Minimalism in photography: features, interesting ideas and recommendations of professionals

Minimalism in photographic art is a special style, implying the ultimate simplicity and laconism of the composition. Photos in the style of minimalism make the viewer concentrate on one subject. It is 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 the most attention to the line, color and texture. The viewer was asked to evaluate the creation from his point of view, that is - subjectively.

It turns out that minimalism in photography is a subjective concept. Each viewer will find something in the picture.

Someone will like the openness and laconism of this genre, someone will find it meaningless and empty. But after all, every trend 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 the psychology of man. The main thing is to gain experience.

Simplicity of the genre and its compositional solutions

As you can see from the above, the main feature of the genre is simplicity. But this simplicity should attract and attract the eye to itself. Choose an object for shooting needs to be discreet, it must 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. Anything that distracts attention from the object must be cut off.

When you think over 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 the elements in the picture correlate with them. So you will easily come to direct the viewer's eyes to wherever you want! For example, in landscape photography, place the horizon along one of the lines. Simplicity and minimalism in photography in this case will produce a stunning effect.

Look for subjects to shoot correctly. If you do not know where to start, take an interesting picture of a wooden floor, cracked ground or sand on the beach.

Color and lines as important tools of the genre

Minimalism tries to simplify everything ... So, the photographer has a game with color! And this is a very interesting activity. If you want to get a spectacular shot, learn to play with the light. It helps masters to increase the color saturation, the brighter the work - the more noticeable it is!

It plays into the hands of the photographer and playing on contrasts. Red and blue, white and black, purple and yellow shades in the photo look great.

Along with color, minimalism in photography appreciates the lines. They are its compositional basis, giving the picture stability.

You can play not only with vertical and horizontal lines, but also with diagonal lines. It looks original and imaginative.

Is the texture important?

In addition to color, the texture of the main object can also be played on the photo. It can even completely replace this object. If it's important for you to put an emphasis on the texture, find an interesting surface for this. Use the light correctly in your work. If the light is organized at the highest level, the photographer can achieve an almost physical sensation of texture.

The viewer literally transmits the warmth of the tree or the cold and smoothness of the stone. Learn to photograph the texture of objects so that the viewer would feel that it is alive, and you can reach it right now.

Do not forget about the background. It should be simple if you are photographing an object. If you are creating in the studio, then for sure you have a good background, but what about on 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, the background for the imprint of a flower can be a clear blue sky.

Do you need minimalism for photo processing?

Of course, any master after the done "field" work is sent home and processes his creations with the help of a computer to get an impressive result. Do we need to handle the genre we are discussing? Yes! Minimalism in photography also involves computer processing. True, the master still at the stage of working with the lens should assume that it should turn out in the end. The second chance may not be.

Remember that in minimalism it is not customary to strongly distort an object with a filter, it must be recognizable.

Processing is carried out only to enhance the psychological effect of exposure. Do not abuse graphic editors.

When your mastery gets stronger, you can even tell the audience whole stories with the help of minimalistic photos.

Where to draw inspiration?

Look for objects around yourself in ordinary life. Notice areas of the same color, open places, clear lines and shapes. For shooting you can use a lot: benches and fences, walls and floors, sky and earth. Learn to look around the eyes of the minimalist artist. Do not be afraid of experiments!

The main thing about which you should not forget - this genre is very subjective. This means, it can happen so: you are delighted with your work, and people do not like it. Dare, create and philosophically look at some failures!

Minimalism in photography of people, landscape, architecture

People often can not fit into the concept of minimalism, because they are very emotional. With landscapes and still lifes, the master is much easier to work with. Therefore, minimalists rarely remove people large, preferring only small silhouettes on a contrasting background. People are used here to enhance the effect of the picture - they can make any object more impressive.

Minimalism in portrait photography can be used on a different background. It looks beautiful man, floating in the sea, climbing a mountain, looking at the sky or walking on the bridge. All photos must be made from afar.

Animals, birds and insects are easier to take off than people. There is enough contrast to get the perfect shot. If you want to highlight the creature even more, unfocus the space around it.

Landscape shooting is very beloved by the minimalists. Rivers, oceans, fields and snow are ideal objects for the master. If you want to hide unnecessary details or give the picture a dramatic look, use a fog in the background.

Removing architectural objects is also very interesting. They can become windows, walls, pipes and other parts of buildings. The main thing is to find an interesting color solution, adjust the color and angle of the photo. Try not to use more than three colors.

Despite the apparent brevity and senselessness, photos in the style of minimalism can be very impressive and powerful. But you have to bring your vision, skills and hard work into them to prove something to the world.