How to Create Minimalist Landscape Photography
by Andrew Smith
October 25, 2017
I have been a huge fan of simple, well constructed, minimalist photography for a long time. As a graphic designer I lean towards this style because it connects well with other design elements. It creates the opportunity where typography and imagery can fuse nicely together, rather than fighting. I wanted to share a few key things I've learnt about how to get started shooting minimal landscape photography.
- The first rule is, 'simple is great as long as its not boring'. I always look for a little bit of drama to hold the image together. I think you always need a focal point to the composition, or it can fall flat
- I look for ways to frame the scene that removes clutter, I remove anything that doesn't add something to the overall image
- I find ways to simplify the colour range seen in the image and aim for a minimal palette. I also consider black and white editing as a possible solution for simplifying the composition
- I always make sure my gear bag has a longer lens, this narrows the viewing angle and can help simplify the composition
- I look for clear space in the environment to use as a canvas. This could be anything from a patch of clear sky to a mass of smooth water or a simple textured wall. Once I have this I look for ways to add something to it - This could be a person, animal, boat, or tree, it helps create a focal point
- I will often shoot using a tripod and low ISO such as 100 or 200. This allows me maximum detail and smooth image rendering when Im editing the final image in Adobe Lightroom
- I look for simple visual pathways in an image to help lead your eye too the focal point
- I’m very patient, I will often set up a scene and then wait for something to arrive! Examples include setting up a simple street scene, then wait for someone to walk into the frame, or a graphic beach landscape where a flock of birds or cloud formation passes over head.
![How to create minimalist landscape photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/ways_to_create_minimal_landscape_photography_2048x2048.jpg?v=1509421124)
![Minimalist bermuda triangle photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/inspiring_minimal_photography_1024x1024.jpg?v=1508876510)
![minimal black and white landscape photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/minimal_black_and_white_landscape_photography_1024x1024.jpg?v=1508890500)
![how to create minimalist photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/beautiful_inspiring_minimal_photography_1024x1024.jpg?v=1508890487)
![Minimalist travel photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/minimalist_travel_photography_1024x1024.jpg?v=1508876512)
![Minimalist landscape beach photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/inspiring_minimalist_ideas_andscape_photography_1024x1024.jpg?v=1508876510)
![Minimalist seascape photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/minimal_landscape_photography_1024x1024.jpg?v=1508876511)
![How to edit minimal landscape photography](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/7232/files/inspiring_minimal_seascape_imagery_1024x1024.jpg?v=1508876510)
Andrew Smith
Author
I am a Creative Director living and working in New Zealand, I have a special interest in travel and landscape photography, I also produce presets for Adobe Lightroom.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Andrew Smith
Author
I am a Creative Director living and working in New Zealand, I have a special interest in travel and landscape photography, I also produce presets for Adobe Lightroom.