Experimentations in Photography #618
Every day, I either post a new, original black and white portrait from Cambodia as My Photograph of the Day or an original experimental color photograph created in Cambodia.
Today’s selection is a new piece of fine art experimental photography from Cambodia titled The Pool Abstractions: Portfolio 6 – Luminous Pool Light Abstraction
Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.
Artist’s Statement
I enjoy being at the pool, and because I always have my camera with me, I tend to experiment within whatever environment I find myself. The pool environment is rich with potential.
This series, The Pool Abstractions, is the result of that photographic experimentation. I was there, the camera was there, and the pool was there. Look, see, and press the shutter. Creatively, that is only the beginning. In post-production, the images are transformed into abstractions through layering and other digital techniques. In most instances, I introduce elements entirely unrelated to the pool to enhance the work.
My process involves selecting a single base image—in this case, a poolside shot—to serve as the anchor for everything that follows. I have found that a minimalist base image works best; it provides the cleanest foundation to build upon.
What fascinates me most is the serendipitous, spontaneous nature of the creative process. I never begin with a predetermined outcome—it is experimentation for experimentation’s sake, art for art’s sake. The final images, in a sense, seem to possess a life of their own. Am I consciously making the choices, or are the choices being guided by something more subtle and difficult to define? Put another way, these images seem to be more rooted in emotion than intellect.
Ultimately, creativity is a nebulous, undefined path. The Pool Abstractions represent a walk down that path. The outcome is unimportant. The important thing is simply to choose the journey, because only by stepping in do we have the possibility of discovering our creative inner selves.
Critique and Analysis
Introduction
This final piece in the series explores pure visual sensation through a luminous pool light abstraction, stripping away narrative to focus entirely on hue, geometry, and texture.
Core Visual Elements
The composition relies on sweeping diagonal bands of color that divide the square frame. Diffused, soft-edged lighting creates gentle transitions between vibrant teal, warm amber, cobalt blue, and muted purple. Smooth geometric form takes precedence over recognizable subject matter, balanced by a fine, uniform film grain that adds tactile depth.
Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Void of social or political commentary, the image generates a serene, meditative mood. Its quiet atmosphere invites purely sensory enjoyment, detached from explicit story, culture, or historical commentary.
Artistic Movement and Influence
The work aligns most closely with Color Field Photography and Concrete Photography. Its emphasis on large, flat planes of color and pure visual form echoes mid-century abstract expressionism, celebrating the medium of light itself.
Overall Impression and Critique: Luminous Pool Light Abstraction
This piece serves as an effective culmination to the portfolio. Its primary strength lies in its harmonious color theory and delicate gradient balance. While some viewers may seek symbolic depth, the image achieves its goal of celebrating visual aesthetics for their own sake.
The Story Behind the Lens
Learn about my creative process, ethics, and the Light and More mission on my Personal Notes page.
Full Disclosure: AI and I
For a deeper look into the conceptual framework behind my work, see my:
Technical Points Page
Discussion Topics Page
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The Photographer
Todd Black is a photographer, diarist and observer based in Cambodia, dedicated to documenting the world through an experimental and philosophical lens. ‘Light and More’ is a repository of visual stories, technical inquiry, cultural reflections, and much more.
© 2026 Light and More by Todd Black. All Rights Reserved.
“Documenting life one day at a time.”
View the Collection: Gallery – Experimentations in Photography
View Portfolio 6 – The Pool Abstractions
Image History
Experimentations in Photography
Portfolio 6 The Pool Abstractions:
Battambang
5 February – 2026
Image #641 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #804 26-02-05
Diary entry repost #969 26-07-20
Publication #442 26-02-05
Republication #618 26-07-20
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