Assignment #2 – Minimalism

Welcome to our Weekly Assignment blog! We know that being stuck at home is frustrating, but it can also be a great time to build your photography skills. We’re here to help! Each week we’ll give you an instructional post and a social distancing friendly “assignment” to complete. We’ll then offer commentary and critique on images posted in our Facebook group Muench University (if you can’t get out, you can also post past images that match the theme). Ready to get started?  

Perhaps one of the hardest things to do as a photographer is to learn to compose images that are simple, yet still powerful. Creating a powerful minimalist image is hard because we don’t see minimal scenes with our own eyes. Whether it’s inside our homes, out in our backyard, we’re bombarded with stimuli, so naturally, we tend to create images with all of that stimuli included. It is what we know.

Instead of incorporating absolutely everything into a single image, try to exclude all the clutter and focus on a strong subject. You can do this using a few techniques:

  • Physically remove as many elements as you can, leaving one strong, anchored element to focus on.
  • Think about the depth of field. How do you put attention on one element? You use a depth of field where you minimize whats in focus. By doing this, you are minimizing what is in focus in front and behind your subject. This can be achieved by shooting at an ƒ-stop of ƒ2.8 or ƒ4.0.
  • Think simplicity. Just remember that keeping it simple doesn’t mean its boring. In fact, a minimalist approach requires you to explore what to keep in the frame and what to remove before the image loses impact.
  • Use contrast and complimentary colors. High contrast creates a definite emphasis on a strong element. In regards to using complementary colors, remember your primary art class when you learned that complementary colors sit directly across from each other on the color wheel. Practice with what works and what does not.
  • A texture can become the subject when used as a frame-filling element, or as a repeating pattern. By zooming into objects close enough to see the texture, you allow the texture itself to become the focus. You can also use the lack of texture in your image to create minimalism. Where no texture exists, you have negative space. Where texture exists, you create the point of focus. The possibilities are endless. There are plenty of examples at home and out in nature. Think sandpaper, rugs, a pet’s fur, wallpaper at home. Or grass, tree bark, shorelines, water droplets on a flower petal outside.
  • Think leading lines. How can a line lead the eye towards that element in your image that you want to place focus on? Think a dock on a shoreline leading off into a lake or train tracks leading off into a forest.

No matter what technique you use to create a minimalist photo, it will help you become a better overall photographer. This project will result in you learning how to think about different methods of drawing attention to a single element. It will aid you in communicating your story more effectively. The end result, you will be producing better photos when back out in much grander landscapes! 

Below I am showing different photos that use the above methods to put more focus on an element, create emotion, and tell a better story.

Photo Example #1 – Morning Coffee  This is an excellent example of using a recognizable item like a cup of coffee and adding it into a scene void of detail. Your eye immediately goes towards the coffee, and you can relate to how it feels, how it smells, and how it tastes.

Photo Example #2 – Yellow Warbler A backdrop was placed behind a few solo branches where the birds were perching, awaiting their turn at the feeder. This ensured a soft, muted background. The background was a soft green/yellow because it was a complimentary color to the American Yellow Warblers and Prothonotary Warblers.

We saw lots of examples of this last week. Please feel free to keep sharing wildlife with a minimalism theme.

Photo Example #3 – Red Rose  While not the kind of photo you will be taking out your backyard, this photo shows the same principles of minimalism. This photo works because it screams loneliness against a black background. The eye is attracted to the dark juxtaposition between the red rose and the black background.

Photo Example #4 – The Chair  The white chair introduces an anchoring, solo element with a different texture to the background. The simplicity draws the eye to the chair, even though the entire image is one color.

There are plenty of examples at home and out in your backyard.

Now that you have seen examples of minimalism, grab that camera and get creative! Show us your interpretations of minimalism on Muench University.

Our group of pro photographers will eagerly be waiting to give you some feedback and share some of their photos to give you more ideas.

More like this…

Assignment #4 – Pattern and Repetition

Repetition of forms in an image is pleasing to the eye in much the same way that rhythm is pleasing to the ear in music. The eye tends to follow repetition, giving a sense of movement in the image. our assignment is to find patterns and repetition around you in your home. Use them in your images to create compelling compositions (just like music!)

Assignment #9 – Black and White Photography

Black and white images emphasize content, emotion, texture, and pattern. Not every image works well in black and white, though, so how do you go about creating a strong black and white image? Here are some ideas.

Assignment #15 – Wildlife Photography

An interesting subject is needed for any wildlife photograph, but even the most interesting wild animal won’t make for a good photo if your composition and the animal’s body positioning are not compelling.

Assignment #25 – Still Life

Still life photography can be a really fun challenge, and the good news is that you already have what you need in your very own home! You can use fruits, shells, flowers for a more natural look, or you can use ordinary household items, too.

Cyber Monday Sale!

$750 Off Any Workshop

Sign up for any workshop before midnight, November 28, 2023, and we’ll apply your $750 discount to your final balance payment.

Cyber Monday Sale!

$750 Off Any Workshop

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Hours
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Sign up for any workshop before midnight, November 28, 2023, and we’ll apply your $750 discount to your final balance payment.