Light and More – A Photographic Diary

Author: Todd Black

A Rainy Afternoon’s Abstractions – Abstract Rain Motion Study

Experimentations in Photography #619

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 A Rainy Afternoon’s Abstractions: Portfolio 17 – Abstract Rain Motion Study

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

Experimentations in Photography: Portfolio 17 – Abstract Rain Motion Study by Todd Black at Light and More.

Artist’s Statement

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon—a great day for relaxing and reading. It also turned out to be the perfect time to work on some experimental photography.

I had been feeling bored with my photography, with my interest and creativity at a low point. I needed something to pull me out of the doldrums, and somewhat surreptitiously, that rainy afternoon was just the thing.

My experimentation began slowly, but in time, I discovered a path forward. This involved no exceptional innovation; I simply followed my usual workflow. First, I needed a foundational image from which the montaging could proceed, so I selected a minimalist street motion study. Next, I began the experimental phase by searching my archive for supporting images.

Today’s image was the first montage completed, and it is pure abstraction—there is not a single thread of representational imagery present. It is a non-objective,* expressionist montage that allows viewers to interpret the photograph however they wish. There is no narrative to guide the audience, and that is entirely by design.

In total, I have created about 18 images grouped within the portfolio A Rainy Afternoon’s Abstractions. What began as a brief experiment grew into a full collection requiring thoughtful curation and refinement.

Perhaps somewhat ironically, today is Sunday afternoon once again—about two weeks since that first montage was created. As I write this statement, a refreshing, peaceful rain is falling once more. Bun

*Definition of Non-Objective Art
In visual art, non-objective art (often used interchangeably with pure abstraction or concrete art) refers to artwork that does not represent or depict any identifiable person, place, object, or scene from the physical world.

Unlike standard abstract art—which often starts with a real-world subject (like a tree, face, or building) and simplifies, distorts, or exaggerates it—non-objective art begins and ends with visual elements alone: color, shape, line, form, and texture. The work does not rely on external references for its meaning.

Critique and Analysis

Introduction
This inaugural experimental piece stands as a compelling non-objective visual study. Featuring an Abstract Rain Motion Study, the artwork transforms captured motion into pure form and color.

Core Visual Elements
The composition relies on a square central frame layered over a textured background, establishing a sharp structural contrast. Vibrant emerald greens, deep indigo blues, and subtle ochre highlights dominate the palette. Vertical visual noise and motion streaks dissolve representational forms into pure color gradients, creating tactile visual friction through fine digital grain.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Free from explicit narrative or social commentary, the artwork evokes a contemplative, introspective mood reminiscent of a downpour against a window pane. The deliberate absence of real-world figures allows the Abstract Rain Motion Study to function as an open canvas, inviting personal emotional reflection rather than a specific story.

Artistic Movement and Influence
This montage aligns seamlessly with Abstract Expressionism and the modern Concrete Photography movement. By prioritizing color, line, and rhythm over representation, the photo echoes the non-objective philosophies of pioneers like Gottfried Jäger and Mark Rothko.

Overall Impression and Critique
The image’s primary strength lies in its balance between structured geometric borders and fluid, ethereal textures. The interplay of cool tones offers immediate visual appeal. While the heavy digital grain may obscure subtle tonal shifts for some, as a dynamic Abstract Rain Motion Study, it effectively celebrates color, form, and pure abstraction.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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

Image History

Experimentations in Photography
Portfolio 17 – A Rainy Afternoon’s Abstractions: Abstract Rain Motion Study
Battambang
18 July – 2026
Image #758 Portfolio 17
Diary entry #967 26-07-21
Publication #619 26-07-21

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July 21, 2026
The Pool Abstractions – Luminous Pool Light Abstraction

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.

Experimentations in Photography Portfolio 6: The Pool Abstractions – Luminous Pool Light Abstraction by Todd Black at Light and More.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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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July 20, 2026
The Pool Abstractions: Soft Purple Aquatic Gradient

Experimentations in Photography #617

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 – Soft Purple Aquatic Gradient

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

Experimentations in Photography Portfolio 6: The Pool Abstractions – Soft Purple Aquatic Gradient by Todd Black at Light and More.

