
Abstract Photography for Sale
Abstract photography, also sometimes known as experimental photography, is the art of creating a visual effect with an image that has no immediate attachment to reality, by using processes like focusing, framing, or retouching and editing the photograph in post-processing. For example, an abstract picture can sometimes isolate a fragment of an ordinary image to remove it from its original context and give it a surrealist edge. It can also involve playing with blurring, shadows or lighting, textures or unexpected forms. The image is often created with traditional photographic material (analog or digital cameras, dark room, computer). However, artists can also manipulate and alter the film in order to achieve the desired effect.
The first images known as “abstract photographs" appeared shortly after the invention of photography in the 1830s. In 1842, John William Draper created a new type of images with a spectroscope. This machine dispersed light beams and produced a phenomenon that was previously invisible to the eye. The negatives he produced had nothing in common with the works of other photographers, and they opened the way for innovative photographic works. Draper perceived these images as a scientific discovery, not as artworks, but today his method is widely acclaimed by critics for its inherent originality.
In England, Anna Atkins was also a pioneer of abstract photography; she was the first one to place dry algae on cyanotype paper. This scientific experiment improved photographic techniques by creating unique blue and white images. Moreover, the discovery of X-ray and radioactivity in 1896 provoked a fascination for the invisible and many photographers were immediately drawn to these phenomena. French photographer Louis Darget attempted to capture mental processes by pressing unexposed plates to the foreheads of his and trying to get them to project images from their minds onto the plates. He carried out thousands of similar experiments.
It was only during the 20th century that abstract photography truly became recognised as an artistic practice. Surrealism and cubism started replacing impressionism, especially after the Salon d'Automne in 1903 in Paris. This event highlighted new talents like Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp… Ten years later, in New York, Wassily Kandinsky, Mondrian, Braque and Delaunay shocked audiences. The freedom coming from abstract art inspired some of the greatest photographers to break the rules.
Erwin Quedenfeldt exhibited the first abstract photographs in Cologne in 1914. From 1920 to 1930, Europe became the epicenters of conceptual photography with artists such as Jaroslav Rossler, Josef Sudeck, and Rössler exploring abstraction.
Post-processing became more central to photographic works in the 60s and the 70s, with artists like Josef Newman. Eventually, the growing popularity of computers in the 90s and the 2000s opened up infinite possibilities for creating original work. Some contemporary photographers like Peter Klasen, Dominic Harris, or Nicolas Dubreuille combine photography with other mediums.
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I am fleeting #1 and Mirages #4, Diptych
Javier Rey
Photography - 123.5 x 163 x 0.3 cm Photography - 48.6 x 64.2 x 0.1 inch
€2,917

Two Landscapes 142
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 89
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 32.9 x 48.3 x 0.1 cm Photography - 13 x 19 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 51
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 32.9 x 48.3 x 0.1 cm Photography - 13 x 19 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 136
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 118
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 76
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 103
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 113
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 124
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 131
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 155
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 152
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Crate_Stacks_010
Bernhard Lang
Photography - 90 x 160 x 3 cm Photography - 35.4 x 63 x 1.2 inch
€2,890

I am fleeting #9. From I am fleeting Series
Javier Rey
Photography - 110 x 73 x 0.3 cm Photography - 43.3 x 28.7 x 0.1 inch
€1,320

I am fleeting #6. From I am fleeting Series
Javier Rey
Photography - 65 x 43 x 0.3 cm Photography - 25.6 x 16.9 x 0.1 inch
€956

I am fleeting #3. From I am fleeting Series
Javier Rey
Photography - 110 x 73 x 0.3 cm Photography - 43.3 x 28.7 x 0.1 inch
€1,320

As Above, So Below 03
Angelica Tcherassi
Photography - 149.9 x 110 x 0.3 cm Photography - 59 x 43.3 x 0.1 inch
€2,093

As Above, So Below 02
Angelica Tcherassi
Photography - 149.9 x 110 x 0.3 cm Photography - 59 x 43.3 x 0.1 inch
€2,093

Hearin Gaia 01, From the series The Journey
Angelica Tcherassi
Photography - 99.8 x 69.9 x 0.3 cm Photography - 39.3 x 27.5 x 0.1 inch
€1,729

L'heure bleue route 10
Feng Hatat
Photography - 60 x 90 x 3 cm Photography - 23.6 x 35.4 x 1.2 inch
€1,000


Temporal Perception 92 (Diptych)
Serge Hamad
Photography - 114.3 x 152.4 x 0.1 cm Photography - 45 x 60 x 0 inch
€4,685




















Torrent26_8248
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€720

Torrent24_8120
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€720

Torrent05_6713
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 32.9 x 48.3 x 0.1 cm Photography - 13 x 19 x 0 inch
€720

Two Landscapes 50
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 45
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 43
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 40
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 32.9 x 48.3 x 0.1 cm Photography - 13 x 19 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 38
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 37
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Two Landscapes 34
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch
€600

