From time to time I quite enjoy pushing some of my images into the realm of photo art. I appreciate that not all photographers like this kind of creative treatment. This article shares a selection of abstract flower images in bas relief.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

To achieve the effects in the photographs featured in this article I used the bas relief filter in Topaz.

This filter gives images a 3D appearance. Various sliders in the program allow the user to adjust the amount of details and the ‘smoothness’ of the treatment.

A monochromatic effect is generated by this particular filter.

By using the ‘curves’ function in CS6 some additional colour can be extracted from an image.

I tend to like the monochromatic look better as it helps to accentuate the 3D feel of an image.

Not all images lend themselves to this particular treatment. This depends on personal taste of course. I prefer using images with simple lines and clear, dominant elements.

Repeating patterns in an image work quite well with the bas relief filter.

One of the sliders allows the user to select the direction of the light. For this small collection I used a common light angle for all of the images to create a ‘family portfolio’ feel to the collection of photographs.

For some reason the bas relief treatment draws me into an image and I feel compelled to study all of the detail in the sculpted ridges.

A common fallacy is that a photographer can take a weak image and ‘jazz it up’ with a photo art filter.

In my experience, unless you start with a decently composed image, a filter treatment is not going to ‘save’ the photograph for you.

Shifting your photographs into the realm of photo art isn’t something that everyone will enjoy or appreciate. For those that do enjoy this approach, it can provide some additional creative latitude.

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