Minimalist photography, often referred to as the art of subtraction, is all about keeping things simple yet impactful.
Inspired by the minimalist art movement from the 20th century, it focuses on using as few elements as possible—like color, shapes, lines, and textures—while still creating a powerful image.
Today, let's dive into how we can capture stunning minimalist photos by following these five key tips!
1. Stick to a Unified Tone
In minimalist photography, the first rule is to keep the tones consistent throughout the image. This is especially important in landscape photography, where you want remove any unnecessary clutter and focus on the pure beauty of the scene. But that doesn't mean the image should be boring or flat. Think of it like a colored sketch where highlights, shadows, and subtle gradations in tone do most of the talking.
When shooting outdoors, widen your perspective to find the dominant color or theme in your scene. Every location has a dominant color or a space that's filled with a solid, uniform tone. It could be a clean, blue sky, a patch of green grass on the edge of a forest, or the calm ocean meeting the shore.
Once you've found your main color, you've almost captured 99% of the shot. But there's still that 1%—an element that adds interest to the photo. It could be a single cloud in the sky, a person walking on the street, or a boat anchored in the distance. These small details provide contrast and help bring the scene to life.
2. Embrace Negative Space
In minimalist photography, less is often more. That's why negative space (also known as “white space”) plays such a crucial role. Giving your subject room to breathe in the frame can create a sense of calm and openness. It invites the viewer to engage with the image, allowing their mind to wander.
There are two main ways to use negative space effectively. The first is to focus on a subject that occupies a small portion of the frame while leaving the rest of the space open. This helps create a sense of simplicity and allows the viewer's imagination to fill in the blanks.
The second approach is to widen your shot and include both the subject and surrounding elements. This way, the viewer can understand the relationship between the main subject and its environment, adding a layer of depth to the composition.
Remember, “less is more” doesn't mean “boring.” A well-composed minimalist photo, with just a touch of negative space, can evoke deep emotions and tell a powerful story.
3. Learn the Art of Selection
In photography, we often want to use multiple elements to express emotions and ideas. But in minimalist photography, the key is learning how to choose one focal point—the subject that will grab the viewer's attention. The subject in minimalist photography often serves as the “center of interest,” guiding the viewer's eyes directly to it.
It's crucial to decide what the main theme of your photo will be before you start shooting. Once you've decided, make sure that this subject takes center stage. The fewer distractions there are in the frame, the stronger your image will be.
If you can't avoid additional elements during shooting, don't worry—these can be cropped out later. But, ideally, unnecessary elements should be positioned at the edges of the frame, where they won't interfere with the main subject.
Minimalist photography teaches us that simplicity doesn't mean dullness. A striking, eye-catching subject is all you need to make the photo stand out.
4. Make Use of Lines
In traditional photography, lines often serve as guides, directing the viewer's attention toward the main subject. In minimalist photography, lines play an even more important role, as they can become the main element that structures the composition.
Whether it's a horizon line, a winding road, or the edges of a building, lines can help establish a sense of order in an otherwise sparse composition. When used correctly, they lead the viewer's eyes across the image, creating a sense of rhythm and flow.
For a minimalist shot, try to keep the lines simple, bold, and clear. Whether they're horizontal, vertical, or curved, these lines will guide the viewer's focus and help tie the image together.
5. Break the Rules of Traditional Composition
One of the exciting aspects of minimalist photography is that it often breaks conventional rules. While traditional compositions focus on the “golden rule” or “rule of thirds,” minimalist photography allows for more creative freedom. Your subject doesn't have to be centered or placed according to traditional grids. Instead, you can experiment with asymmetry or place the subject at unexpected locations in the frame.
This is especially effective in street photography, where the interaction between people and their environment can tell a compelling story. A person standing off-center in a wide, empty street, or a lone object in a vast, open space, can create a sense of mystery or tension, inviting the viewer to wonder about the story behind the image.
6. Use Thoughtful Post-Processing
Once you've mastered the basics of minimalist composition, the next step is post-processing. Don't be afraid to tweak the image to enhance the mood you want to create. However, remember that in minimalist photography, less editing is usually more.
If you're new to editing, focus on two main principles: keep the image true to its original feel, and avoid overwhelming the viewer with excessive color or contrast. Sometimes, just sharpening the image or adjusting the contrast slightly can bring out the details that make the photo pop.
For more experienced photographers, you can experiment with more advanced techniques. For example, turning the photo to black and white can emphasize the purity of the tones, while adjusting the color saturation can add more depth to the image.
We hope these tips help you capture stunning minimalist photos that truly stand out. Remember, minimalism is all about simplicity, but that doesn't mean your photos have to lack impact. So, grab your camera, keep it simple, and get creative with your shots!
5 STEPS to INCREDIBLE MINIMALIST photography
Video by Mads Peter Iversen
