Minimalistics
Minimalistics and Minimalism…
When I chose the name Minimalistics for the blog, the main consideration for choosing its name was to emphasise that it isn’t necessary to have vast quantities of photographic equipment to shoot effectively in most of the situations that photographers find themselves in.
However, there’s also a similar word – Minimalism – as a genre of photography, that is worthy of mention. While I wouldn’t claim that there is a direct link between the idea of minimalism in photographic equipment and minimalism as a photographic style, but I do feel that there is an empathy between the two. And it’s undoubtedly a style of photography that would suit those who wish to keep their gear to a minimum.
The Wikipedia definition describes Minimalism as “movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual arts and music, where the work is stripped down to its most fundamental features.” In photographic terms it tends to focus on the abstract, utilising simple lines and shapes, colour and empty space; with the subject capable of evoking emotion without superfluous content. Or to use that overworked cliché – less is more!
The confusing aspect to many art movements is that there are as many theories about the “correct” interpretation, as there are practitioners. If you type “minimalist photography” into the Google search engine you will find at the top of the first page a selection of images; the perusal of which, clearly indicates the wide range of styles within the movement.
But if some of the more way-out interpretations are discarded, then the basic rules appear to include the following:
- Remove distractions so that the image is composed of just one main subject, which needs to be striking.
- Careful composition; although some practitioners feel that composition plays a less important role, my feeling is that images having little or no composition rarely work well enough to hold the viewers interest.
- The detail is a key element.
- And pattern is another significant feature.
Whatever, it’s the viewer that interprets what the photographer is trying to say – and the philosophy of Minimalism is to engage the viewer, but not to tell it all. It’s simple approach works particularly well in still life, portraits and sometimes landscape.
If you’re in interested in learning more about minimalism and other schools of photographic genres, then a good place to start is at Photonet’s Philosophy of Photography. And if you would like to see some minimalist photography in action then take a look at:
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