Minimalist photography

Form of photography emphasizing simplicity

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Minimalist photography is a form of photography that is distinguished by austere simplicity. It emphasizes sparseness and careful composition, shying away from overabundance of color, patterns, or information.

Etymology

Minimalist photography arises from minimalism in art. This style emphasizes the use of simple and often monochromatic compositional elements: color, objects, shapes and texture.

History

Minimalist photography arose in 1960s America from the minimalist movement. While minimalism may manifest in many ways in other art forms, minimalist photography usually tends to make great use of negative space, employs sparse composition, and centers a strong singular focal point. Over the decades, minimalist photographers such as Michael Kenna, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Grant Hamilton, and Mark Meyer have risen to prominence in the art world and gained fame for their minimalist photography.

Technique

Minimalist photography focuses on simplicity and its artistic style can be encapsulated by the quote, "less is more." Minimalist photographers achieve this effect by casting aside all the unnecessary components in creating their works.

"As an approach in photography, minimalism or minimalistic photography could be taken by the photographer in all genres. No matter if you are a portrait, architecture, landscape etc. photographer, minimalist photos are always an option as long as you have a minimal look toward your surroundings" -Milad Safabakhsh, Founder of Minimalist Photography Awards.

Minimalist photography often features a single subject with nature as the background, or nature itself as both background and subject. Common motifs in minimalist works include geometric or repeating patterns, contrast in lines and texture, and emphasized depth and distance. This last element is often used to express a feeling of vastness and to try and capture the feeling of being in an incredibly open space in nature, as seen in the image of a lake below.

Gallery

Early morning at Begnas lake presented in minimalist approach
Yellow boxes
Lake

References

Philippines, Digital Photography, 2010, ‘TECHNIQUE Minimalist Magic’, Minimalist Magic, 20 Oct. 2010, pp. 062–067.
Kantilaftis, Helen (2014-10-27). "Minimalist Photography". Student Resources. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
VanEenoo, Cedric, 2011, ‘Minimalism in Art and Design: Concept, influences, implications and perspectives’, Journal of Fine and Studio Art, vol. 2(1), pp. 7–12.
says, Shahana Akter (2015-04-08). "Exploring Minimalist Photography: History, Philosophy, Inspiration". www.photodoto.com. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
"Minimalist Photography: A Comprehensive Guide (+ Tips)". Digital Photography School. 2022-03-14. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
www.michaelkenna.com https://www.michaelkenna.com/resume.php. Retrieved 2022-10-06. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
"Alaska Photographer Mark Meyer". www.photo-mark.com. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
"About". sxseventy.com. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
"Bibliography — Hiroshi Sugimoto". Hiroshi Sugimoto. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
Tuck, Kirk, 2008, Minimalist Lighting, Professional Techniques for Location Photography, Amherst Media, New York.
"Official website | Minimalist Photography Awards". www.minimalistphotographyawards.com.

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