Minimalism in photographic art is a special style, implying the utmost simplicity and conciseness of the composition. Photos in the style of minimalism make the viewer focus on one subject. Is it difficult to master this genre in photography, read below.
What is minimalism?
First of all, minimalism is a special philosophy that must be understood. Many artists in the XX century preferred this genre of painting, paying most attention to lines, color and texture. The viewer was invited to evaluate the creation from its point of view, that is, subjectively.
It turns out that minimalism in photography is a subjective concept. Each viewer will find something different in the picture.
Someone will like the openness and conciseness of this genre, someone will consider it meaningless and empty. But each direction in art has followers and haters! Many novice photographers are advised to start work with minimalism. Apparent simplicity can be complicated by using special techniques and principles of the impact of photographs on human psychology. The main thing is to gain experience.
The simplicity of the genre and its compositional solutions
As is clear from the above, the main feature of the genre is simplicity. But this simplicity should attract and attract a look to oneself. It is necessary to choose an object for shooting carefully, it should be mysterious, interesting. Even if the subject does not occupy the entire frame (which happens most often), it should be the center of the composition. Everything that distracts attention from the object must be cut off.
When you think through the composition of the picture, pay attention to the "rule of thirds." Minimalism in photography often involves the use of this technique. Divide the space into three vertical or horizontal lines, and relate the elements in the picture to them. So it will be easy for you to direct the eyes of the viewer where exactly you want! For example, in landscape photography, position the horizon along one of the lines. The simplicity and minimalism in photography in this case will produce a stunning effect.
Look for subjects to shoot correctly. If you don’t know where to start, take a picture of an interesting picture of a wooden floor, cracked earth or sand on the beach.
Color and lines as important tools of the genre
Minimalism is trying to simplify everything ... So, the photographer is left with a game with color! And this is a very interesting activity. If you want to get a spectacular shot, learn to play with light. It helps the masters to increase the color saturation, the brighter the work - the more noticeable it is!
It plays into the hands of the photographer and the game in contrasts. Red and blue, white and black, purple and yellow in the photo look great.
Along with color, minimalism in photography values lines. They are its compositional basis, giving the image stability.
You can play not only with vertical and horizontal lines, but also with diagonal ones. It looks original and figurative.
Is texture important?
In addition to color, the texture of the main object can play in the photo. She can even completely replace this subject. If it is important for you to focus on the texture, find an interesting surface for this. Use light in your work properly. If the light is organized at the highest level, the photographer can achieve an almost physical sensation of texture.
The viewer is literally transmitted the warmth of wood or the cold and smoothness of the stone. Learn to photograph the texture of objects so that the viewer thinks that she is alive and can be reached right now.
Do not forget about the background. It should be simple if you photograph a subject. If you work in the studio, then for sure you have a good background, but what about the street? Minimalism in photography (the gallery of this article shows you its excellent examples) allows you to effectively use the natural background. For example, a clear blue sky may become the background for capturing a flower.
Do I need to process photos in the style of minimalism?
Of course, any master after the done “field” work is sent home and processes his creations using a computer to obtain an impressive result. Do we need processing for the genre we are discussing? Yes! Minimalism in photography also involves computer processing. True, the master at the stage of working with the lens should assume what should turn out in the end. There may not be a second chance.
Remember that in minimalism it’s not customary to distort the object strongly with a filter, it must be recognizable.
Processing is carried out only with the aim of enhancing the psychological effect of exposure. Do not abuse graphic editors.
When your mastery grows stronger, you can even tell whole stories to viewers with minimalistic photos.
Where to get inspiration?
Look for objects around you in everyday life. Notice areas of the same color, open spaces, clear lines and shapes. You can use a lot for shooting: benches and fences, walls and floors, heaven and earth. Learn to look around through the eyes of a minimalist artist. Do not be afraid of experiments!
The main thing you should not forget about is that this genre is very subjective. This means it can happen this way: you are delighted with your work, and people don’t like it. Dare, create and philosophically look at some failures!
Minimalism in photography of people, landscape, architecture
People often cannot fit into the concept of minimalism, because they are very emotional. It’s much easier for a master to work with landscapes and still lifes. Therefore, minimalists rarely shoot people large, preferring only small silhouettes against a contrasting background. People are used here to enhance the effect of the picture - they can make an object more impressive.
Minimalism in portrait photography can be used on a different background. A person looks beautiful, swimming in the sea, climbing uphill, looking at the sky or walking across a bridge. All photos must be taken from far away.
Animals, birds and insects are easier to shoot than people. Enough contrasting background to get the perfect shot. If you want to highlight the creature even more, defocus the space around it.
Landscape photography is very much loved by the minimalists. Rivers, oceans, fields and snow are ideal objects for the master. If you want to hide unnecessary details or make the picture more dramatic, use fog in the background.
Shooting architectural objects is also very interesting. They can be windows, walls, pipes and other parts of buildings. The main thing is to find an interesting color scheme, adjust the color and angle of the photo. Try not to use more than three colors in your work.
Despite the apparent conciseness and meaninglessness, minimalist style photographs can be very impressive and powerful. But you must bring your vision, skills and hard work to them to prove something to the world.