Critique the Community
Abstract or Conceptual
Submit Your Best "Abstract" Images!
Congratulations to the winners!
Last month's Abstract themed Critique the Community was a huge success! The entries were really interesting, and the winning images are absolutely stunning!
For this specific contest, every single photographer with an image shown in the Critique has won a free tutorial from the Fstoppers Store, but for the sake of showcasing our top 3 images, we still wound up picking first, second, and third place winners which you can see here.
Congratulations to everyone who made the episode and to all the other amazing images that simply weren't chosen. If you want to participate in the next critique, for the month of August we are asking for your best "soft light" images. Head over to Fstoppers.com/Contest to find the latest critique and good luck to everyone who enters!
Rules & Prizes
For the entire month of July, we want to see your best abstract or conceptual photographs! Enter the Fstoppers Critique the Community and show off your best images showcasing a slightly different view of the world.
This month we want to open up the Critique the Community to those who capture the world in a truly unique way. For this contest, all submissions should showcase something photographed in an abstract, conceptual, or metaphysical way. We will leave that definition up to you, and feel free to enter images that feature people, places, objects, or even mixed media art. Anything goes this month but as always, make sure you explain how to created the photo and what your inspiration was for capturing the photo in the first place. Each community member can submit up to 3 images for this contest.
Rules
- All images must be submitted from now until July 30th at 11:30 PM Eastern Time.
- Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself. Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode.
- Each image needs to be abstract in some way. This is a subjective theme but do if an image does not appear to fit the abstract concept, it will not be picked.
Every Selected Image Wins!
This month we are rewarding every single image that makes the final Critique the Community video with a full photography tutorial from the Fstoppers Store (Prize value $300)
Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing the best abstract photos from the Fstoppers Community!
Featured Image by the talented Alex Hill
Wed, 07/30/2025 - 23:30
This contest has ended.
202 people have cast a total of 12,234 votes on 378 entries from 190 participants
Contest Submissions
Click on the thumbnails below to comment and rate each image.
Click here to learn about the Fstoppers rating system and what each star value means.
53 Comments
It is extremely difficult to rate images in styles that may not resonate.
This type of work is especially subjective - I might suggest that you rate the work you really enjoy (3 or 4), and perhaps not diminish the work of others purely on the basis that they are not your cup of tea.
For me, if they fit the theme but does nothing for me or is lacking any photographic technique, then it gets a one star. And then stars get higher the more it moves me. The only images to get nothing are those which don't meet the theme.
The rules dictate what is a 1-star image. And by saying this you are going to open a can of worms. At least someone is openly admitting that they are slapping 1s on images. We found at least one of you... haha. see https://fstoppers.com/rating I realize its open for some interpretation, but the rules state, that a 1-star image had little to no thought involved maybe even are images that should not have been posted. The ones that don't appear to be in the genre, which is very subjective...this go around. I have given a '1'. There was one where pretty much every one gave a '1', for good reason. Ex: "Paul Joshua Balasabas" photo, it is clearly not an abstract/conceptual photo. I was just saying earlier, that many I was not willing to rate, because when it's just a fuzzed out photo or squiggly black lines, I didn't rate it. But more than likely, it would be a '2', there was still thought put into it, by the person posting it, and they likely did some post processing. I've also had a problem with those that don't post any writing or details about their photo, which breaks the rules. Even when a photo is great, sometimes I've taken them down a whole notch for that. They shouldn't be picked by Lee And Patrick, but I know some have.
you can poach it... as long as you are not better at it...
For those who have an interest in abstract photography and would enjoy discussions with like-minded photographers please consider joining the Minimalism, Abstract, Experimental community group.
We are a group of creative and supportive photographers who enjoy engagement with our peers (no matter what the level of experience). All done in fun and art.
https://fstoppers.com/groups/217887/minimalism-abstract-experimental-an…
I've been contemplating the connection between abstract and conceptual... the combined themes of this month's contest.
Abstract has always been a bit more straightforward in my mind, in that the images prioritize lines and shapes over context. The subject is not necessarily obvious. Conceptual art prioritizes an idea or message that the artist is trying to convey, over form and aesthetics. I've seen some really weird conceptual art in museums in which neither the subject nor the message was apparent. In fact, I'd be hard pressed to have called it art.
