I’ve been working with the idea of exploring photographic abstractions. How far I can push the boundaries of my images. How can I break down the image into abstract shapes or colors, while still revealing or implying, a feeling of the subject?

To do this, I have to release the notion of holding detail in the whites and shadows. Whites become a color field, as do solid blacks. I push some colors to make them pop, and subdue others to push them back into the image. This nighttime image of an artists district café is an example of my journey.

Nikon D700, 1/1000 at f/1.4, ISO 200, Focal Length: f/105mm, Lens: Nikkor 28-105 f/3.5-4.5, Metering Mode: Matrix