Since taking an abstract workshop three years ago, my approach to landscape photography has not been the same. Inherently impatient, I have learned to be far more deliberate while striving to concentrate on line, form, space, and color relations. Shooting abstracts as often as possible forces one into increased awareness of composition, simplicity and lighting (not just light). My good fortune to have three fellow photographer friends (and marvelous abstracters) who are willing to give me unvarnished criticism in image review sessions is immeasurable. This helps separate images that work, from images which had an emotional attachment resulting from the effort and/or experience of the capture. In turn, this gives me a more clear-eyed approach to landscapes. 

Abstracts force you to keep all extraneaous elements out of your image (not always easy or successful), keen awareness of congruent and incongruent colors, and encourage a more uncompromising view of the finished product. Saturated colors and grand views will no longer suffice. Admittedly, I am lightyears from greatness, but for the first time, I have glimpsed what artistry can feel like. Perhaps the most satisfying side effect is a heightened understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art. Tuning in to the artist's non-verbal communication can be a nearly transcendent experience at times.

There is a certain irony to the increased enjoyment of one's work as you simultaneously become ever more demanding of yourself, and, ruthlessly critical of your past production. There are days when I want to delete my entire website, but, I hope, it also serves as a record of improvement.

Abstracts challenge you to see everything in a new way, force you out of your comfort, create new demands on your equipment, and require you to plan several steps ahead in the realization of the image. Sometimes, it can be the opposite, of course, when the image tells you what to do. Abstract sources can be found anywhere and once you start looking, they appear at the most unexpected moments and in the most unusual places.

My recommendations are these: study modern painters, sculptors, photographers and graphic artists. Mimic them, experiment, study your results, delete a lot, and most importantly, play with it. Get out and shoot....alot! Your own results can be puzzling, exasperating and surprising at first, but they will also reveal your style, as well as  tell you something about yourself. I can guarantee your landscapes will never be the same, and the better for it.