Minimalist photography: The visual power of simplicity

Minimalism in photography strives to reduce their pictures to their essential elements and thus create clear, unobtrusive compositions. These minimalist photos enable your audience to see motifs without excessive stimuli.

By leaving unnecessary elements, strong emotions can be awakened and permanent impressions can be left. This approach teaches us to appreciate the simplicity and to admire the beauty of the less.

Minimalism in photography is above all an art of reduction.

(Joachim Rodriguez Y Romero)

The definition of minimalism in photography can be attributed to the minimalist art movement. In the 1960s, this developed in response to the overwhelming complexity and chaos of modern life and focused on simplicity.

From a photographic point of view, this usually means the use of

• negative space,
• neutral colors and
• laconic compositions.

With this article I would like to bring you an insight and techniques to create convincing reduced compositions that raise your visual expression at a new level.

Basics and application of minimalist photography

When taking up an image, you always make the decision about how much context you want to add to your motif. If clear backgrounds, bright areas or geometric structures correspond to your preferences, you could be a minimalist photographer.

Minimalist photography has its origins in the highly abstract painting and sculpture of artists from the late 20th century. Through simple geometric shapes, striking lines or monochrome colored areas, minimalist artists created works that do not refer to something in the real world, but were on their own.

Minimalist photographers took over this focus on clarity and reduced composition elements and then transferred these principles to what they perceived in their environment.

To create your own minimalist pictures, you should make sure that the scenes you capture also appeal to other people.

"It is about steering the viewer's gaze to a single object or motif and hiding unnecessary elements",

The American photographer Aleks Baharlo in a guide to minimalist photography compared to Adobe .

"Over the years I have learned to trust my feeling and just act. Nevertheless, it is always a challenge if the motif is less than five percent of the entire image area and everything else remains white."

By reducing the elements in the image frame, photographers focus on the viewer's focus on the main motive. Clear compositions leave a sustainable impression and convey rest and reflection.

This approach emphasizes the shape and beauty of the motif in a perfect way by highlighting its best properties and conveying its message. That is why minimalism is being used more and more in commercial photography .

Product photography is just one of the many genre in which simplicity can look positive. Minimalism in photography is varied and perfect for different styles and genres, be it landscape photography , architecture or portraits . The aesthetics are timeless and can easily adapt to different photo trends.

Key techniques for creating minimalist photographs

Use of negative space

The negative space, or the empty space around the main motif, plays a crucial role in minimalist photography. He directs the focus on the central element of the picture and creates a feeling of calm and vastness.

The conscious insertion of empty space can significantly increase the effect and meaningfulness of the motif.

Neutral colors

Minimalist photography often uses a steamed color palette so as not to distract attention from the essential characteristics of the image. Black and white photography or the use of a few, harmonizing colors can support the clarity and simplicity of their compositions.

Simple compositions

The notification of unnecessary details and the concentration on clear, clean lines and shapes are license plates of minimalist photography. Make sure that each element in the picture has its right to exist and contributes to the overall picture.

Small central motif

A central topic of photography is the use of minimalist compositions in order to make the motif appear small in the picture and to take it into the background through the negative room. 

In cases in which the main motif is not small, it is advisable to choose a particularly simple display, for example through a few strips of color on a wall.

You are welcome to use this list as a small guide for minimalist photography . If you follow all four elements, you ultimately get good minimalistic recordings. With increasing experience in the design of minimalist compositions, your results are becoming increasingly impressive.

7 Popular species of minimalist photography

In this video, professional photographer Marc Newton fantastic opportunities to create minimalist photography. In his “The School of Photography”, as part of online courses, he offers numerous examples, techniques and tips to inspire you for your own minimum photos.

01 long exposures

Long exposure is ideal for creating a minimalist style. In the example in the video above, a 10-speed neutral dining filter was used to extend the exposure time to 120 seconds. As a result, the water waves were able to melt together gently and create an even effect.

