The most exciting thing about modern photography is its eclectic nature. The turning point was between 1910-1950 when it became an independent art form.
Photographers began to reject the notion of ‘straight photography’ which limited photography to that which had a sharp focus and only represented reality as is, without artistic interference or manipulation.
Modern photography lay the groundwork for the contemporary art photography as we enjoy it today.
In the 21st century, we now enjoy abstract, monochrome, bokeh and blur, contemporary and HDR (High Dynamic Range) techniques, works of art that light up our lives and bring heart, mood and spirit to our homes.
Abstract
Get up close and personal with unique abstract photography that will become a talking point in your home. Abstract photography is full of drama. This style is all about shapes, colour and form and is as far from realism as you can get in photography.
There’s sometimes a hint of what the subject is – the dandelions below, for example – but the photographer often gives the captured image a twist by zooming in close or depicting a different perspective rather than the full picture.
If you love letting go of the literal, abstract photography is a wonderful way to add colour, character and interest to a home.
1. Canyon curves
CURVY: Add life and colour to a room with rich and beautiful ‘Antelope Slot Canyon’.
2. Marble marvel
ABSTRACT: ‘Marble Quartz’ complements the pink, grey and copper accents of the décor.
3. Dandelion dreaming
SILENT NIGHT: Let the light of nature into your home with dreamy ‘Dandelion Flowers’.
Black and White
Despite colour photography becoming commercially available in 1898, black and white photography continues to remain a popular technique, much loved by artists and art appreciators alike.
Interestingly, photographing in black and white tends to add something rather than take it away. Shadows and the highlights come to the fore, creating a fantastical rather than real depiction of the subject.
Your eye also tends to focus more on details, contrasts, textures, lines, shape and form. In interior design, monochrome photography creates an arty and edgy feel, an easy way to add spunk to a room.
4. Music to the ears
EDGY: An edgy monochrome print makes the ideal character piece for any interior style.
5. Gorgeous gorge
DRAMATIC: ‘Loch Ard Gorge’ focuses on the contrast, creating a magical work of art.
6. Jolly giraffe
SKY HIGH: Take your style to the next level with ‘Giraffe In Black And White’.
Bokeh and Blur
‘Bokeh’ is the Japanese work for ‘fuzzy’, but the context was traditionally used to describe someone who was senile or silly. Today the term is now popularly used to describe out of focus areas of a photo – and yes, there is actually good bokeh and bad bokeh.
Most of us have experienced what it’s like to take a photo featuring bad bokeh. We all know what that looks like! Good bokeh is when a scene or subject is intentionally adjusted – blurred – to create a sensational special effect. It could be about blurring the background or it could be blurring something specific in the foreground.
Rather than just settling for a static scene, bokeh brings the world to life and has become an impressive way to shoot cityscapes and urban lights. It you love daring art, bring bokeh and blur modern photography into your home.
7. Turquoise treat
SPARKLE: The dominant turquoise in ‘Follow The Light’ deliciously complements the décor.
8. Big city lights
NIGHT LIGHTS: Bring the energy of the city home with dynamic ‘Urban Twilight’.
9. Skyline style
ALL A BLUR: A bokeh style print adds interest to a wall – ideal for the home or office.
Contemporary Modern Photography
Contemporary photography is typically either edgy or unusual. It’s photography from today’s era, but captured in a style that conveys meaning. That is, the picture as a whole means something more than its subject matter. For example, placing a ballet dancer outside her ordinary environment and situating her in an urban space.
The twist is that the meaning is entirely up to the viewer to interpret. While contemporary photography has a lot to say, it’s very rarely prescriptive.
The beauty of this modern photography style is that it looks amazing in non-contemporary interior spaces. It can add something special to classic, rustic, vintage and country style interiors as well.
10. City dance
EN POINTE: The juxtaposition of a ballerina in a city setting sets this ‘Urban Ballet’ print apart.
11. Feeling blue
MOODY BLUES: ‘Reach For The Sky’ celebrates the steely blue of a cityscape.
12. Purple garden
FANTASTICAL: There’s something timeless about ‘The Gate’ and all its purple glory.
High Dynamic Range
Don’t be scared away by this three-letter-acronym. HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography is simply a technique photographers use whereby instead of taking just one photo, they use three photos, taken at different exposures. They then use computer editing software to put the three images together. They take the best of each photo to create an entirely new scene, often mesmerising and magical.
Sure, anyone can have a go at this, but it’s fairly tricky to master and it’s the type of photography that separates the pros from us mere mortals. The results can be extraordinary, particularly when used in landscape photography.
13. Good morning
RISE AND SHINE: The use of HDR techniques creates an eternally golden tropical sunrise.
14. Country time
WAKE UP: Add the peace and beauty of country life to your home with ‘Hay Bales At Sunrise’.
15. City sass
PICTURE PERFECT: Clever use of HDR treatment has transformed Melbourne’s skyline.
