Abstract Macro Photography: Finding Shape and Texture in Everyday Objects

Abstract photography has always appealed to me as a way to focus on shape, color, and form without the burden of realism. In this project, I set out to create a series of abstract macro images using simple, everyday objects — not to chase novelty, but to explore how much visual interest can be extracted from ordinary materials when viewed closely.

“Abstract” is defined as achieving its effect through shape and color rather than realism, and that definition guided my approach. I wanted to find subjects that naturally lent themselves to being visually reinterpreted — objects whose details, textures, and translucency could be isolated and transformed into something less literal and more graphic. One technique I’ve returned to often is photographing through translucent objects, placing color and texture behind them and letting light and optics do the work. For the first set of images, I used the patterned base of a drinking glass placed over a colorful fabric, allowing the interaction between shape, color, and refraction to become the subject itself.

I lit the subject with an off-camera LED light. I turned the camera to live view (this was before mirrorless) so I could rotate the glass and move the light to find the design I wanted on the LCD without having to waste frames or strain to look through the viewfinder. I don't use live view in general, but this is the type of photograph it's made for. I worked through multiple variations, refining composition as I went. I managed to make about 30 frames and selected the best three for finishing. This exercise was educational because I discovered that, at least for me, shape and detail in an image seem to take precedent over color. I know that the eye goes to warm colors first, but I also see that it prefers detail over color and the balance between the importance of shape and color is delicate. What this means is no matter how hot or attractive a color is, the eye prefers to examine a detailed area foremost. I rotated two of the images for two distinct compositions. Take a look.

For another abstract subject, I chose a maple leaf from our tree in the front yard. Again I rigged a macro platform with my versatile Manfrotto tripod. I used the built-in level to level the legs and then removed the center column and placed it sideways, which enabled me to use the column as a sliding macro rail to adjust focus. If you do a lot of macro photography, I'd recommend investing in a macro rail or bellows, which allow for smoother, finer movements. The versatility of the ball head enables me to position the camera correctly regardless of the orientation of the center pole. The goal is to get the sensor plane as parallel with the subject as possible for sharp detail.

To hold the leaf, I turned to the Plamp, a flexible clamp system. Again I used the LED to illuminate the subject from behind, bringing out the fine textures of the leaf.

Abstract macro photography is less about discovering new subjects and more about learning to see familiar ones differently.

Abstract Macro Photography: Key Takeaways

1. Live view is especially valuable for abstract and macro work, where composition often depends on subtle rotations, alignment, and light placement rather than subject recognition.

2. Detail often commands more visual attention than color. While warm colors draw the eye initially, areas of fine texture and structure tend to hold it longer.

3. Shape is a form of contrast. Strong shapes can create visual separation even when color contrast is minimal.

4. Small rotations can produce dramatically different compositions. Abstract subjects benefit from experimentation with orientation before committing to a final frame.

5. Creative results don’t require specialized equipment. Resourcefulness and observation matter far more than complexity.