Minimalism In Photography
What is Minimalism in Photography?
Minimalism. It’s so hot right now. So hot. A trend to own less. Some fanatical minimalists strive to own insanely few items with bare walls and sparse furniture. Tiny houses. One plate, knife, and fork, etc. This type of minimalism is extreme; like anything extreme, it’s a bit of a turn-off for the average person. We just aren’t ready to think of this as usual or attainable. Our culture pushes us to buy ALL THE THINGS. It’s too big of a jump.
But there’s something to be said about the concept of minimalism. The idea behind it is to own less to focus on what matters most to you. To own less stuff to care for so that you aren’t tied up in the stuff that doesn’t matter. This stuff that doesn’t matter ties up your money, energy, and precious time. That I can get on board with. “More Money, More Problems,” as The Notorious B.I.G. wisely said.
So, what does minimalism have to do with photography? Lots, actually. We can apply this concept of “discarding what is not important to focus on what is” to any composition. When taking a photo, many photographers will focus on the background as the most important part of the photo. Is it, though? I mean, isn’t the subject the most important part? I think so.
If we can keep the background simple, the viewer can focus on the subject, emotion, and connection…the story we are trying to tell. A single point of interest in the background, when significant to the subjects, can add to the photo. Otherwise, it’s just a distraction.
Minimalism in Photography
This photo includes a bridge in the background. It adds to the photo's significance to the couple without distracting the viewer from them.
On the other hand, when the photo is cluttered with stuff in the frame, it feels overwhelming, the same way walking into a cluttered home can feel overwhelming to the guest. Where to look? Where to put your bag? Where to sit? Where to begin?
In most portraits, the goal is to feature the subject—to steer the eye of the viewer to the subject as if someone is pointing right to it, saying, “HEY YOU! Look at THIS right here!” We can do this in many ways: making the background blurry, using composition strategically, AND making the background simple.
Leading Gaze
This photo does all three! Even her eyes, looking at the sign, tell you to look there. This is called Leading Gaze.
If you want to learn more about the concept of minimalism without the dose of fanaticism, check out Joshua Becker, Courtney Carver, and Christine Platt. These three have it figured out and inspire me to not need everything I think I do.
Keep things simple in life and in photography.
Be well.
Xx - Megan