La minimalist photography It is one of the variants of this very particular art. Like other artistic manifestations called minimalist, in photos, it is about simplifying the portrayed subjects and settings to their very essence. Minimalist photos eliminate excesses through clean lines, empty spaces and leaving only the essential elements of each capture in the center.
When approaching minimalist photography, you have to think about the subject or setting to portray, and additional context. Those who use this style or technique tend to reduce the presence of extra elements. What matters most is what is part of the heart and essence of photography. Thus, even showing little, you reach the greatest depth of what you want to portray.
How did minimalist photography emerge?
Minimalist photography arises from extreme abstract painting and sculpture which spread at the end of the 20th century. It stands out for its simple geometric patterns, strong lines and fields painted with specific colors. Artists created works that did not reference the real world, but represented themselves. Photographers of this style adopted an emphasis on simplicity and composition with limited elements. These principles are the basis of a photograph that, from the bare minimum, portrays the real world.
When creating your own minimalist images, you have to be confident about the scenes that attract your attention. It is an approach that focuses the viewer's attention on a specific object, a singular subject. Eliminates white noise that distracts or brings focus to other parts or elements. Thinking about minimalist photography and how to work from this technique, instinct itself is a fundamental element. As well as other techniques and tips that we explore in the next section of the article.
Focus attention on a subject or object
The main protagonist of any minimalist photograph is the subject or object that you want to portray in its very essence. This photographic style is usually austere, the importance of the subject is the most notable compared to other styles. The subject must be interesting, so that the viewers' imagination can fly and build, from your capture, a representation and a story that is told through the image.
Pay attention to the composition
Another fundamental aspect for a good minimalist photo is the general composition of the scene. Elements such as framing and angles take on greater importance when we do not have any additional decorative elements around us. The key is that all these elements attract attention to the subject. Finding balance in minimalist photography is trying to reduce the elements in the scene to the bare minimum, until there is balance and the result is attractive according to your own interests. Move the camera, play with the focus until you find the image that conveys the most to you with the least.
The rule of thirds
In regards to the general composition of a photo, it can help to follow the rule of thirds. Determinant for a good photograph. It is a scheme that helps divide the photo into a grid of three vertical lines and move the frame until the subject is positioned at the intersection of these lines. Although the rules can serve as a guide, it is also possible to work more freely or take them merely as a reference.
Decreased depth of field
Using a depth of field low, you can make the viewer's attention focus on the subject or object, but blur the background. It can be achieved by widening the aperture, entering more light into the sensor, or increasing the distance between the camera and the subject, and then getting closer to the latter. The background will be blurred. If there are also lights behind the subject and a shorter depth, a bokhe effect is created where the points of light become blurry circles.
Experiment with exposure
In addition to opening enlargement, there are other ways to get more light into the camera sensor. Shutter speed is another parameter that can be modified for this purpose. This generates a higher exposure or brighter photographs. At greater exposure, the cloudy sky may appear white. When it comes to editing, a method that is widely used in minimalist photography is bracketing. This technique consists of taking three photos. One with the right exposure, one very high and one very low. Then, when editing, it is possible to work with the three reference points to obtain the result that best suits your tastes and interests.
Intentional use of color
Color is a great ally in any photograph, but in the minimalist style it takes on an essential role. Some photographers consider it a distraction, but it can be an essential tool in the way you see and capture the world. If the color does not divert the focus of attention, it is worth using it as an ally to highlight what makes the subject's very essence.
Compare photos
Another very interesting technique for develop minimalist style is to compare works of other artists. Looking at a catalog and reviewing collections of minimalist photos is almost a must to understand and gain depth in the knowledge and use of the technique.
Quiet environments are very common and successful when it comes to creating a minimalist landscape. You can capture scenes of beaches, forests or deserts, explore hidden alleys. But photographic minimalism is also worked on from interiors or from product marketing.
Each photographer is a world, and the way in which they pose and play with what they see, perceive and conceive, is part of art. Minimalist photography has numerous exponents every year and continues to grow, being one of the branches in which photographic skills are focused. Depending on your style, it may be interesting to explore its scope.