Best abstract landscapes I've ever seen

[rhymeorreason]

Hello all,

I really love the work done by Frances Seward, I’ve not come across anything like her work before (see link below).

http://francesseward.com/#abstract-landscapes

I would love to be able to come up with my own, but am really struggling to replicate / come close to the technique

At first I thought they were panning beach shots saturated in Photoshop, but if you look more closely there not.
I then thought that perhaps they were still panning shots, but multiple exposures layered together – No joy there either.

I’ve searched and searched to find anything else like them, and I’m coming up short. Having studied guest blog appearances / mini interviews, she still quite tight lipped, and the only clues that she has given are the following:

1 – Uses DSLR
2 – Uses glass
3 – Like to use reclaimed material
4 – Likes to “create fine art photographs that have the feel of a modern abstract landscape photograph”

As I said, I first thought they were done outside, but I’m now more convinced that they are artificially fabricated (still using physical objects mind) in a studio, due to the intensity of the colours / lightsources used? But then, how would you create the wave ripples in the water (if it is water that is?)

Then, I had the wild notion that they have been done using a looking at a water surface through different coloured bottles (reclaimed material / use of glass??) laid horizontally, with differing light sources behind, and using a macro lens slightly out of focus – still no joy (click my Flickr link for my way off efforts, both with the bottles and outside).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66605622@N05/sets/72157633086095295

Has any of you kind people come across anything like these before, and if so, do you know of the technique? I’ve been pulling my hair out for weeks trying to suss it out, and am currently still no nearer!

I have tried to email her for advice, but she hasn’t replied

Thanks in advance
Lee

 

[squirrels]

Those are beautiful. I've seen something like this. This book Photo Inspiration: Secrets Behind Stunning Images: 1x.com: Amazon.com: Kindle Store.
The last pic of the kindle sample shows a shot similar to what you are talking about, but the "how to" on that shot requires purchase and I was browsing at the time.

Looks like its a merge of two photos, one macro and one landscape? Camera settings for two pics are given.

I'd love to try it, but I'll have to decide if it is worth my $21 given my meager level of talent.

Good luck!

 

[rhymeorreason]

Hi squirrels,

Thanks for the reply.
I've just had a look at that book on Amazon, looks great. Definitley worth a buy

 

[squirrels]

Hi squirrels,

Thanks for the reply.
I've just had a look at that book on Amazon, looks great. Definitley worth a buy

I might have to pick it up after all too.

I gave it a try and think two photos 1 macro should get you going in the right direction.


And I now have a new favorite way to keep from being productive!

 

[Mully]

Vaseline on glass can give a look like this.....apply the Vaseline on a piece of glass and put it in front of the lens

 

[amolitor]

Some of the photo descriptions give some clues. There are certainly elements of collage involved here. Some of them appear to be inverted, or to at any rate contain inverted elements. I'm also seeing long exposures, multiple exposures, and possibly some long exposures with flash involved.

The artist seems to be using multiple techniques (at least 2 or 3, I think, and possibly many more) to create raw imagery, which are then assembled together in both as layers with translucency, and as collage elements, placing elements within the frame.

 

[skieur]

Not impressed. I could do much of that with a computer and fractal software.

 

[Ilovemycam]

They are freaky. Thanks!

 

[squirrels]

Not impressed. I could do much of that with a computer and fractal software.

Come on and play. Show us what you've got!

ETA: I bet mishelle can rock this whole genre out.

 

[Ballistics]

Not impressed. I could do much of that with a computer and fractal software.

I bet you couldn't.

 

[jenko]

My take:

They are using a high quality variable ND filter, like Heliopan or Singh Ray. Very low f/stops and super long exposure times. The filter eliminates most noise typical of these settings. Some of these filters have excellent glass. Heliopan uses Zeiss glass.

There is also post processing involved. A blurred copy layer and a desaturated layer, maybe. Then the usual tweaks. It also looks like a texture layer is used in some of them.

 

[Compaq]

The closest thing I have is a scene involving a low sun and lots of fog.


Lauvøya 2 by Anders Myhre Brakestad, on Flickr

 

[squirrels]

The closest thing I have is a scene involving a low sun and lots of fog.


Lauvøya 2 by Anders Myhre Brakestad, on Flickr

I like it! HDR? That's some crazy texture!

 

[mishele]

I might have just found my inspiration for the summer.

 

[PixelRabbit]

OP, play around with different things near and far and find your own way of creating something similar. She definitely has amazing work and like Mishele I'm inspired!! I've tried to create my own "landscapes" and this is one I was quite happy with