P#27: An Abstract Art Photograph of Birch Trees

An Abstract Effect

Brenda Tharp: This photograph of birch trees is along the same line as the pan shot of the birds, except trees don't move. Well, they do move a little bit in the wind, but they're not moving like birds or running deer would.

For years now, I've been working with this idea of abstract in nature and creating impressions of colors, light, and all of that which I see, so it's very abstract. (click the image for a larger version)

I am basically taking the camera and panning up on these birch trees, this group of trees that I found in Maine. In the process of doing that with a half-second shutter speed, I moved in such a way that I was able to retain some detail in the tree trunks, yet still have this blending of all the colors and all of the elements.

That's my goal. I'm working with the idea of trying to create a more painterly effect and still have you understand what it is you're looking at. The really neat thing about this technique is that every one of them is a one of a kind. You can get pretty good as you practice at getting real close to similar effect.

I can say, "Okay, it's a half second using my 24-105mm zoom lens but it's all going to depend on how quickly you move as the picture maker. If you move too fast, you're going to blur everything together too much. If you don't move fast enough, you get a choppy effect."

Once you settle on a half second, you then have to get your movement in alignment with that half second to get the effect you want. It's not easy, but it's sure fun trying it.

Audri Lanford: This is one of those things I cannot wait to try out. This is so beautiful. I love abstracts like this. The white of the birch contrasting with the fall colors is just exquisite.

Brenda Tharp: When you are blending light and color, you do have to pay attention to what's going to happen. You still have to look at having some depth in your composition so you'll notice that there's at least one or two of those trees that feel like they're forward of everything else, then some in the middle ground, and some towards the background.

Composition and placement of elements is still important. The other thing is you need to pay attention to are any really bright or really dark areas that, when you pan on them, might become holes or shapes and blobs of color that could be distracting. You have to think in terms of getting the right combination of elements for success.

Audri Lanford: I imagine you try many, many shots before getting the right one.

Brenda Tharp: Yes, and I'm very grateful I'm digital because when I used to do this with film, you never knew what you had until you got that film back from the lab. You might have 36 frames of this and maybe one worked. You would hope for a better ratio than that, but you never really knew until you really got the hang of the technique.

In Conclusion

If you want to get really creative with your photograph, try going the abstract route. According to Brenda Tharp, doing so may take time to master, but it is well worth it in the ends. This amazing photograph of birch trees is a perfect example of that fact.