Architectural abstracts are usually based on line play. As always, there are a few things one should keep in mind when approaching this subject. First, to create abstract images from architectural structures, modern buildings and bridges tend to be far more suitable than older ones, but as always there are exceptions to this rule. Second, perspective is a key parameter and can create an abstract feeling where one would not expect it in the first place - it is worthwhile to play around with an unusual point of view, and/or rotations in post-processing. Third, in terms of composition, the diagonal will often play a paramount role. Fourth, where lines and shapes are dominant, conversion to black and white should always be considered (even if it is not by definition the best choice) - and keep in mind that good black and white photographs usually have a high degree of contrast. The image above is created via Photofunia and is free from copyright issues.
Escheresque (2009)
The Roof (2009)
This is one of my own favourites, and it received a lot of positive reactions as well. What we're seeing here is a detail of the roof of the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center on People's Square. The blue sky creates some optical illusions effects throughout the shot (link).
Cutting Edge (2009)
This is an Almere building that I have photographed many times. By turning the image 90 degrees, it creates a sense of reflection that is not actually there (link).
Almere Tower (2010)
At the time, a new building was completed in the centre of Almere, and I shot a few images that were rather successful. This was the second shot of mine to be exhibited in public: one of 20 winners of an Almere photography contest (link).
Paris Patterns (2010)
A series of balconies abstracted by turning the image 90 degrees.
Of course this works well in black and white to put all emphasis on the
lines (link).
Abstraction in yellow black and blue (2010)
This was taken in Amsterdam near the place where I worked at the time, whilst walking our spaniel
Jazz during the lunch break. It is a detail of a bridge with a stunning colour combination (link).
Electricity lines (2011)
An evening shot of one of the office buildings at
Shanghai's Huahei road. Intriguing how only the office lights are
visible, and yet they give a clear indication of the building's shape.
An abstract unlike any other (link).
Concentric (2015)
This is the ceiling of the Eusebius Church in Arnhem (The Netherlands). The metal center point is actually a light hanging from the ceiling.As usual in these types of abstract shots it is the play of liens and curves that makes it interesting, but in this shot the effect is enhanced by the natural contrast between the almost monochrome background and the coloured circles (link).
Vichy patterns (2017)
One of my favourite shots. This is a detail of the glass roof of a spa building in Vichy (France), with a very effective diagonal composition (link).
Xinhua Bookstore (2018)
This is without a doubt the most beautiful bookstore I've ever visited: the Xinhua shop in the Aegean Place mall in Shanghai's Minhang district. The design is by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando. What made it extra attractive from a photographer's point of view is that large parts are not used yet, making for stunning abstract shot opportunities. I've flipped this one upside down for an even more interesting effect (link).
Shanghai Shopping Mall (2018)
Nanjing Usnisa palace (2018)
About halfway our 2018 Shanghai trip, we took a short organized three day excursion to Nanjing, Yangzhou and Zhenjiang. The first stop was at the Nanjing Usnisa Palace, a formidable complex that houses relics of the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama. The architecture is incredible, and the visit was unforgettable. Here we have a detail of the roof of the entrance building - a stunning abstractions full of twists and turns (link).
Copyright statement: all images copyright Hennie Schaper. Contact me if you like to use them.