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
Cataloged as image #640, this seventh entry in the portfolio introduces a delicate palette shift by layering soft magenta and violet hues into cool pool tones. Operating as a Soft Purple Aquatic Gradient, the photograph leans entirely into non-objective visual harmony, continuing the series’ celebration of art for the sake of art.

Core Visual Elements of the Soft Purple Aquatic Gradient
A broad, diagonal band of cream and soft peach cuts across the upper composition, slicing over a rounded, stadium-shaped central mass. This central shape transitions smoothly from deep ultramarine at its core to a diffused, glowing violet border. The background shifts from mint green above to a muted neutral gray below. A heavy, uniform film grain blankets the scene, binding these soft, overlapping fields into a cohesive, tactile surface.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Stripped of narrative or sociopolitical commentary, the work relies on emotional and sensory resonance. The introduction of muted purple to the aquatic blue creates a tranquil, late-twilight atmosphere. It evokes the feeling of lingering light dissolving over water, inviting quiet reflection purely through color interactions.

Artistic Movement and Influence
This image is best placed within modern Color Field Abstraction and Subjective Photography. Its emphasis on soft gradients, internal glow, and border interactions strongly recalls Mark Rothko’s color blocks, translated here through a contemporary photographic lens.

Overall Impression and Critique
The composition is remarkably balanced and soothing. The diagonal warm beam acts as a dynamic counterweight to the soft, rounded purple mass. While some viewers may prefer sharper focal lines, the deliberate diffusion and rich texture make this a standout, highly evocative contribution to the series.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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: Soft Purple Aquatic Gradient
Battambang
4 February – 2026
Image #640 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #803 26-02-04
Diary entry repost #968 26-07-19
Publication #441 26-02-04
Republication #617 26-07-19

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July 19, 2026
The Pool Abstractions: Radiant Refraction Light Ray

Experimentations in Photography #616

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 – Radiant Refraction Light Ray

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

$A radiant refraction light ray featuring fanned golden light beams cutting diagonally across deep blue and turquoise fields, from the Experimentations in Photography series by Todd Black.$
Experimentations in Photography Portfolio 6 The Pool Abstractions – Radiant Refraction Light Ray by Todd Black at Light and More.

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
Cataloged as image #639, this compelling composition introduces dynamic linear motion and sharp prismatic repetition to the series. The photograph exemplifies non-objective art, using light as a primary structural element stripped of representational context.

Core Visual Elements of the Radiant Refraction Light Ray
A prominent diagonal shaft of warm yellow and amber light cuts across the canvas, fanning out into delicate, sharp linear rays. This radiant feature is enveloped in a soft, misty translucent haze, contrasting against vivid fields of upper turquoise and a deep ultramarine base. Heavy, tactile film grain unifies the distinct geometric planes and linear highlights into a cohesive physical texture.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Without socio-political underpinnings, the image generates a mood of dramatic energy and momentary stillness. The fan-like rays mimic sunlight piercing through water or bouncing off aquatic surfaces, creating an ethereal atmosphere. It invites the viewer into a purely aesthetic, contemplative space focused on the interplay between sharpness, diffusion, and color depth.

Artistic Movement and Influence
This piece aligns strongly with Precisionism and Constructivist Photography, while channeling mid-century Color Field painting. By using directional light rays as hard-edged geometric vectors on a soft gradient background, it transforms physical phenomena into pure spatial abstraction.

Overall Impression and Critique
The image is one of the most dynamic pieces in the portfolio. The Radiant Refraction Light Ray introduces an energetic focal point that balances the surrounding soft fields of blue and green. Its primary strength lies in this contrast between sharp linear precision and atmospheric diffusion, resulting in a striking visual impact.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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 the Portfolio – The Pool Abstractions

Image History

Experimentations in Photography
Portfolio 6 The Pool Abstractions: Radiant Refraction Light Ray
Battambang
3 February – 2026
Image #639 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #802 26-02-03
Diary entry repost #967 26-07-18
Publication #440 26-02-03
Republication #616 26-07-18

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July 18, 2026
The Pool Abstractions – Fluid Aquatic Color Gradient

Experimentations in Photography #615

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 – Fluid Aquatic Color Gradient.

