Photographing Foliage Abstracts

[Heather Forcier]

Someone asked me yesterday if I got bored with photographing fall foliage. My answer is definitely no! Besides the fact that I love photography enough to be making it my career, fall colors are different every year, and I am different every year - I see new opportunities every time I am behind the camera.

One thing I really like to do is abstracts. Not the kind made on the computer after-the-fact, but in-camera - at the time of capture. Usually this means capturing something unusual, or manipulating the focus, or using a slow shutter speed and incorporating movement into the photo. Not everyone likes abstracts, they are highly subjective, but they are a fantastic form of creative expression.

If you have a zoom lens you can try zooming while taking the exposure - for optimal effect the shutter speed should be fairly slow. Try starting out at around 1/15 of a second, and keep in mind the f/stop and ISO can be changed in order to get such a slow shutter speed with the right exposure.

Another thing to try is moving the lens slightly while taking the photo. Doing this from a tripod helps control the motion. If just a small amount of blur is present, the result could be Impressionistic and quite appealing.

I tried some new ideas in the field yesterday and have one result on the front page of my site.

[seger]

Hi Heather, Nice abstract! I do that as well. When I find it I'll show it to you. I had taken and abstract while in North Troy on the river road last year.

Anyway, I have to tell you...I LOVE YOUR LOONS!! Goodness, those are VERY well done. I'm still working on getting good loon photos. Got a couple real good ones of a Great Blue Heron, and also Green heron. Thanks for sharing

[Heather Forcier]

Thank you for your replies!

Loons are one of my favorite creatures, and photographing them was amazing. Just to hear their calls astounds me.

I was lucky to be able to work with the Loon Preservation Committee (www.loon.org) to photograph some of the birds in NH this summer. I should update my page with other photos, as I got quite a few with chicks during a return trip.

[seger]

Hi again Heather,...Would love to see any Loon pics you might have. I look for them all the time and we have a pair on Lake Salem in Derby. I always go out in my little fishing boat and usually find them, but they are so darn fast. I just love Loons, in fact I just picked up another coffee cup with an amazing Loon on it.

I'm still looking for my fall abstract as well. May be a couple days as I'm headed down to the White Mountains in NH today to check out the notches and colors. I'll be checking back in though!

[Heather Forcier]

I'll let you know when I update the page!

Have a great trip, good luck getting that abstract!

[rpk4398]

If you like abstract flora photos, check out Freeman Patterson's and Tony Sweet's sites.

http://www.freemanpatterson.com/
http://www.tonysweet.com/

In their books, they generously and accurately offer the techniques on how to capture such images. Highly recommended.

"Photo Impressionism and the Subjective Image"

"Fine Art Flower Photography: Creative Techniques And The Art Of Observation"

[Heather Forcier]

One of the most talented abstract macro photographers I know is Mike Brown - you can see some of his work here:

http://michaelbrown.naturescapes.net

He also has an article on his approach here:

http://www.naturescapes.net/062006/mb0606.htm

[courtmel]

Heather-

Your "Bald Eagle in Flight" is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. Love the snowflakes in the pictures. I live to admire nature and your pictures are a joy to behold.

Thank you for sharing with me...

Hoping I can get to look at some trees cloaked in their autumn finery when I head up to Stowe area Wednesday-Sunday. I am not hearing good things but we are willing to drive to see some nice colors. Can you suggest any areas?

Susan

[Heather Forcier]

Wow, thanks for your very kind words!

I am hoping to be roaming around Vermont for much of tomorrow looking for things to photograph. I can post what I find. As far as the Stowe area, I'm not sure - my favorite thing to do is carry my Delorme Atlas along with me and just get "lost" on back roads, looking for photographic inspiration. Stowe should be a good area to be in, because you can travel different elevations to find foliage at different stages.

Have fun!

[rpk4398]

Thanks for the Mike Brown link. Here are a couple that fall into similar category:

http://www.photocentric.net/gallery2040.htm

http://www.natureworkshops.com/multiple_exposure_-_part_1.htm