Minimalist Abstract

[Mike Buckley]

This style isn't for everyone (perhaps the epitome of understatement) but it appeals to me. However, even I will grant that it's more fun to make such a minimalist abstract than to look at it. Considering that it takes a LOT longer to make it than to look at it, that's a good thing.

[ShaneS]

This is just great Mike - I love it! The three tones broken by the two curved lines of different widths give the viewer a lot to look at despite the apparent simplicity. Even though I suspect what objects were used to create the image - it is of no consequence to me and what makes it a good abstract image IMHO.

[teokf]

Not sure what to make of it. But the three tones are superbly even. You used a light box?

[Mike Buckley]

Glad you like it, Shane!

Even though I suspect what objects were used to create the image

Just one object, not two. But I'd be willing to bet a lot that you know exactly what that object is.

[Mike Buckley]

No light box, Steven. The background is a light shining through translucent white acrylic toward the subject and camera. The subject is placed on a black acrylic tabletop. It was shot using a 105mm macro lens at f/45, the smallest aperture available at the focus adjustment being used.

[FootLoose]

Superb, Mike. I am a fan of abstracts.

[Karm Redland]

I like this one a lot. I think the image has a simple elegance that would fit into a modern interior space. Just a thought: play with rotating this type of image. I think it also works if rotated to the left or right.

karm

[Mike Buckley]

Glad you like it, Karm, especially for the same reasons that I like it.

The nice thing about abstracts is that they can be rotated in various ways and still work just fine. I rarely do that because once I envision the image before releasing the shutter, that vision is so embedded in my mind that I'm rarely flexible enough to like it being presented in any way that is dramatically different. I suppose that mindset can be good or bad, depending on the situation.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful image Mike. I adore the composition, the lines, and I am in awe of all the variations of tones/shades/light you capture in a single image.

I see a few small dust spots in the central portion.

[Wavelength]

This is really beautiful; i see full of dynamism and life in it
Regards

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you to Greg, Christina and Nandakumar.

I see a few small dust spots in the central portion.

I do too. They're on my monitor, not in the image.

Seriously, I would really appreciate it if you would alter the image to point them out. I don't see them at 67% of the full-size image, much less the considerably smaller size displayed here. That part of the image is really out of focus because of the small depth of field provided by a macro lens, so anything that is being displayed is probably dust on my sensor that I haven't seen. I could use your better eyes.

[Brownbear]

They are really tiny Mike, you just seem like a perfectionist so I thought I should let you know.

They are mostly on the upper left hand side.

[Mike Buckley]

Wow! They really pop out against the darker grey background. I'll have to try using that shade when I do the clean-up portion of my workflow.

I just now realized that that area is NOT the acrylic background that I mentioned in my previous post. That area is the black acrylic tabletop reflecting the white acrylic background. That being the case, those spots that you highlighted are almost certainly dust on the tabletop.

Thanks, Christina!

[Brownbear]

My pleasure.. Nice to know that I could help you with something.

[teokf]

Mike, just a thought ... for people like me or should I say for the benefit of me (so selfish ) who finds it difficult to visualise your set up, is it possible to have a photo of the materials you use and the positioning of your light source and camera?

Reason being I just ordered a light tent and wanting to try some of the things you are doing.

[Mike Buckley]

Steven,

The best thing to do is simply purchase Light: Science & Magic. Everything is explained in that book including excellent, detailed drawings of the setups.

[Andrew76]

Hey Mike, I really like this shot too. Simple yes, but not too simple. Great lines, and I like that you have achieved multiple tones, to make it a little more interesting. For me, the arrangement of the tones works well too - light to dark, top to bottom creates a pyramid effect that works in my brain.

Cool stuff.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Andrew.

[Letrow]

That is a nice image Mike, macro and abstract go together well.