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

Experimentations in Photography Portfolio 6: The Pool Abstractions – Fluid Aquatic Color Gradient by Todd Black at Light and More.

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 – Fluid Aquatic Color Gradient.

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
Cataloged as image #638, this piece presents a sweeping, ethereal interplay of soft-focus shapes and textured hues. Built around a fluid aquatic color gradient, the photograph leans heavily into total abstraction, stripping away recognizable forms to focus entirely on light, motion, and visual atmosphere.

Core Visual Elements of the Fluid Aquatic Color Gradient
A broad, diagonal band of warm cream and soft ochre cuts dramatically across the frame, dividing fields of vivid turquoise, seafoam green, and deep lapis blue. The boundaries between forms are exceptionally soft, seamlessly blending into one another. Heavy, consistent film grain coats the image, providing a sand-like physical texture that grounds the otherwise weightless visual elements.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Stripped of socio-political narrative, the photograph functions purely as a sensory experience. The juxtaposition of glowing warm tones against cool, watery hues creates a mood of calm drift and gentle transition. It captures the impressionistic essence of sunlight filtering through moving water without attempting to depict the physical pool itself.

Artistic Movement and Influence
This work fits comfortably within Modernist Abstract Expressionism and Subjective Photography. Its emphasis on seamless color transitions and atmospheric luminescence echoes Color Field painting, using photographic light to build depth and spatial ambiguity.

Overall Impression and Critique
The strength of the image lies in its rhythmic energy and harmonious palette. The sweeping diagonal gesture adds dynamic movement, while the fine grain creates tactile cohesion across the canvas. Though some viewers might seek a sharper focal element, its soft diffusion successfully reinforces its meditative, art-for-art’s-sake purpose.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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

History

Experimentations in Photography
The Pool Abstractions Portfolio 6 – Fluid Aquatic Color Gradient
Battambang
2 February – 2026
Image #638 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #800 26-02-02
Diary entry repost: #966 26-07-17
Publication #438 26-02-02
Republication #615 26-07-17

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July 17, 2026
The Pool Abstractions: Soft Circular Bokeh Abstraction

Experimentations in Photography #614

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: Soft Circular Bokeh Abstraction.

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

Experimentations in Photography Portfolio 6 – The Pool Abstractions: Soft Circular Bokeh Abstraction by Todd Black at Light and More.

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 photograph shifts away from the sharp, linear diagonals of previous entries in the series toward smooth, organic geometry. Functioning as a soft circular bokeh abstraction, it reinforces the project’s dedication to non-objective visual study, celebrating pure luminescence and subtle color gradients.

Core Visual Elements of the Soft Circular Bokeh Abstraction
The composition is anchored by two large, glowing elliptical forms that meet near the vertical center, creating an hourglass-like tension. Diffused lighting highlights pale yellow and mint green tones within these circular masses, contrasting sharply against deep ultramarine and cyan backgrounds. Heavy, uniform tactile grain overlays the soft, out-of-focus edges, giving physical substance to the light.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Unbound by socio-political themes, the atmosphere is serene, fluid, and ethereal. The rounded, overlapping shapes evoke a feeling of buoyancy—akin to air bubbles suspended underwater or soft pool lights refracting through a calm surface. The mood invites quiet contemplation, allowing the viewer to engage purely with the sensory weight of color and light.

Artistic Movement and Influence
This work aligns closely with Luminism and Modernist Abstraction, borrowing heavily from the principles of Subjective Photography. By emphasizing internal light sources and soft-focus geometry over sharp realism, it transforms a familiar physical element into an otherworldly spatial arrangement.

Overall Impression and Critique
The image is strikingly effective in its softness and balance. The central convergence of the two main bokeh circles creates a focal point that guides the viewer’s eye smoothly across the canvas. While some viewers may desire more sharp structural contrast, the deliberate fluidity and grain consistency make it a strong, cohesive contribution to the series.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

The Photographer

Todd Black WA 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: Soft Circular Bokeh Abstraction
Battambang
1 February – 2026
Image #637 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #800 26-02-01
Diary entry repost #965 26-07-16
Publication #438 26-02-01
Republication #614 26-02-16

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July 16, 2026
The Pool Abstractions – Luminous Geometric Pool Reflection

Experimentations in Photography #613

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 – Luminous Geometric Pool Reflection.

