I am really new to photography, so I'll ask a silly question..... What is minimalism? How much can we put in a frame before it is no longer minimalistic?
I chose some images from my portfolio that I thought might fall under minimalism.... how far off am I?
Appreciate the input!
Warm Smiles
"Snowkeeper"
Heather Langlois
Hi Heather. As a quick guide I'd recommend you read a post we had in the group earlier in the month;
https://fstoppers.com/groups/230825/minimalism-abstract-experimental/557....
I will leave discussions on your individual photos to others for now.
Thank you Alan! Very helpful!
I like these simple compositions of yours, Heather. They're a nice change from the too-much-is-never-enough often posted on FS. Given just HOW minimalist a photo can be, I guess I wouldn't call these minimalist - the rich textures in the log and water in the first, the complex undulating curves and play of light in the second, the rich textures again in the spoons and leaves further down all provide detail for the eye to savour. The bucket (?) handle comes closest. The following is a selection of images posted on FS (including one by Alan) that are more clearly minimalist to me, with a fundamental simplicity often leading to a sense of serenity.
But having said all that - who cares? This Group was started with minimalism and abstraction in mind, in contrast to the more literal fare that predominates here, and its founder Ruth Carll expanded it to include the experimental (and she certainly experiments!).
Your work is refreshing, imaginative, tasteful and well composed with often beautiful, subtle colours. I enjoy looking at this selection of yours.
Chris,
Wow thank you! Your explanation has given me a much stronger understanding. Thank you so kindly for taking the time to guide me gently.
I see in your images here the definition you gave me. Wonderful examples.
I will have a fresh way of looking for minimalist images now.
So kind of you.
Warm Smiles from Alaska.
Heather
:-)
Just following up Heather, it looks like Chris provided the feedback you were looking for. Minimalism really means different things to different people and like anything else in Photography is really open to interpretation.
BTW - please consider adding your voice to other discussions so that other members may benefit from your viewpoint.
Given that this is also the abstract and experimental group, all your photos qualify here but I agree with Chris that most of these photos are "too busy" to be minimalist outside of the handle. Though I think the two snow photos are on the border and wouldn't get disqualified as minimalism by most people. But I do love those two. Excellent work.
Thank you so much for the input!