The art of nature abstraction: A guide to seeing differently

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

When we think of nature photography, we often picture sweeping landscapes or charismatic wildlife. But there’s a quieter, more intimate world waiting just beneath the surface — a world of textures, patterns, and colors that reveal themselves only when we slow down and look closely. Abstract nature photography invites us to shift our perspective, to trade context for curiosity, and to find beauty in the overlooked. In this post, we’ll explore how close-up and macro techniques can transform ordinary natural subjects into extraordinary visual stories, offering both creative inspiration and practical tips for seeing the wild in new ways.

1. Close-ups and macro: Reveal textures in an endless supply of subjects. Need some ideas? Here's a list to get you started: 

Leaf veins Tree bark Cactus & succulents Fern curls Lichen & moss  Flower petals Seed heads Fungi gills  Butterfly or moth wings Feathers Reptile or amphibian skin Insect eyes or exoskeletons Fur close-ups Dew drops  Frozen puddles with trapped air bubbles or cracks Ripples and reflections  Raindrops on glass or petals Cracked mud or salt flats Rock striations or mineral veins Sand dunes  Ash Pumice Lava textures Sunlight through translucent leaves or wings Lens flare or bokeh in foliage Smoke or mist patterns

2. Intentional blur or motion: Use wind, water, or camera movement to create painterly effects.

3. Light and shadow play: Explore how sunlight transforms surfaces, especially at golden hour or twilight.

4. Reflections and Distortions: Use water surfaces, ice, or glass to create warped or mirrored versions of natural scenes.

5. Color Isolation and Contrast: Seek out bold color juxtapositions in flowers, minerals, or seasonal foliage.

6. Repetition and Rhythm: Capture repeating elements like pine needles, grasses, or wave patterns.

7. Unusual Angles and Cropping: Shoot from above, below, or extremely close to distort scale and context. Crop tightly to remove recognizable features, turning the subject into pure form.

8. Minimalism and negative space: Isolate elements to highlight form and simplicity.

9. Backlighting and Silhouettes: Use strong backlight to emphasize outlines, translucence, or internal structure (e.g., leaves, wings).

Abstract photography isn’t just about creativity — it’s also a useful tool for telling visual stories and connecting people to the natural world. Try experimenting with different angles, lighting, and depth of field to discover what works best for you.