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

Experimentations in Photography: Portfolio 6 – Luminous Geometric Pool Reflection by Todd Black at Light and More.

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
The photograph, Luminous Geometric Pool Reflection is an evocative exploration of warm ambient light overlapping translucent cooler planes. It continues the series’ commitment to non-objective art, prioritizing dynamic visual harmony over representational subject matter.

Core Visual Elements of the Luminous Geometric Pool Reflection
A wide, diagonal band of sunlit golden yellow dominates the composition, intersecting sharp triangular fields of mint green, deep azure blue, and muted coral. The lighting appears highly diffused yet vibrant, giving the impression of light refracting through water or glass. Form is reduced to clean geometric intersections, softened by a pervasive, fine film grain that binds the distinct color fields together into a cohesive tactile surface.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Free from sociopolitical commentary, the work relies entirely on atmosphere and sensory engagement. The contrast between cool aquatic blues and warm, radiant yellow evokes the serene, sun-drenched mood of mid-afternoon poolside light. Without a narrative anchor, the viewer is guided toward a purely aesthetic and contemplative experience centered on harmony and luminosity.

Artistic Movement and Influence
This image strongly aligns with the traditions of Concrete Photography and mid-century Color Field abstraction. The geometric structure and soft translucency also reflect modern Suprematist influences, using light as a raw physical medium to construct spatial depth on a flat plane.

Overall Impression and Critique
The image is exceptionally effective in its balance and warmth. The prominent diagonal yellow beam provides a strong anchor that energizes the composition. While the lack of a traditional focal point might feel disorienting to viewers seeking narrative, it succeeds brilliantly as a purely visual study in color and form.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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: Luminous Geometric Pool Reflection
Battambang
31 January – 2026
Image #636 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #799 26-01-31
Diary entry repost #964 26-07-15
Publication #437 26-01-31
Republication #613 26-07-15

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July 15, 2026
The Pool Abstractions – Abstract Diffuse Pool Light

Experimentations in Photography #612

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 – Abstract Diffuse Pool Light.

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

Experimentations in Photography: The Pool Abstractions – Abstract Diffuse Pool Light by Todd Black at Light and More.

The Pool Abstractions: 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
The image, Abstract Diffuse Pool Light presents a compelling exploration of pure color and geometry. As an example of an experimental abstract montage, the piece strips away representational constraints to deliver a purely aesthetic experience, aligning perfectly with the intended ethos of art for art’s sake.

Core Visual Elements of the Abstract Diffuse Pool Light
The composition is dominated by overlapping, diagonal bands of teal, soft yellow, and deep blue. A heavy, uniform film grain adds tactile texture to the digital canvas, grounding the ethereal shapes. The lighting feels entirely diffused, creating soft gradients that mimic light bending through water. Forms are reduced to semi-transparent geometric planes that intersect seamlessly without a distinct horizon line.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Because the piece intentionally avoids social or political statements, its contextual weight relies entirely on mood and atmosphere. The cool, aquatic palette evokes a tranquil yet mysterious environment, reminiscent of peering through a prism or gazing into deep, shifting water. The narrative here is purely emotional—a quiet, contemplative visual space that invites the viewer to get lost in the interplay of light and shadow without the burden of real-world context.

Artistic Movement and Influence – Abstract Diffuse Pool Light
This image is best situated within the traditions of Non-Objective Photography and Concrete Photography. It echoes mid-century Bauhaus experiments with light modulators and the later Color Field painting movement, translating those principles into a modern digital medium where the abstract diffuse pool light becomes the entire subject itself.

Overall Impression and Critique
The image succeeds remarkably in its intended goal of being a purely aesthetic object. Its greatest strength lies in its harmonious color palette and the textural grain that gives organic warmth to an otherwise cold, digital geometry. A minor weakness might be the lack of a definitive focal point, though one could argue that this intentional diffusion of focus is exactly what creates its successfully meditative and immersive impact.

