The Question is, What is Minimalist Photography / Minimalism or Minimal Art?
Well, it is basically photography done using as few elements as possible within a frame. This, in turn gives the subject amplified attention. Tremendous visual clarity/emphasis on the subject is the primary goal here.
Minimalism anchors, simplicity at its core. It is based on the principle: "that which is less complicated is better understood." The use of lines, shapes, patterns, symmetry, geometry or isolated subjects, result in powerful minimalist images, that leave a lasting visual impact on the viewer.
Some of the ways by which Visual Clarity/Clear Focus/Amplified attention on the subject, can be achieved include:
a) Cropping the frame, and thereby doing away with the unnecessary.
b) Using *negative space (*empty space which is not required ) to redirect attention back towards the subject.
c) Making the subject repeat in the entire frame .
Another way of looking at minimalist photography is:
Minimalist Photography = Minimalism (as a concept) + Visual Art (the art of making something visually appealing within a particular landscape/frame)
Minimalist Photography = Minimalism (as a concept) + Visual Art (the art of making something visually appealing within a particular landscape/frame)
Now, lets take an example of a Minimalistic photo that I took, with the use of negative space.
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| Minimalist Photography by © Prakash Ghai Buy Now |
If you see above, the subject is placed in the bottom 1/3rd of the frame while 2/3rd of the frame (top) is left empty, used primarily to make the eyes lead to the subject which here is the random placement of broken glasses on the wall.
Not all Minimal photos use negative space as shown above. There are different Types of Minimal photos which I shall explain in my coming posts, alternatively you can begin by first seeing a Minimalist Video of select minimal photos. Minimalist photos are the most "Simple" to look at but very difficult to take. You need to change your perspective to compose nice Minimalistic frames. I would suggest that you Train your Eyes for it before you begin.
Not all Minimal photos use negative space as shown above. There are different Types of Minimal photos which I shall explain in my coming posts, alternatively you can begin by first seeing a Minimalist Video of select minimal photos. Minimalist photos are the most "Simple" to look at but very difficult to take. You need to change your perspective to compose nice Minimalistic frames. I would suggest that you Train your Eyes for it before you begin.
It is also possible that Minimalist Photography as a genre is not meant for you.
Find out which Phase of Life you are currently in, to find out the best suited genre of Photography for you.
Must Read: Exploring Suppressed Inner Creativity via Minimalist Photography
Find out which Phase of Life you are currently in, to find out the best suited genre of Photography for you.
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Must Read: Exploring Suppressed Inner Creativity via Minimalist Photography
Bravo
ReplyDeleteThank You Tartiplume Dans.
ReplyDeleteHave a Nice Day. I send you Greetings from Jaipur - the Pink City of India.
I love your photos. You`ve definitely got an eye for details and minimalistic compositions!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wish you a great day.
DeleteI absolutely love your photos, I love your sense of shape and color. I am a High school student in america and I'm doing a project for a photography class where I take a photographer and emulate their style. I was wondering if I could use your photos? I really enjoy your photos and I find myself taking very similar pictures. Also is there anywhere I could find out more about you as a photographer?
ReplyDeleteHello There, Thank you for your interest in my work. Yes, you could use my photos/blog notes to share it with co-students/friends. I am also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prakashghai/ and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/prakash.ghai
Deletehttps://www.instagram.com/piggi33/
ReplyDeleteThank you Pier for your link submission.
DeleteSome minimalistic, some other https://www.instagram.com/jj_laaksonen/
ReplyDeleteThank you Jari Laaksonen for your link submission.
DeleteI particularly liked that black and white minimalist bicycle shot on your Instagram Timeline.
Hello Prakash, I'm very impressed with your work and your way of seeing things minimal. I follow you on Instagram and saw the article "What is Minimalist Photography?"
ReplyDeleteI would be happy if you and some of your follower visit my IG account at: https://www.instagram.com/contratempo_photodesign/ to see a few of my minimalistic photographs.
Warm Regards, Paulo.
Hello Paulo, Just went through your Instagram Timeline. Your profile is really interesting. Some of your minimalist photos are extremely extremely good. Well done.
DeleteHello Prakash,
ReplyDeleteLove your work and seeing other talents in the LearnMinimalism feed on Instagram.
On my IG account, I explore minimalism and also texture, shadow and color.
https://www.instagram.com/jean__morin/
Hello Jean. Thank you for taking time out for this.
DeleteYour Minimalism work is "Phenomenal"
Such great vision.
Well done. My compliments.
I've been following your "learnminimalism" project for a long time, and it's always a pleasure to discover your work.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.instagram.com/kiks_way/ :-)
Thank you, and I too have been following rsa_minimal from a long time. Nice community. Thank you for following the "LearnMinimalism Instagram Community" and using our hashtag #LearnMinimalism
DeleteBig fan of learnminimalism, keep it up! I do minimalistic stuff using only the camera of my phone :
ReplyDeletehttps://www.instagram.com/attentaatti
Thank you for writing in and following our Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/learnminimalism
DeleteHad a look at your work. Very Interesting.
Good luck with the selections.
I have always loved your work and your dedication towards it. Keep up the brilliant work, sir :)
ReplyDelete-prachi
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG01f2QA5Up/
Thank you Prachi. :)
DeleteThank you Prachi. :)
DeleteI'm a big fan. Keep it up the good stuff!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.instagram.com/jazmatialaa/
Thank you for writing in. Your work is brilliant.
DeleteBig fan of minimalism photography & page Learnminimalism !
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Lithuania !
https://www.instagram.com/andrius.blyksnis/
Thank you for writing in.
DeleteI'm just a beginner in this category and thanks to Prakash I learned a lot from him and his website.. :)
ReplyDeleteMy account- www.instagram.com/veesv_minimalism
Welcome.
DeleteHappy Clicking.
Welcome.
DeleteHappy Clicking.
https://www.instagram.com/ruby83/
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing in.
DeleteThanks for creating awareness about minimalism. May be now I will also give it a try
ReplyDeleteWelcome. :)
DeleteHi Prakash, I love your work and your articles. I moderate on the Martin Leach Minimalism Contest and Minimal Photo and Art communities on G+. My greatest love is B/W minimalism. I'm considering starting my own B/W Minimalst community on G + and was wondering if it would be ok to name the categories, based on your article, Types of Minimalism. Thanks in advance Keith
ReplyDeleteHello There- Send a message on Google+ or Facebook
DeleteNeed more clarity
Prakash, I suggest that you highlight this post by placing it on the top of the side menu. I was trying to search what minimalist photography means and had to spend some time locating this post. It would help the new visitors to your blog if a link is given at a prominent position.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the feedback :)
DeleteI love photography, every aspect of it. Didn't know about Minimalist, until now.
ReplyDeleteYour explanation is wonderful. I've learned so much from this, it's amazing.
Thank you!
Welcome :)
DeleteI've never heard of minimalist photography but I love the concept of it and there is no arguing the beauty and depth of your photos!
ReplyDeleteThank You :)
DeleteNice Work
ReplyDeleteThank You
Delete