4 Basic Elements of a Minimalist Photo
Hello and welcome to another blog post!
Last week I conducted a quick Instagram survey asking what you all would like the next post to be about and most of you said you wanted a post with photo tips!
And because your wish is my command, here is a post all about how to shoot the perfect minimalist photo.
Minimalist photography is characterized by its simplicity of subjects, colors and composition. There's something just so fresh about a minimalist photo that makes the eyes linger. If you want to capture these kinds of photos or if you're simply wondering why you can't help but double tap on IG when you see a minimalist photo, this post is for you!
Use of Negative Space
Negative space is empty space in your photo to which your subject is offset. It can be anything from a clear sky, a field of grass, a blank or unadorned wall, the ocean, a lake, an otherwise empty table or floor. Negative space makes your subject stand out and therefore can make it more striking to look at.
Isolate your Subject
The point of a minimalist photo is to draw the viewer's attention to your subject. As you frame your shot, look for a way to isolate your subject from any other distracting elements in the area. If you want to capture just a palm tree, move around it until you have only it and the clear blue sky behind it in frame. You might have to get super close to your subject, or very low to the ground, or shoot straight up into the sky until you can get it all by its lonesome. You get it!
Color Play
I like to keep the colors in my minimalist photos to a minimum -lol- and I like to create contrast between my subject and its surroundings. A pop of color can make your subject stand out more and draw and hold the attention longer. It also keeps it from getting lost in the negative space. This is achieved by using one color for the background and a contrasting, bright color for your subject.
Composition
This goes for ALL photos whether minimalist or not. Use the lines and shapes in the photo to guide the eyes and tell a story. Use the shapes and shadows to ultimately lead the viewer to what you want them to look at.
