I am a big fan of this kind of abstract artwork, both in paintings and photography itself. I think I first saw the technique being used by Surf photographer Morgan Maasen. So, how do you make abstract style photographs? Producing these abstract photographs is fairly easy, you simply take a photo of the ocean with a long exposure (up to a second or more depending on the light) whilst moving the camera from left to right (or right to left depending on you preference). It's often a good way to create interesting and often beautiful shots at an often bland location. In addition it is a technique which doesn't require a tripod, which I often can not be bothered to carry about with me. Meaning you can still have fun, and produce some nice images while others may be carrying out long exposures with a tripod. The end result being a painterly type of image often more similar to a painting, or piece of art than that of a photograph.
An abstract water photo at sunset by Geraint Rowland Photography.
The same technique can be used for trees, for example in a forest or jungle. The trick is to move the camera in the same direction as the main lines within the frame. For example, with the Ocean or Sea you go from left to right, following the horizon and the swell lines. In a forest or woodland you would move the camera vertically from bottom to top, or top to bottom. Click through the slideshow below for more examples of abstract ocean photography. These photos were taken in Peru, England, Spain and West Africa.
I was involved in an 'Emerging Artists Exhibition' in Lima in 2013 in which I exhibited and sold several large abstract ocean art pieces which were printed on to canvas. They were 1 metre by 1 metre in size and looked excellent hung on the wall. More examples of my abstract ocean and surf art can be found here on my website.
My abstract photography can now be bought on Etsy via LindaWisdomPhotoCo. The Red Lima sunset above for example can be purchased here. My blog on taking abstract ocean images can be read in Spanish here. More of my abstract photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, my Twitter 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.