Minimalist photography is more of a style than a specific category of photography. It's like how minimalism can be a lifestyle—whether it's in our fashion choices, home decor, or even how we approach our daily lives.

This concept extends to photography as well. We can apply a minimalist approach to landscape photography, food photography, and even portrait photography.

In fact, minimalism exists in every aspect of creative expression, from painting to design. The common thread among them all is summed up by the famous phrase: "Less is more." In minimalist photography, paying attention to the details is often the key to success.

The Challenge of Achieving Minimalism

While the visual characteristics of minimalist photography seem to be all about simplicity, achieving that simplicity isn't always easy. Unlike painting or design, where we can add elements freely to a blank canvas, photography is about capturing a moment that's already there. The scene's content is often difficult to change, and this presents a unique challenge.

In minimalist photography, we rely on techniques like framing, perspective, and even using “borrowed” elements to subtract from the scene. One essential rule of minimalist photography is to isolate the subject from its background. Ideally, we use neutral or shallow backgrounds to help the subject stand out.

However, simply isolating the subject with a neutral background isn't enough to create an outstanding minimalist photo. The simplicity of the composition must create a strong visual language that communicates emotions and information.

Composition Is Key

Composition plays an important role in every type of photography, and minimalist photography is no exception. Minimalism is about stripping away the unnecessary, not just throwing everything into a chaotic mess. Overly busy images can distract both the photographer and the viewer from the main subject.

When we can't move or alter the elements in our frame, we turn to depth of field to separate the subject from the background. A blurred background is an effective way to create a sense of simplicity, drawing attention directly to the subject.

Using color, lines, and textures are also great ways to guide the viewer's eye in minimalist photography. For example, pairing a simple background color with a contrasting subject can make the subject pop. Adding some texture to the background can also intensify the visual impact of the photo.

The Power of Lines

Lines are a powerful tool in minimalist photography. Whether they're found in the architecture, roads, or horizons, lines can help structure the composition and guide the viewer's focus. The key, however, is to avoid letting lines lead the eye away from the main subject or outside of the frame.

Think about the lines in the image as guides. A winding road, for instance, can pull the viewer's eye toward the subject if used correctly, but a line that leads the viewer's gaze out of the frame will distract from the focus.

In everyday life, lines are everywhere—whether in buildings, roads, or even the distant skyline. It's how we use them that can enhance the minimalist feel of our photos.

Simplifying the Story

Minimalist photography is also a visual form of storytelling. By reducing the number of elements in the frame, we can focus on conveying a strong message or emotion. A great minimalist photo isn't just a simple shot; it's an image that communicates something deeper, whether it's a story, an emotion, or a concept.

At its core, minimalist photography is about conveying information through simplicity. If a photo focuses too much on the "simple" aspect and ignores the depth of the subject, it can come across as flat or uninspired. The most powerful minimalist photos are those that convey meaning in a stripped-back, but effective, way.

Breaking the Rules

Minimalism also allows us to break the conventional rules of photography. In traditional photography, we're often taught to follow the "rule of thirds" or to center our subjects. But minimalist photography is about going beyond these rules and letting our creativity take the lead.

For instance, instead of following a rigid grid, we might place the subject off-center or let it occupy an unexpected space in the frame. This unexpected placement can create a sense of mystery or intrigue, inviting the viewer to explore the image further.

These "rule-breaking" approaches in minimalist photography can lead to truly unique and striking results. It's all about finding balance in simplicity and letting the story unfold naturally through your lens.

Post-Processing: Keep It Simple

Once you've taken your minimalist photos, the next step is post-processing. Here, the key is to keep things simple. Don't overwhelm the image with excessive editing or unnecessary effects. The goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the composition while maintaining the image's clean, simple feel.

For beginners, start with basic adjustments like sharpening or tweaking the contrast. For those with more experience, experimenting with black-and-white conversions or color saturation adjustments can add depth and impact to the image without overwhelming the simplicity.

Remember, minimalist photography is about restraint. The beauty of the image often lies in how little you need to do, both in the frame and in editing.

Now that we've broken down some key tips, we hope you're ready to experiment with minimalist photography! Remember, it's all about simplicity, but that doesn't mean your photos have to lack impact. By focusing on the essentials and breaking some traditional rules, you can create stunning photos that speak volumes.

Give it a try, Lykkers—less really can be more!

5 STEPS to INCREDIBLE MINIMALIST photography

Video by Mads Peter Iversen