Even long before camera phones were even a possibility, I was rarely without a camera of some description by my side. It may be considered a little obsessive, but I am continually looking for photographic opportunities day in and day out no matter where I am. Constantly looking at the light, texture, shape and form of objects within their environment.

Over the years I have photographed most genres of photography, but my real passion lies in the world of abstract photography. I love looking at and contemplating a relatively banal scene and attempting to view it from a totally different perspective. I regularly attempt to create something unique in my imagery whilst trying to steer away from that obvious visual connection that general photography captures.

This image was taken at Tasmania Zoo and was a multiple exposure image of a stunning red and green Croton Petra plant.

A portion of the Launceston Post Office atrium converted to black and white. I love the perfection of the geometry and symmetry of this architectural construction.

A flash side lit long exposure of smoke from two incense sticks.

When trying to create an abstract piece of my subject, be it a landscape or object, it will often lose all literal meaning. This allows me to concentrate on the light, texture, colour and form of the subject or to view it from a totally different perspective than the norm. In abstract photography the subject matter is often implied, obscured or even hidden from the viewer.

A multiple exposure of a flowering plant combined with a blue textured background merged together in Photoshop.

A Eucalypt forest abstract create by using a slower shutter speed with a deliberate vertical movement of the camera creating the visible blur.

Silhouetted bird life at Swan Bay, Victoria. Converted to black and white to accentuate the shadows, reflections and highlights.

What I love about abstract photography is the freedom to be creative. There really are no rules, boundaries or restraints. One has the total freedom to be creative and experimental and to operate freely outside the norms of conventional photography.

I have always loved photographing architecture. Straight lines, geometric shapes, textures and materials like glass, metal, stone and concrete all contribute to abstract possibilities.

An abstraction of the Silo Hotel manipulated in a "glitch" app on my iPhone with further manipulation in Photoshop.

Over the years I have used many photographic techniques to produce abstract works. Long exposures, deliberate camera shake, movement or zooming, compiling hundreds of images in montages, macro photography, multiple exposure, unusual compositions, utilizing materials like lace and transparent silk or things like smoke or water to partially or totally obscure the form of the subject.

A montage of 121 images of posters and promotional stickers that were scattered around Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Many hours were spent walking around Fitzroy photographing interesting or colourful posters.

A montage of 121 images of interesting front doors and entrances that were scattered around assorted streets, Fitzroy.

A long exposure to accentuate movement. Taken at the top of the escalators at Southern Cross Railway Station.

One of my favourite methods of producing abstract images is through aerial photography. I have done a substantial amount of aerial photography over the years both in fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Several years ago I purchased my first drone which opened up a new world of possibilities in relation to abstract landscape photography. My abstract aerial work will be the subject of my next Behind the Lens article.

- Craig George