Fickle Memory 08
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 72.8 x 103 x 3 cm Photography - 28.7 x 40.6 x 1.2 inch
€500

Fickle Memory 04
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 100 x 70 x 3 cm Photography - 39.4 x 27.6 x 1.2 inch
€500

Fickle Memory 01
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 103 x 72.8 x 3 cm Photography - 40.6 x 28.7 x 1.2 inch
€500


Jaune 3D 003
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Jaune Meta Graphic 002
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

H2o Meta Graphic 001
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Macro META Graphic Mirrors
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Origami 001
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Orange META Graphic Sport 1
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Violet Meta Graphic 001
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Langages Meta Graphic 01
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Effect Mirror 002
Jean-Claude Byandb
Photography - 60 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 23.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€610

Flow pass08_4469
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 73 x 50 x 2 cm Photography - 28.7 x 19.7 x 0.8 inch
€1,300

Végétal - Dualité complémentaire - Série : Esprit végétal
Moz - David Vuillermoz
Photography - 155.7 x 50 x 2 cm Photography - 61.3 x 19.7 x 0.8 inch
€3,865

Gaudí 014
Ivanna Alejandra Sanchez Moretti
Photography - 80 x 60 cm Photography - 31.5 x 23.6 inch
€800

The Petal of her Skin 001
Ivanna Alejandra Sanchez Moretti
Photography - 60 x 80 cm Photography - 23.6 x 31.5 inch
€800

Colors Of Africa: Pretoria 1980
Nils Eichberg
Photography - 50 x 50 cm Photography - 19.7 x 19.7 inch
€1,150

Recordings (Bello)
Javier Rey
Photography - 80 x 53 x 0.3 cm Photography - 31.5 x 20.9 x 0.1 inch
€1,229


Fickle Memory 06
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 100 x 70 x 3 cm Photography - 39.4 x 27.6 x 1.2 inch
€500

Fickle Memory 05
Yasuo Kiyonaga
Photography - 100 x 70 x 3 cm Photography - 39.4 x 27.6 x 1.2 inch
€500

Timeless Shadows 1.
Petr Strnad
Photography - 30 x 40 x 0.1 cm Photography - 11.8 x 15.7 x 0 inch
€320



Human Vision I
Sven Pfrommer
Photography - 100 x 100 x 3 cm Photography - 39.4 x 39.4 x 1.2 inch
€1,690


Seek Tranquility
Angela Cameron
Photography - 101.6 x 139.7 x 0.5 cm Photography - 40 x 55 x 0.2 inch
€1,638


Pacific Surf
Angela Cameron
Photography - 101.6 x 139.7 x 0.5 cm Photography - 40 x 55 x 0.2 inch
€1,684


Blue Anomaly 1&2
Angela Cameron
Photography - 101.6 x 139.7 x 0.5 cm Photography - 40 x 55 x 0.2 inch
€1,684

Sea Morning & Night
Angela Cameron
Photography - 91.4 x 121.9 x 0.5 cm Photography - 36 x 48 x 0.2 inch
€1,684

Tropical Storm
Angela Cameron
Photography - 101.6 x 139.7 x 0.5 cm Photography - 40 x 55 x 0.2 inch
€1,638


Tide Water 3&4
Angela Cameron
Photography - 91.4 x 121.9 x 0.5 cm Photography - 36 x 48 x 0.2 inch
€1,593

The Stream
Angela Cameron
Photography - 101.6 x 139.7 x 0.5 cm Photography - 40 x 55 x 0.2 inch
€1,729

The Falls
Angela Cameron
Photography - 91.4 x 121.9 x 0.5 cm Photography - 36 x 48 x 0.2 inch
€1,729

Glimpse Of Water
Angela Cameron
Photography - 101.6 x 139.7 x 0.5 cm Photography - 40 x 55 x 0.2 inch
€1,593
Discover the styles & movements
Discover the selection of our experts
Abstract photography refers to images created using photography equipment that do not directly represent the real visual world as we see it. Abstract photographers use different techniques to manipulate the image captured by the camera.
There are different factors in what makes a good abstract photograph, including composition, color, tone, lighting and mystery.
There are many different ways to produce an abstract photograph. Techniques can include moving the camera during exposure, playing with light and reflections, using different angles, and experimenting with production techniques.
One of the most famous abstract photographers is Wolfgang Tillmans, known for his experimental approach and innovative use of color and form. His work blurs the boundaries between photography, abstraction, and contemporary art.
The elements of abstract photography include shapes, colors, lines, textures, and patterns, often detached from recognizable subjects. This style emphasizes visual impact and emotion over literal representation.
Abstract nature photography captures natural elements in a way that emphasizes shapes, colors, and textures over realistic representation. It often transforms familiar scenes into visually intriguing compositions, inviting viewers to interpret the image freely.