I suppose what I'm saying is that abstract images seem to have recognizable parameters, while conceptual images could be about anything for any reason, solely because they project some sort of idea or concept, even if it's interpreted no further than in the mind of the artist, and lost on the audience.
Good points Ed. Perhaps we will see comments from some entrenched in the conceptual artform - it would be great to hear their perspective.
Conceptual is a planned process with abstract undertones in some way (most of the time). So this means its not an image taken on accident that looks abstract in a way. Like a blurry or out of focus image you made by mistake may be considered abstract, but not conceptual. It's about the concept of the image and noticing that part, than a perfectly exposed or composed image. If you understood that, lol. We use to have conceptual art projects in art school all the time.
We're back to the point of thought and intent vs. communication. Excluding the unintentional happy accidents, most people make a picture based on an idea and with a purpose. I want to show you something. I want to tell you a story. I want to open the world's eyes to poverty. Whatever. But just because artwork begins with a concept, doesn't mean that the viewing audience has even so much as a clue as to what the artist was thinking. And if the message is not clear, the picture (in the case of photography) is perceived as no more than a snapshot. And that is what I feel so much conceptual art accomplishes... nothing. Meaningful to the artist, but without an accompanying written artist statement, meaningless to everyone else.
My Chicago theater is not labeled a conceptual photo, its more of an abstract piece, even though it was conceptually thought out before the photo was taken. I think that too many photographers think everything needs to be perfect in every way. Oh such a beautiful pretty picture is tunnel vision. Symmetrical can become so boring. Its actually nice to look at an image and understand the story without it having to be so darn realistic. Let the imagination work a little.
I have no doubt that you put great thought into every image that you make. That’s why I presumed your Chicago theatre photo to be somehow intended as conceptual in nature. The idea never crossed my mind that you would consider it abstract.
Dude ,you bring annoying to a whole new level. There's one on every site, and you're it. Congrats you have earned a 5.
Thank you, Kevin. I always wanted to be good at something.
...
Here's a thought. I think there are a lot of people that are not aware of the actual definition of Abstract art, as there are divisions even within that genre. There is "Abstract Expressionism" in whichThe term that best describes Abstract Expressionism is non-representational. This is because the movement emphasizes expressing emotions and ideas through abstract forms rather than depicting recognizable objects or scenes. Instead the maker seeks to show only basic form and design
There is "Abstract Non-Objectivism" in which there is no attempt to show any reference to what an object may be. There is no visual reference to reality.
There is Abstract Realism"where an art style that blends realistic depictions of subjects with abstract elements, creating a dynamic interplay between recognizable forms and expressive, non-representational techniques. It's a fusion where artists use both realistic details and abstract techniques to evoke emotions, convey deeper meaning, and challenge viewers to see familiar subjects in new ways.
There is "Abstract Photography" which is a genre that moves away from literal representation, focusing on shapes, colors, patterns, and textures to evoke emotion and interpretation rather than depicting recognizable subjects. It utilizes elements like perspective, movement, and light to transform the familiar world into something unexpected and often unrecognizable.
In that regard, most, 75%+- of the images we see here do not meet that criteria. That is only an opinion, not a judgement, and I will not debate or argue the point. That is strictly how I see it.
What I have tried to do in my work is to avoid the word "Abstract" and substitute "Extract" since what we are doing, if we working to meet the actual definition, is taking a part of a larger scene and using it to express a thought, idea or emotion. That was in the days when we only had film, so we had to "Extract" a detail showing form, design and pattern that was interesting to us as artist/photographers. Now with Photoshop we can take that even a step, or many steps, further using the tools P'Shop ( and other software avails us). Now with AI it can be taken even further.
One thing we can know for sure is that imagery that shows the whole scene or object, so that it is easily definable, is not Abstract under any definition. Do I personally enjoy Abstract Expressionism, and the other forms of Abstract Art? Yes, yes I do, quite a lot in some cases. Do I think that an objective rating of something that is non-objective is valid? Not in the least.
