Minimalist Photography - by Prakash Ghai

2 Nov 2014

The Over-bridge

Minimalism as in Repeating Shapes

Black and white Minimalist Photography of Street lights in repetition on an over-bridge in Jaipur captured by Minimalist Photographer Prakash Ghai

Black and White Minimalist Photography By © Prakash Ghai
Buy Now

One big curve formed by the Over-bridge, Street Lights in repetition and Two Wires running across the frame.

The Minimalist Composition looks tough, isn't it?

Yes and No. This was full of clutter in color, but after turning the photo into black and white it looked fairly simple. Therefore, when your photos look cluttered in color, try turning them to black and white. This does away with a lot of distraction and makes the look simpler.

The composition

I started by aligning the big Over-bridge Curve first and then I let the "Street Lamps in Repetition", just fall in place. I made sure that the lamps were 90 degrees upright. The two wires running across the frame adds to the Minimalist Aesthetics beautifully. The photo falls under the Minimalism Category: Minimalism as in Repeating Shapes i.e the Four Street Lamps.

1 Nov 2014

Blue Saree

Minimalism as Parts of the Whole

Minimalist Photography By © Prakash Ghai
Buy Now

Minimalist Photography of a Woman in Blue Saree Against a Yellow Wall at Amber Fort Jaipur

I was trying to shoot this nice textured yellow wall, but then I noticed this woman sitting right next to it ...in a striking "Blue Saree"

I loved the contrast of yellow and blue so I decided to make a Minimalist Shot of it. At first I was confused as I had never shot a Minimal before using such a large image of a person, rather I generally shoot objects. This is where the domain knowledge of Minimalism helped me.

I quickly realized I could click only a part of the woman, thereby eliminating the human structure and fit it under the Minimalism as parts of the whole category of Minimalism Photography. Composition was tricky to begin with but once I knew that I only have to clip the woman, I got it right in three shots.

Must Read:

31 Oct 2014

Steps Door Squares

Minimalism as Simple Geometry

A Black and white Minimalist Photo of Steps leading to a closed door on the street right outside the Jharkhand Mahadev Temple in Vaishali Nagar Jaipur.

Photo By © Prakash Ghai
Buy Now

To shoot a little different you have to think a little different.

I took this shot right outside the Jharkhand Mahadev Temple, in Vaishali Nagar Jaipur. Although I do go to the same tourist places like everyone else, but I prefer to shoot in the vicinity and not at the spot itself. The area around the spot generally has the best possible Minimalist shots, as there are people living around it. There is usually a small market nearby and shopkeepers paint their shops, windows and walls in attention grabbing colors in an attempt to grab customers attention. At least that's how it is in India.

About the Minimalist Composition

What caught my eye here was the staircase on the right which probably is cemented now and closed for use. To compliment the zigzag staircase, I used the squares available in the big closed door. I purposely took the shot from the side rather than from the front to get the right composition and balance in the frame.

And there you have it "Steps Door Squares" - a Minimalist photo full of Simple Geometry.

30 Oct 2014

Terrace Railing

Minimalism as Less Elements

Sometimes you need to point the camera up very high to find Minimalist Shots.

The above photo is an example as to how to use the railing of a terrace of a high rise building, to compose a Minimalistic Frame. I turned the camera to the vertical position, in order to add a fresh perspective and to leave negative space under the railing.

The negative space in turn enhanced focus on the lines. I then converted the photo into black and white, to do away with the color distraction in the photo. Black and White also aided in bringing an artistic feel.

Must Read:

28 Oct 2014

Refrigerator of the poor

Minimalism as Less Elements

A Minimalist Photo composed by using Yellow pots made of earthen clay used by traditional Indian Households and Villagers to store and cool drinking water.

This is Minimal of Less Elements because only a Single Element is used here as a subject i.e. the Earthen Clay Water Pots / Refrigerator of the Poor

These pots are generally used by traditional Indian households and villagers to store drinking water. They help in keeping the water at under the room temperature or even lower. They are very effective in the summer season and therefore are also known as the Refrigerator of the Poor,

The poor cannot afford expensive white goods or electric refrigerators. Sometimes, people wrap these earthen clay pots with a wet cloth and that further insulates the water from external heat and enhances cooling. Yes, it works. I had them in my house too when I was a kid.

Now back to the Minimalistic Composition.

When you encounter such a large arrangement of pots or anything, it is very difficult. Sp, First compose in the mind and then point the camera at the subject. I would suggest you to look through the camera continuously via the LDC Screen and move it in all possible directions. Stop where you think you've got the composition you were looking for, then switch over to the Viewfinder and Snap the photo.

Hope you enjoyed the shot. I wish you all a great day/evening. !