The longer exposure eliminates structures and colors of the water, which reinforces the minimalist impression. In order to find out exactly how this picture was taken and what equipment was used, I recommend that you watch the video above.

02 black and white photography

The black and white format of a photo is a proven method in minimalist photography, since it removes all disturbing colors and thus minimizes distractions.

The picture below impresses with its skillful composition and the consistent absence of color. The hilly landscape (or is it a human body?) Forms the central point, while the sky takes most of the image space. The picture is composed in two clear segments: a dark surface as a floor (or body), the arches as an exciting element and the white sky.

This reduction to the essentials in terms of objects, colors and tones makes the picture an exemplary example of minimalist photography.

03 color

Compared to reduced black and white photography, colored images can also achieve impressive results, especially if only a limited number of colors or nuances are used, which monochrome .

The following picture shows an ideal example of monochrome photography, which consists exclusively of blue tones and black shadows. As in other examples, there are only a few, but clear shapes and monochromatic shades of color. An outstanding example of minimalist color photography .

The following picture cannot be considered consistently monochromatic, since in addition to a peach tone, it also shows something like eggshell yellow, hibiscus red and a piece of blue sky. This simple combination of harmonious colors, which are supplemented by different shapes and nuances, becomes an outstanding example of minimalist photography in color.

04 n egative room

We have already talked about this point. Negative room (in English: negative space ) or "empty space" or "white space" , in which photography defines the space that surrounds an object and appears as empty, plays a crucial role in the composition. It is of great importance to use this freedom in order to give the image more effect. Especially in the context of minimalism, negative areas can be used extremely effectively.

The effective use of the negative room requires a careful selection of colors and tones as well as a precise placement in the image frame. It is important to consider that negative space serves to highlight the enclosed object.

05 sense of the yardstick and proportion

A feel for proportions creates by the arrangement of elements in its scene, which highlight the size of an object through its relationship with other components, for example a person at the foot of a cliff. This person gives an impression of dimension.

In minimalist photography in particular, this unfolds its full effect, especially if it is combined with the other topics that were addressed in this blog, such as black and white representations and the use of negative space.

In the following, an example is listed on how the feeling for dimension contributes to a minimalist effect. The main subjugation seems to be in a wide empty environment.

06  Still life

It is not necessary to move through the streets or to make elaborate exposures to create impressive minimalist photographs. It is quite possible to still life in your own home and achieve great results.

In the following example, an antique typewriter is placed on a white background. This type of photography in minimalism can be implemented in just a few minutes. The central aspect of this arrangement is to work creatively with the available materials.

In the example, the flat-lay style photographed. Here, too, the key to success lies in the creative use of the existing objects.

07 people / portraits / animals

Portraits or representations of people are a particularly demanding example . The complexity of human face, body and clothing makes it difficult to reduce the essentials. The same applies to animal photography . However, this does not mean that it is impossible.

Rather, it is important to apply the knowledge already obtained from the previous examples. In the following three photos, the distraction was eliminated by colors by converting them into black and white. The next step refers to the environment in which they are placed. These environments are neither characterized by textures nor by color contrasts.

There are three outstanding examples of how humans or animals can be effectively integrated into minimalist photography.

Minimalism in photography: practical tips for a successful implementation

a. Choice of motif

Looking for individual and isolated motifs? A lonely tree on a wide meadow or a dreamy boat on a quiet lake have a natural attraction. The reduction to isolated elements creates a feeling of calm and seclusion.

Powerful visual stimuli are created by fat -printed shapes and clear lines, similar to a modern building in front of a bright blue sky. To control this style, however, there is no need to take any major steps.

Minimalism in photography teaches us to recognize the beauty in simple things. Use the elements of your everyday life as art objects. Hold your office chair or your favorite cup of coffee in a new light.

b. Focus on the core topic

In minimalist photography, the motif of every photos takes out an outstanding meaning, since other compositional elements are often missing in the front or background. This reduction to the essentials requires a particularly fascinating topic that captivates the audience.