And BTW, abstract, any of things I listed as recognized abstract art work forms, should not be confused with surrealism. Salvador Dali, as a painter, and Jerry Uelsmann, as a photographer, are examples of surrealism. Can abstract be combined with surrealism? Absolutely, and som of it is quite nice.
Or conceptual.
Both meanings are very subjective. You can argue both ways for many different images. Purists will have a different point of view like many things. Its not as cut and dry like Color vs B&W.
The issue is though that words have meaning. if there are no objective meanings to words then we lose our language. It is impossible to communicate effectively if the meaning of words changes by the day, or by the hour. When we bring objective meaning to words, then you and I can communicate because we know what words mean. If words have no objective meaning then we cannot communicate with each other because what you mean by a word, and what I mean by a word are two completely different things. So when I see the word "abstract art" I go to the classic definition of that word, and if the meaning of that word has been diluted to mean something else entirely, or if the understanding of that word is imprecise, then again, we are talking about apples vs oranges, as the classic illustration states. I enjoy conversations about art, and the concepts of art as well as the emotional response to art, so I want to be exact relative to the meaning of words. If everyone in the room has the same understanding, then the discussion is fruitful for understanding and growing of community.
...and BTW, if one has no interest in, and doesn't like so called abstract art, perhaps they should not enter the conversation... and this is directed generally, not personally. An example, I love reading books about cosmology, the physics of astronomy, theoretical physics etc. However, I am not conversant enough to posit a view on any of it. So, If I were standing with a group of astrophysicists, for instance, I would not offer opinions or viewpoints, since while I enjoy reading about it, I am not conversant in it. If that makes sense.
I can understand what you're saying. In that case, both of us would have to agree 100 percent on the meaning? Would the perfect abstract in this contest be more important that the person who took the image, not understanding the theory of photography, or how they got the image. Less fundamentals and knowledge than writing an AI prompt.
Sorry to be of further annoyance, but you're raising two different questions. Yes, the "winning" entry in a themed competition should fit the description of the theme by generally agreed upon definitions, otherwise there's no point in having a theme.
In the context of a competition, the contest rules state that a description of how the photo was made and our inspiration must be included, or else the picture will not be considered for the critique. That's so that they have a basis for critique and something to talk about. The description or thought behind the picture, though, is not the "winning" factor. It's the picture itself and how well it fits the theme.
Mr Kunzulman, do you remember just a couple weeks ago in the last competition, when you said descriptions don't mean anything, because people make them up. Are you saying you don't believe them to be proper, but the judges should? By the way, this is the only question I have asked you, but thanks so much for your thoughts. Weren't you given a time out just recently for arguing with a gentleman here?
I don't remember saying anything in the last contest about descriptions, nor could I find anything scrolling back through them. I'm saying that descriptions are required by the judges in order to be considered for inclusion in their Critique-The-Community video. Background information doesn't make it a better picture; it just gives the judges something to discuss. No, there is no such thing as a time-out as in a disciplinary measure, and certainly not for arguing or stating an opinion. Another person who I was discussing a photo was banned from Fstoppers for aggressive and threatening comments. Please get your facts straight.
You antaginize others because you have been here a while. Dont work with me, I tell it like it is. I dont care really if you comment . Do what you want, but dont act suprised if someone calls you out.
If you drawn to Minimalism, Abstract, Experimental (and more!) photography I encourage you come and join our Fstoppers community of like minded folks.
https://fstoppers.com/groups/217887/minimalism-abstract-experimental-an…
We are a supportive, creative, curios tribe and are always eager to learn and share with each other.
A lot of great ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) submissions here!
If you would like to learn more about ICM, you owe it to yourself to check out one of ICM's masters, Mr. Alan Brown's profile.
https://fstoppers.com/profile/217887
His blog https://www.alanbrownphotography.com/blog and website are treasure trove of tips, tricks, and inspiration.
I 100% second this. Alan’s ICM work is amazing. I especially enjoy his “in the round” photos.
Big thanks Kyle- now I feel motivated to do more!
Many thanks for your generous endorsement Julian. I am extremely humbled by your words.
