Abstracts

Break The Rules

Your mobile phone is a powerful tool for creating abstract art that challenges the way we see the world.

New Zealand: The scene above was captured using panoramic mode. The location is the famous filming site of The Lord of the Rings. To achieve this shot, we traced a wide arc from left to right, capturing the scene and repeating the motion several times until this image stood out as the winner.

Panoramic Abstracts

Use unique modes and settings, like panoramic for wide shots or macro mode for extreme close-ups, to transform everyday textures into stunning visual patterns. Panoramic mode on your phone’s camera is a fun and easy way to discover your own creativity! It lets you capture wide, sweeping scenes in a way that transforms ordinary photos into exciting works of art.

Cruise View: The scene above was captured on a cruise ship. We stood up against the railing, set the cell phone camera to panoramic mode, and simply moved the camera from left to right until the desired effect was created.

In panoramic mode, you never really know what the lens will pick up as you move in various directions and with varying speed, so every frame is a new surprise. Whether you're capturing landscapes, crowds, or just playing around with movement, panoramic shots can produce some really unexpected results.

London, England: A unique view of Tower Bridge is created by setting the camera to panoramic mode, and working with a arch movement.

Even the slightest adjustment in your technique, or angle when taking a panoramic can create compelling images. By pushing the boundaries of traditional photography, you can create abstract works of art that inspire and intrigue.

Cruise View: By working in a panoramic mode and then capturing the scene by moving our hands up and down in an “S” effect the lines of the railings are distorted creating a wave pattern.

Composition Abstracts

Abstract photography is all about pushing the boundaries of what we see! It can turn ordinary photos into something extraordinary by distorting or altering them, or simply by capturing unique angles or subjects that make us pause and think. When we eliminate objects that offer perspective, the result is a more intriguing and thought-provoking image.

Whether it's a close-up that challenges our perception or a completely unfamiliar subject, abstract photos transform the ordinary into art, creating images that spark creativity and intrigue.

Vik, Iceland: By removing the sky, or any items that could create a sense of proportion, an abstract image is created. The viewer has no idea the size or scale of the item or even what they are looking at - which happens to be the Ice Caves of Vik. The circle on the left is the entry point to the caves!

Juno, Alaska: When one lands on a glacier from a helicopter, a person experiences majestic views. In the image above, the vibrant colors and patterns of the ice are the focus. Simply by cutting out the sky line or any sense of proportion, we can appreciate the unique beauty of the unusual landscape.

Tips for Taking Great Abstract Photos with Your Smartphone

🔷 Focus on Shapes and Patterns
Look for geometric patterns, repetitive textures, or unique curves that create visually interesting compositions.

🔍 Get Close
Use macro mode or move in tight to isolate details, transforming everyday objects into abstract art.

🔄 Experiment with Angles
Shoot from unusual perspectives—tilt your phone, shoot from above, or get low to create a fresh viewpoint.

💡 Play with Light and Shadows
Use strong contrast, directional lighting, or silhouettes to emphasize form and mood.

🌊 Use Reflections
Capture distorted reflections in water, mirrors, or glass to create surreal and abstract effects.

💨 Blur for Creativity
Intentional blur from motion (panning or slow shutter speed) or shallow depth of field can add an artistic touch.

🎨 Enhance with Color and Contrast
Bold colors and high contrast can turn simple subjects into striking compositions.

🚫 Break the Rules
Abstract photography thrives on creativity—ignore conventional framing and composition to create something unexpected.

📱 Use Panoramic Mode Creatively
Move the phone in unexpected ways while using panoramic mode to create stretched or warped distortions.

🖌️ Edit for Emphasis
Boost contrast, saturation, or invert colors to further enhance the abstract nature of your photo.

Abstract photography is all about seeing the ordinary in an extraordinary way—so experiment, break the rules, and let your creativity lead the way!

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