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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

History

Experimentations in Photography
Portfolio 6: The Pool Abstractions – Abstract Diffuse Pool Light
30 January – 2026
Image #635 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #798 26-01-30
Diary entry repost #963 26-07-14
Publication #436 26-01-30
Republication #612 26-07-14

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July 14, 2026
Portfolio 6 – The Pool Abstractions – Introduction

The Pool Abstractions transforms the mundane infrastructure of recreational swimming into a meditation on light, memory, and perception. Through eight experimental photo montages, the series dissolves the boundary between documentation and pure visual experience, asking us to see the familiar as though for the first time—or perhaps as we’ve always felt it but never quite articulated.

Working with extreme defocus, layered transparencies, and chromatic collision, these images evoke the sensory experience of being in and around water: the refraction of sunlight through rippling surfaces, the disorientation of submersion, the interplay between the body’s weight and water’s buoyancy. Yet they transcend their aquatic origins to become something more universal—studies in how we process beauty, how color carries emotion, how abstraction can feel more truthful than representation.

The portfolio moves through distinct emotional registers. Early pieces establish a vocabulary of geometric planes and translucent overlays, evoking contemplative depth. Mid-series works introduce circular forms and linear rhythms that suggest movement and transformation. Later images venture into moodier, more introspective territory with the introduction of violet and magenta, before returning to geometric clarity with newfound sophistication. Throughout, a consistent palette of turquoise, coral, sage, golden yellow, and navy creates coherence while allowing for surprising variations.

What emerges is neither purely documentary nor entirely abstract, but something richer: a visual language for the liminal space between seeing and feeling. These are images that ask to be experienced rather than decoded—invitations to surrender to pure sensation, to remember what it feels like to be weightless, suspended, dissolved in light.

July 13, 2026
The Pool Abstractions – Abstract Aquatic Light Field

Experimentations in Photography #611

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 – Abstract Aquatic Light Field.

Each piece is a unique creation reflecting my ongoing quest for artistic expression.

Experimentations in Photography: Abstract Aquatic Light Fields by Todd Black at Light and More.

The Pool Abstractions: 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 compelling piece belongs to the series Experimentations in Photography – Portfolio 6: The Pool Abstractions. The image functions purely as art for art’s sake, transforming the familiar environment of a swimming pool into a dreamlike playground of color and geometry where abstract aquatic light fields dissolve physical reality into pure emotion.

Core Visual Elements
The composition is built on dynamic, intersecting diagonal planes that slice across the frame, creating a sense of movement. Glowing, ethereal lighting seems to emanate from within the layers rather than from an external source. The subject matter deliberately strips away literal poolside context, leaving only hard-edged geometries juxtaposed against soft, grainy textures. Shifting tones of deep indigo, vibrant turquoise, and a central splash of warm coral red establish a powerful color contrast.

Interpretive and Contextual Elements
Free from social or political commentary, the mood is deeply atmospheric, calm, and contemplative. The narrative is entirely open-ended; it charts a psychological space rather than a physical location. By utilizing these abstract aquatic light fields, the image evokes the subaquatic experience—the sensation of floating, muffled sound, and refracted sunbeams—without directly depicting water.

Artistic Movement and Influence: Abstract Aquatic Light Fields
This work aligns with the Abstract Expressionist photography movement, echoing the Color Field painters of the mid-20th century. By prioritizing color, form, and texture over documentary realism, it shares creative DNA with the experimental, non-objective photographic schools that treat the camera as a tool for painterly exploration rather than mere transcription.

Overall Impression and Critique: Abstract Aquatic Light Fields
The image is highly effective in its commitment to pure abstraction. Its primary strength lies in the masterful balance of cold blues and warm corals, wrapped in a tactile digital grain that gives the light weight. While the lack of a traditional focal point might challenge viewers looking for a literal story, it succeeds beautifully as a sensory experience, inviting the audience to feel the image rather than decode it.

History: Abstract Aquatic Light Fields

Experimentations in Photography
Portfolio 6: The Pool Abstractions – Abstract Aquatic Light Fields
Battambang
29 January – 2026
Image #634 Portfolio 6
Diary Entry #797 26-01-29
Diary entry repost #962 26-07-13
Publication #635 26-01-29
Republication #611 26-07-13

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

If you find merit in my work, please subscribe to make my Photograph of the Day a part of yours.

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

Share

July 13, 2026

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