Putting the ism in minimal

Published on by Laura Bloomsbury

Minimalism is an art form and one that when applied to photography hovers between the profound and the pointless, the emotive and the bland. It is a style I favour and although it seems simple, that sock-it-in-the-eye simplicity is hard to achieve. There are some guidelines and reductionism is key. The following photos have minimalism as overlay though I would not say they completely fit the category :-

negative space, natural subjects, duotones
the leading lines direct the gaze to the horizon and infinity for a meditative sense
side-lining the main subject for the smaller details
a simple composition with focal point
a strong geometric shape of building and sky
small subject in negative space
simple outlines with silhouettes
making colour the accidental
soft curves on harder lines
a solitary scene – the complexity of sand patterns gives visual interest
intentional blur and the impressionism of minimalism

With thanks to Amy and the Lens Artists Photo Challenge: Less is More (though I have displayed rather more photos than normal)

4 thoughts on “Putting the ism in minimal”

  2. I like minimalism in photography but also find it very hard to achieve. Love both your sand pics the best here.

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