Abstract Attractions

Mark Webster · Issue 38, Sep/Oct 2007 · pp. 47–51

Products mentioned: Nikon D100, Nikon D200, Nikon F90X, L&M Titan housing, Subal ND20 housing, Subal housing, Nikkor 105mm micro lens, Nikkor 200mm micro lens, Sigma 150mm macro lens, Sigma 180mm macro lens, Inon Quad flash, Fuji Velvia 50ASA

When we begin underwater photography the initial challenge is to simply record as many of the species we see in what is often a stunning underwater world. This alone can keep you busy for a long time, particularly when you start to explore the variety of species in the macro world. During this pursuit you may also begin to realize that there are thousands of unique and striking details in both small and large subjects which, when isolated and composed in the viewfinder, can produce some unique and often abstract images. Abstract painters are frequently inspired by nature, but of course they don’t often see the amazing diversity that is available to underwater photographers. So the purpose of this short article is to encourage you to think beyond the standard illustrative image and explore the potential attractions of the abstract image. Abstracts and patterns are, for me at least, predom…