Capturing Beauty in Simplicity: The Art of Minimalist Photography 📷

Greetings folks,

I hope you're all doing fantastic! 🌟 Today, let us dive into the mesmerizing world of minimalist photography.

In a recent post by

Tomasz Trzebiatowski

 (Photosnack) introduced me to the work of Jeffrey Conley, and it recemented my love for minimalist aesthetic; not just in fine art and photography, but in music as well.  Mark Rothko, Frank Stella, Morton Feldman.

Ever heard the saying "less is more"? That's the essence of minimalist photography. By consciously incorporating negative space, the artist allows their subject to shine, creating a visual balance that captivates. Check out this stunning shot by Jeffrey Conley where the trees steals the spotlight from a vast, empty sky.
https://www.jeffreyconley.com/GalleryMain.asp?GalleryID=177303&AKey=8KMSY3KT

Simplicity and elegance often meet in the realm of monochromatic photography. Choose a single color palette, and watch how it transforms a photos into a timeless piece of art. Here's a photo by Michael Kenna, which speaks volumes without uttering a word.
https://www.michaelkenna.com/gallery2.php?id=11

Minimalism often celebrates clean lines and geometric shapes, and captures the beauty of symmetry and simplicity with shots like this architectural wonder. It's amazing how everyday structures can turn into fascinating visual stories.

https://minimalistphotographyawards.com/2022/07/07/flying-in-the-dark/

Flying in the Dark by Ali Zolghadri

Minimalist photography is like a silent poem – it whispers emotions without shouting.

I have certainly tried, often in vain, to take photos using the minimalist aesthetic and minimal processing. Most of them didn’t come out the way I imagined them, but I can’t prevent myself from sharing a few with you anyway.  

This photograph was taken last week in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn:

This is one was taken on the premises of the Vanderbilt Mansion, Hyde Park, NY (perhaps not exactly minimalism, but what the hell)

And this one is of a Hasidic man caught in a snowstorm in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn three years ago.

Ghost walking

A hat tip to my wife Luba, who pointed me in the right direction and urged me to press the shutter when I was too lazy to take the camera out of my bag (it was friggin’ freezing.)

Explore the work of these influential minimalist photographers, painters and musicians for an extra dose of inspiration:

Michael Kenna: Known for his breathtaking landscapes with a minimalistic touch.

Ellsworth Kelly: A renowned artist whose minimalist paintings have inspired photographers worldwide.

Franco Fontana: His use of color and form in minimalist photography is truly remarkable.

Carolina Nusaduo: Beautiful balance of tones and landscapes.

Inge Schuster:  Manages to create universes with depth, fascination and authenticity and creates incredible photographs that have the same strokes as a Renaissance painting.

Morton Feldman: The music is intimate, quiet, and often slow.
Here’s a nearly five-hour sample. A great piece to listen to while you’re involved in deep thinking, post-processing your photos, or giving your cat a flea bath.

Karen Vikke: Urban photography meets iPhone.

And Brian Eno, of course. Sure, some of you may argue that he creates ambient soundscapes, which is not exactly minimalism. Yes, but he was heavily influenced by the minimalist composers and his compositions always adhered to minimalist aesthetics.

On that note…

Meet me in the comments and share your minimalist photos.

Thank you for reading, as always!

‘Til next time,
ak