The topic should be more interesting, otherwise a minimalist photo becomes a simple photo. By emphasizing an impressive topic, you open up the opportunity to let his imagination run wild and shape your own story.

It is often the little things that can make a strong minimalist statement. Focus on individual details such as the texture of an object or the play of light and shadow.

c. composition

Move your main element from the middle for a more dynamic picture. Use the third -party rule. Use natural lines in your area, such as roads, paths or shadows. Leading the viewer's gaze to the main element makes your photo more impressive.

Repetitions stand for stability and order. Photograph a number of identical windows on a building or a series of waves on the beach.

Use the power of the negative space. You can draw more attention to the most important part by leaving large areas of your frame empty. Show the core element as a small part of the frame. Surround it with space to create a feeling of isolation.

A single figure on an abandoned beach can convey loneliness and peace, while an isolated tree can create a feeling of melancholy in front of a cloudy sky. This technique can make the motif appear more prominent and significant, like a single flower in a wide grass field.

d. Third

Take into account the third -party rule as a recommendation for the design of your pictures. Share your picture into a grille made of three horizontal and vertical lines to place your main motif or other important elements at the intersections.

You get to know the rules and then decide which you prefer and want to apply. Some professional photographers, on the other hand, consciously break the third rule. Your photography then shows many contrasting lines: horizontal and vertical elements. Either a vertical or horizontal picture or a area of ​​tension is created from both.

You are therefore happy to experiment with every recording to find the optimal composition for your motif.

e. Exposure / lighting conditions

Natural light can increase your minimalist photography by creating gentle transitions and clearly defined shadows. Experiment with different times of the day and weather conditions to achieve the best results.

Understand the importance of the golden hour and use it to your advantage. The soft, warm light after sunrise and before sunset your pictures can make you look deeper without overloading them, which is crucial for simple compositions. The gentle shadows and highlights can highlight the characteristics of the motif and convey the desired mood.

The light should be soft and diffuse. Eliminate hard shadows and distribute the light evenly to grasp details and textures without impairing fineness and sophistication. However, you can experiment with high contrast for striking silhouettes and drama.

f. Background and location

Minimalist photography is characterized by simple backgrounds that are rich in negative space. The careful selection of the right background is crucial to create impressive minimalist images.

When setting your photo location, you specifically search for areas with a lot of negative space. On the beach, for example, the sky, the sea, the sand as well as high cliffs or rocks could be part of it.

Then search for objects that can be integrated in these extensive negative space, such as a seagull in the sky, a sailboat in the water or a bird sitting on a cliff.

For a comprehensive examination of minimalist photography, you can even go one step further: Select your photolocations specifically according to your minimalist potential.

Here are some places that offer numerous minimalist options:

• Beaches
• Desolate
• Tundra
• Industrial areas (with many empty walls)
• Arable land

Interested in product or studio photography? Then simply place your motif in front of a light box or a white background. Make sure that the background is well lit and make clear recordings according to your taste.

G. Vary angle

As has previously been explained, an essential part of minimalism is the elimination of disorder in their pictures. However, this can be a challenge, especially for road, landscape and architectural photographers who do not always have full control over their surroundings.

In such situations, it is crucial to develop strategies to eliminate disturbing elements. An effective method for this is the adaptation of the perspective. By changing the perspective, you can quickly remove unwanted objects such as street signs, passers -by or telephone lines from your recordings.

Be creative and experiment with different perspectives to create the perfect minimalist picture. If you encounter obstacles, you can also correct them in post -processing to ensure that your recording is really outstanding.

h. Use color with a clear goal

It is conceivable that color plays an important role in its minimalist photographs. Perhaps you live in a quarter that is shaped by lively pastel houses and can use the colorful walls as a backdrop. In product photography, professionals use the brand colors of their customers. You either work within this color scheme or have the option of experimenting with complementary colors and other color accents.

