Sounds like an "attempt at creative writing" style
Photography
A place to politely discuss the tools, technique and culture of photography.
This is not a good place to simply share cool photos/videos or promote your own work and projects, but rather a place to discuss photography as an art and post things that would be of interest to other photographers.
What you describe is more of a theme than a style or genre.
maybe an absent self portrait? where you know it’s the photographer but their physical form is completely out of the picture
That didn't seem to be describing style nearly as much as it is simply describing subject matter.
The photography style you're describing seems to focus on capturing objects while they are being affected or altered by an interaction with another object or subject. This style doesn't have a specific, universally recognized name, but it can be broadly categorized under conceptual photography. Conceptual photography is often used to depict an idea, a message, or a concept where the meaning of the photograph is more significant than the subject itself.
In your examples:
- The grass on someone's knees could symbolize a connection with nature or the outdoors.
- The lipstick on the cigarettes might represent a personal touch or hint at a story behind the smoker.
- The apple bitten by a woman with a gap in her teeth could be a play on uniqueness or individuality.
Each of these photographs tells a story or conveys a message beyond the literal image, which is a key characteristic of conceptual photography. This style often involves creative staging, unusual perspectives, or the juxtaposition of unexpected elements to create a thought-provoking image.