images. To increase the sense of movement I often increase the contrast and clarity, and with regards to colour and saturation I often go further with an abstract than I would with other styles of photography. As with the abstract photography itself, play around with your editing and see what works best for you.

Abstract artwork for sale:

More of my abstract photography can be found on my website, my Flickr account, and for license via Getty Images. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email. Take a look at the following blog about my abstract seascape imagery for sale.

Photography Competitions, Travel & Lockdown

I have been a bit lazy with my photography blog of late due to the never-ending lockdown, each day being the same and therefore lacking any writing motivation! Having not taken any photos for months I have been delving back into old hard drives and revisiting some old favourites. My stock photography work has been keeping me busy with further image editing, uploading to Getty, and then carrying out the mundane and time consuming admin process required. I now have over 16,000 of my travel photographs available for license on Getty Images and still have several hard drives to get through! As well as the stock photography work I have also entered a few more photography competitions. In addition to potentially winning a great prize, entering photo competitions is a great way of revisiting your photos and seeing what images work well with each other. A couple of weeks ago I entered the Open Walls photography competition for 1854 photography. The theme was, ‘Then & Now’ with the artists being asked to explore the theme in many ways. Through visual imagery the photographers were asked to portray a sense of reflection and to convey the changes that time brings. Click through the slideshow below to view the ten images which I entered for this theme of ‘Then & Now’:

When entering photo competitions I normally go through my back catalogue and look out for any images that may be suitable. This normally results in a large collection which I then have to go through to eliminate the weaker images, those which I do not think quite make the cut! These omissions may be based on the photo technique and quality of the image: focus, lighting, composition and so on. In addition I will take out photographs that do not quite fit the themes, although the interpretation is often very vague and up to the photographers imagination. Before entering competitions I will first read the biography of the lead judge to discover his or her style of photography. It may not always be the best taken image that wins a competition, but instead ones that are unique, individual or unusual in some way. Photography competitions must get inundated with thousands of similar images (especially in today’s Instagram age) so if I have something that may stand out or catch their eye I may enter that over a personal favourite. The important thing is to enter in the first place, as if you don’t you certainly won’t be winning. Many photo competitions require fees to enter, but there are still some to be found that are free, or where the fees are very affordable. In addition to the prizes to be won, competitions can introduce you to galleries and other photographers as well as providing you with much needed exposure for your work. If nothing else the selection process for the competition above gave me a nice trip through memory lane, reminding me of some fantastic adventures I’ve had over the past years. It also gave me the opportunity to share rediscovered favourites through my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram social media accounts. If you are interested in purchasing a print direct, writing a guest blog or exhibiting some of my work please send an email to: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

Sunsets of Senegal by Geraint Rowland Photography

Last year I spent a couple of months in Senegal where I experienced some beautiful sunsets.  I spent the majority of the time in the capital city of Dakar, but also traveled to Lompoul in the north of the country and Zinguinchor in the southern region.  Along with capturing a lot of travel and street photography style shots I also captured some stunning sunsets especially at Yoff beach close to the Airport in Dakar.  Click through the slide show below to view some sunsets from Senegal:

Senegal, like the rest of West Africa I have visited is fantastic for photography.  With so many people around there is always something interesting and or unusual to capture.  Whilst I was in Dakar they were celebrating the Tabaski Festival.  Tabaski is based on Islamic beliefs and culminates with each family sacrificing a sheep and then eating it.  There are sheep everywhere in Dakar, tied up on the roadsides, being washed in the Ocean or being sold at markets.  Here is a previous blog I wrote on the fascinating beach area of Yoff in Dakar.

In Lompoul in the north there are beautiful remote beaches, interesting fishing towns and a small desert with orange sand dunes where you can camp and take camel rides.  To the south lies Ziguinchor, the second largest city of Senegal lying at the mouth of the Casamance river and largely separated from the rest of the country by The Gambia.

Throughout the country I witnessed some beautiful sunsets.  Sunsets always seem to be amongst my most liked photos.  I think there is something instantly enjoyable about an image of the setting sun, it is something that everyone can relate to.  I especially like sunset images that contain an additional element, be it a person or an animal.  My favourite sunset image I capture in Senegal was of a fisherman feeding his two pet Pelicans at Yoff beach.  I love the composition, the lighting and the added comic nature of these peculiar birds.  Whilst in Senegal was travelling without a tripod so had to rely on taking hand held shots or creating abstract images when I ran out of light.  Here is a blog I wrote with some tips about taking sunset photos.

More of my travel photography from Senegal can be found on my website, my Instagram, and my Flickr account.  If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

A Frame within a Frame: A useful composition technique in photography.

What is a 'Frame within a Frame'?

In photography, a frame within a frame is when the photographer uses something within the scene in front of them to frame the main subject.  Therefore a second frame is created within the image hence: a frame within a frame.  This compositional technique can improve your image in several ways: Firstly it draws attention to the subject helping to isolate it from any distraction and clutter within the image.  Secondly it can add depth and layers to an otherwise flat and boring image.  Finally a frame within a frame can create mystery and intrigue within a photo resulting in the viewer exploring the picture for longer.  Click through the slideshow below to view some of my travel images which use the 'frame within a frame' method of composition:

Why should you use a 'Frame within a Frame'?

Composition is one of the most important aspects of photography.  Correct composition can transform an ordinary scene into a great picture.  Unlike certain elements of photography such as lighting, no technical knowledge is required for successful composition.  Finally, anyone with a camera can take images using this technique.  Regardless of price, make or model, anyone with a camera or mobile phone can go and try today.

Opportunities for Framing

Opportunities for framing a scene are endless but often go unnoticed.  For example, nature often provides a vast number of natural frames such as trees, clouds or flowers.  In addition there are many man made objects which can be used equally well.  These can include: windows, archways, bridges, buildings and so on.  The more of this kind of image you take, the more potential you will see in everyday situations.  In the slide show above, framing examples have included: modern art in Havana, car window frames in West Africa, a boat in Peru, shadows in a street shot in Cuba, bananas at a market stall in Lima, and an archway of a palace in Madrid. Wedding, travel, and street photographers all regularly take photos using this compositional method of a frame within a frame.  

More of my travel photography can be found on my website, Instagram, Facebook Page and my Flickr account.  If you are interested in purchasing any prints, or are interested in collaborating please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.  

Day of the Dead at the Cementerio Nueva Esperanza in Lima

In 2015 I spent a fascinating day experiencing the Day of the Dead at Cementerio Nueva Esperanza in Lima, Peru.  This huge sprawling cemetery is the second largest in the World and on the 1st of November thousands of Peruvians visit to pay respect to their departed.  Very much a family affair, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of happiness and remembrance of the deceased as opposed to one of sadness.  A day where musicians play music to the dead, traditional Peruvian Dancers (Danza de las tijeras) perform, couples share beer by the graves and children embrace and play.  Click through the slideshow below to view the Día de Muertos images taken in Cementerio Nueva Esperanza in Lima, Peru:

Day of the Dead, also known as All Souls Day is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America on October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd.  In Spanish, the Day of the Dead is called Día de Muertos, or Día de los Muertos.  Click through the carousel below for more images from the day of the dead in Lima:

A photo blog of the Mexican day of the dead can be found here.  More of my travel photos can be found on my website, my Facebook page and my Flickr account.  If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.