Although many minimalist photographers mainly work in black and white, they should not completely exclude the use of color. There are situations in which the color reinforces the image or the motif. For example, if you take pictures of a flower in front of a lot of negative room and your gaze rests on the flower and the color does not distract from the motif, it can be integrated in a coherent manner. 

i. Post production / image processing

Start with the basic photo editing in post -production . Cut your image to refine the composition and leave unnecessary elements behind the frame. Adjust contrast and brightness to ensure that your motifs stand out. Change the color palette to make it easier.

This makes your pictures more harmonious and coherent. Disappointed bright colors or apply the black and white filter. Emphasize shapes and textures with sharpening if necessary, but be careful and avoid exaggeration.

Use selective adjustments to improve certain parts of the photo. For example, you can lighten the motif slightly, while the background remains darker to reach a visible focus point.

Technical tips and camera settings

Finally, I would like to go into the technical side of minimalimus photography. There are a few setting options and equipment here that makes work easier or ensures better results.

j. Reduce the depth of field

Due to a low depth of field, you specifically draw attention to the main motive, while the background remains out of focus. Professionals use a low depth of field to clearly highlight the main motif, while the background remains blurred.

This can be achieved by opening the aperture to leave more light on the camera sensor, or by enlarging the distance between the camera and motif and then zooming in. This creates a blurred background. If there are light sources behind the motif, a small depth of sharpness can create a bokeh effect in which the light points are converted into blurred circles.

k. Experiment with different exposures

The expansion of the aperture is not the only way to increase the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor. Another option is to extend the shutter speed in order to achieve a more intensive exposure or a light -flooded image.

An increased exposure can cause a cloudy sky become a bright white surface. Many photos of this style contain a lot of negative space in white, which highlights the gray or darkly colored motif. Professionals therefore recommend the application of the exposure series : first a picture with optimal exposure, then one with significantly higher and another with significantly lower exposure.

These various settings open up expanded options for post -processing of the photo.

l. Choose your lens carefully

You can use any lens for minimalist photography, but there are special lenses that are more suitable for certain situations. Therefore, make sure to select your lenses carefully, regardless of the other preparations you make.

Minimalist photography is often based on compact compositions that either require a comprehensive field of vision or a lot of distance between you and your motif. With a wide -angle lens you achieve a broad field of vision, while you can capture minimalist images with a telephoto lens from a great distance. However, these two methods are not interchangeable.

Certain environments are not suitable for telephone . For example, a focal length of 200 mm is often too short in a city with narrow streets to achieve an appealing small image effect. Here a wide -angle lens is the better choice.

On the other hand, wide -angle lenses are not always optimal. For example, what do you do if you want to take minimalist shots from distant mountains under a stormy sky? If you are not ready to cover long distances, a telephoto lens is advisable.

So before you go, consider which motifs you want to hold on and in which environment you will work.

Ask yourself: is a wide -angle lens reasonable? Could a telephotoe possibly be too long?

Ambitious to international dignity? The minimalist Photography Awards

Do you have ambitious goals? Would you like to master this stylish way of photography in all facets ? Then you should keep refining your art and maybe apply for a big competition. For example, win $ 2,000 and international recognition with the prestigious minimalist Photography Awards .

The winners receive the title "Minimalist Photographer of the Year" and cash prizes.

The work of the winners of the first, second and third place (together with other articles that the jury considers commendable) are published in the annual book of the minimalist Photography Awards .

All names of the winners of the Honourable MENTION are also included in the book.

Final words

And that would be at the end of our little guide ...

Minimalism in photography demands a trained eye and a clear vision, but the effort pays off. By striving for simplicity, they not only create aesthetically appealing images, but also convey strong, emotional messages that sound with the viewer.

Discover the beauty in less and be inspired by the art of minimalism! Have fun 🙂

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/