I joined yesterday and am still struggling to navigate
the site... I'm not sure how the voting works either.
And the amount of sensational photos here has blown my mind...
Give yourself time to explore the site.
That is part of the fun!
And I guarantee that the more you explore the more amazing images you will discover.
Good luck and welcome to the Fstoppers tribe!
We look forward to seeing your images.
Thanks Julian,
I've got one entered in the Abstract Conceptual comp ATM
It's great to be here, thank you for having me :-)
Alan
Don’t worry about voting or the ratings photos get. Top tier photos barely clear a 3 star rating. A bunch of people come in and rate photos low, out of spite, jealousy, or they think ratings are the thing that gets their own photo selected.
In the last contest, my contest photo rated lower than the same photo in my profle. Hmmmmmm....
That's because people going to your profile purposely and are more likely going to rate it higher if they like your work. I still believe people think ratings play a role in winning, no matter how many times it is said they don't. Most members here are passive members and just enter the contest to enter, as evidence by some of the photos that have been entered that are clearly not abstract or conceptual.
Why your photo would be rated lower here, is kinda a no-brainer, if you really think about it. People generally won't go to your profile to heavily scrutinize your photos. It's possible, but rarely. Conversely, when you put them in the contest, they are being highly scrutinized and weighed to a new standard that the contest is supposedly about. If you've been around long enough, you may even build up a number of site-friends, that get a notice when you post a photo to your profile, who may often vote you '4s', or like your particular style. You may also notice that photos on the contest will be rated by 32 people, but your profile will be rated by only 4 people... unless you have been picked as photo of the day, or it went viral in some way. How do profile photos go viral, only by being rated highly by a few people, than they get bumped for others to see. A good example for me is my Blue-Jellyfish. In the contest it rated down near 2. But in my profile I have 6 people who rated it a 4. I can't quite understand exactly why it is rated so low here, but hey...Who am I to argue with the public vote? Maybe people either don't think it counts as abstract, or Maybe they don't like the cropping. It was cropped many years ago, before I knew what I was doing.
Thanks Richard.
It's nice to get good ratings, but
there really are, imho, some excellent works here, so I would like to cast a vote for the picture that pleases my eyes the most, as tough as that is... that's if I'm allowed to do that?
Regards,
Alan
If you do this professionally, it should mean something to you, if your images are not being rated at least average. If that means nothing to you, you are not serious about your profession. Lets face it, these are the social media years, when most everyone buys fake followers to look better. If you dont do some of these ridiculous things, you may never be found. I don't blame anyone for doing whatever it takes to be found. Although these contests are not top tier contests, it still is an avenue to help your work be found. Don't forget that you can join groups here and other things to do a little PR. I'm sure people in the same groups here that know and talk to one another, help each other out in the contests.
Have you ever had a person ask in a post on facebook to vote for a picture they entered in a contest?
I have critiqued contest entries on Youtube a while back for some site, but that doesn't mean I was better than anyone else. The two guys that pic a winning photo here are just two regular guys who pic what they like.
I havnt had anyone crass enough to ask me to vote for them. If they did I'd possibly tell them to go into politics.
Photography is more a therapy than a hobby or profession to me.
I'm getting a few notifications that people "liked" a photo, so I click on the notification and it takes me to the photo, but I can't see any likes. And when I look at other people's photos, I don't see a way to like them, either. This is within the contest here. How do I see likes?
Like means someone voted 4 or 5. So you can see this reflected in the average score ...
I always wondered what that meant.
Thank you for that insight! I never would have guessed. I've "liked" a few photos myself, then!
OMG, there are so many good photos this month!
Conceptual is an odd term that you don't hear about much with regards to Photography. It's letting your creative side bloom way past the norm. I have always loved the works of Robert Parkeharrison, frequenting the Catherine Edelman Gallery in Chicago to admire his piece (Airway) from the series The Architect's Brother. I think of his works when I hear Conceptual.
Here is a link if you want to check out his works, and maybe get a better understanding of conceptual photography.https://parkeharrison.com/
I had never heard of Robert Parkeharrison...very cool stuff, thank you for sharing his work. That is exactly what I envision when I think of "conceptual."