Sea ice chunks float in the ocean on the Antarctic coastline

Abstract Landscape Photography

Whether viewing from high above in an airplane or up close with a macro lens, beautiful abstract patterns are found everywhere within landscape photography. One of my favorite ‘techniques’ or ‘exercises’ to keep inspired and in a creative headspace is to keep an eye out for visually abstract patterns while I am photographing in nature. It has become a fun way to challenge myself creatively and push myself to capture what I feel are unique images.

Abstract landscape photography of clouds reflecting in the ocean
Abstract landscape photography of clouds reflecting in the ocean
Aerial landscape photography of Factory Butte in Southern Utah shot with a drone
Aerial landscape photography of a desert shot in Southern Utah in America's Southwest with a drone.
Abstract photography of a massive king penguin colony on South Georgia Island near Antarctica
Abstract photography of a massive king penguin colony on South Georgia Island near Antarctica
Abstract photography of a massive king penguin colony on South Georgia Island near Antarctica
Abstract photography of a massive king penguin colony on South Georgia Island near Antarctica

These two abstract images of a large king penguin colony on South Georgia Island were completely unexpected. I shot these using a telephoto lens to compress the penguins together and let the repetition in their bodies be the abstract pattern.

Abstract landscape photography of patterns found in the sand on the Oregon Coast
Abstract landscape photography of patterns found in the sand on the Oregon Coast
Aerial photography of Iceland's braided rivers and glacial streams
Aerial photography of Iceland's braided rivers and lahar glacial streams
Abstract nature photography closeup of bear fur blue
Abstract nature photography closeup of bear fur

One of my favorite abstract landscape photography images I’ve shot is of Iceland’s glacial streams from high above in an airplane. As the glacial melt flows out into various streams, they become braided and create the most intricate patterns I’ve ever seen. Several years after photographing the glacial streams in Iceland, I shot a closeup photo of a bear’s fur. I like sharing these images side by side because to me, they have a very similar pattern and the bear’s fur is hard to recognize at first.

Abstract landscape photography of windswept snow patterns on a mountain in Antarctica
Abstract landscape photography of windswept snow patterns on a mountain in Antarctica
Abstract landscape photography looking down on a cluster of ferns and other plants in the forest
Abstract landscape photography looking down on a cluster of ferns and other plants in the forest
Landscape photography of abstract patterns found in a frozen creek on Mount Rainier in the winter
Landscape photography of abstract patterns found in a frozen creek on Mount Rainier in the winter
Abstract landscape photography of sea foam washed ashore on the Oregon Coast
Abstract landscape photography of sea foam washed ashore on the Oregon Coast
Abstract photography of patterns found on tree bark
Abstract photography of patterns found on tree bark
Abstract landscape photography of a glacier in Neko, Antarctica
Abstract landscape photography of a glacier in Neko, Antarctica
Abstract landscape photography closeup of an iceberg floating in the ocean in the Antarctic Peninsula
Abstract landscape photography closeup of an iceberg floating in the ocean in the Antarctic Peninsula
Abstract landscape photography of windblown patterns in a sand dune.
Abstract landscape photography of windblown patterns in a sand dune.
Abstract landscape photography of ice floating in the ocean in the Antarctic Peninsula
Abstract landscape photography of ice floating in the ocean in the Antarctic Peninsula
Sea ice chunks float in the ocean on the Antarctic coastline
Landscape photography of ice floating on the Antarctic Peninsula's coastline
Closeup macro photography of bubbles inside a frozen lake in Iceland
Closeup macro photography of bubbles inside a frozen lake in Iceland
Unique ice formations found in a glacier in the Antarctic Peninsula
Unique ice formations found in a glacier in the Antarctic Peninsula
Behind the scenes photography of Andrew Studer photographing abstract details in the sand on the Oregon Coast. Photo by Khalifa Al Misnad on assignment for Qatar Museum's 'Year of Culture'
Behind the scenes photography of Andrew Studer photographing abstract details in the sand on the Oregon Coast. Photo by Khalifa Al Misnad on assignment for Qatar Museum's 'Year of Culture'