Natural Abstracts And Intimate Landscapes
Natural abstracts use naturally occurring color, form, pattern, and texture in a non-representational way. That is, it brings out the beauty of these attributes but it is not exactly clear what we are looking at. The object is not the subject, the attributes of color, form, pattern, and texture are the subjects.
Often, these can also be intimate landscapes. Rather than the vast, sweeping landscape shots these are close-up shots, not quite macro images. Think of a shot showing the patterns and textures of a leaf rather then of the forest. Another example is the pebbles on a beach rather a seascape. This concentrated view increases the potential for being a natural abstract and an intimate landscape.
A recent visit to Yellowstone National Park highlighted the potential combination for me. Yellowstone’s geyser basins provide an especially unique opportunity. The bacterial growths throughout the basin produce beautifully colored creations with interesting shapes and texture. They’re perfect for both natural abstracts and intimate landscapes. However, as I’ll discuss, you don’t have to depend on unique natural features to find great natural abstract opportunities.
Thermophile
Surface water temperatures in the geyser basins can get up to about 199°F (93°C) which is the boiling point at that elevation. Thermophilic (heat loving) archea and bacteria thrive in this environment. Bacteria can exist in water at up to about 170°F (77°C) while archea can thrive at temperatures above that threshold. The thermophilic bacteria form a colorful bacterial mat below the crystal clear water of the hot springs.
The really great thing about this in terms of photography is that different types of bacteria exist in different temperature ranges and display different colors. Green and blue signify hotter temperatures, while yellow and oranges signify somewhat cooler temperatures. Under the right conditions you can also get dark peach or bright red. Typically you’ll see blue as the hot spring comes to the surface and then yellow and orange along the edges as the water cools.
At this point I should stop and point out that while the water in the geyser basins is perfect for archea and bacteria; it can be deadly for humans. Since 1890 there have been 22 recorded scalding deaths which is nearly 3 times the number of deaths due to bear attacks. If you go to Yellowstone, don’t be a touron; stay on the boardwalks!
The Photos
Bacteria Not Required
While there in no doubt that thermophilic bacteria can make for great natural abstracts and intimate landscapes they aren’t the only options. I was reminded this as I left the geyser basin and crossed the bridge over the river. Looking down I saw this unique pattern of aquatic grasses moving gracefully with the flow. This type of shot isn’t unique to Yellowstone by any means. When you’re looking for abstracts and Intimate landscapes we just have to keep an open eye and an open mind.
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What’s been your experience shooting natural abstracts and intimate landscapes? Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
