When I started in photography, a mentor gave me a mantra:
Define the subject. Bring attention to it. Simplify.
What great advice! So many potentially great photos fall short because they fail to address those three compositional essentials. I have found that an exercise in minimalism helps to hone composition skills because by its very nature, minimalism requires the photographer to define the subject, bring attention to it and then simplify the setting to keep the viewer’s attention there.
A minimalist exercise can help photographers at everything sharpen their skills:
- Beginners can work on proper metering and exposure because by its very nature minimalism is simple.
- Advanced novices can work on getting the composition right…remember keep the horizon line out of the center, and keep in mind the rules of thirds and the golden mean.
- Intermediates and more advanced users can dabble in light painting (have you tried a flashlight?), color and contrast techniques in addition to the variations on composition.
While surfing the web recently, I came across a great tutorial on minimalism with wonderful samples. Head on over to the PhotoTuts website and check out what is possible when minimalism is your theme. Then come on back here and post some of your efforts at minimalist photography. I can’t wait to see them!
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