When I first started in photography, I shot landscapes exclusively. I had no desire to photograph anything else. But, in the last few years, I have found my photographic interests expanding and evolving in ways I never expected, and one of those ways is finding and photographing abstract images.
One of the great things about abstract photography is that great images are literally everywhere. They can be found in paint peeling off a wall or patterns of rust on a piece of metal. It can be a portion of graffiti or a jumble of tree roots. All it takes to find these images is keeping your eyes, and your mind, open to all of the possibilities.
This photo is a perfect example of how abstract images can be found anywhere. Not far from our house is one of the local schools, and my wife and dog like to walk to it and back. It’s become their evening routine.
Joining them for one of their evening walks, we made our way to the school. In keeping with my New Year’s resolution, I took my camera with me just in case an opportunity to take some pictures presented itself.
As our walk progressed, nothing was catching my eye. As we rounded the school and started to make our way back home, I began noticing the paint along the curb in the parking lot. It was beginning to flake and peel away from the underlying concrete creating some unique abstract images.
With my camera and 24-70mm lens in hand, I began looking for the most interesting patterns I could find. After a few minutes of searching, I found this small section of peeling paint to shoot. Going as low as I could go while maintaining the ability to stand back up by myself, I filled the frame with this nice pattern of flaking paint.
So, the next time you think there’s nothing to photograph, remember to keep your eyes and mind wide open. You will likely find something “a-peeling” if you do.