Master the principles of minimalist photography to reveal the power of your images

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Far from visual overload, minimalist photography is a specific style that invites us to slow down, observe differently, and compose with intention. It is also a precise technique that emphasizes the following principle: directing the viewer's gaze toward the very essence of a subject using several techniques. It seeks to reveal the strength of a detail, the poetry of a line, the power of a texture. In other words, it's a bit like slow living in the world of images: we seek the essential, we compose with space, we savor visual silence.

When I started photography, I was already embracing a minimalist style in my practice, without even realizing it. I've always believed that doing more with less often translates into quiet strength. It's no surprise, then, that over time, this style has become part of my visual signature. Today, I want to share with you the principles I use to reveal the full power of your images, just as I do with my own.

★★★ All images in this article are protected by copyright. Any reproduction or use without prior authorization is strictly prohibited. Please respect my work as an artist and my visual content.

1 - MAKE CHOICES THAT REQUIRE FEW ELEMENTS IN YOUR SCENE

Too many photographers try to stand out by adding more—when the greatest visual signatures often come from less. Minimalism is a bit like making a good espresso: few ingredients, but maximum intensity. In photography, it means learning to reduce without impoverishing. Remove, simplify, refine—until only what truly matters remains.

▶ Choose the time of day when the desired scene will be the calmest.

For example, if your plan is to visit a popular tourist site, find out the times when it's least crowded. When it comes to landscapes, sunrise or sunset can be excellent options. Conversely, if you prefer to explore a public place like a bookstore, a popular monument, or a government building, I recommend going as soon as it opens. And if, like me, you like to optimize your time, be productive on location, and avoid crowds, prepare a mood board. Sometimes, this simple step of preparation will save you time finding compositions and ideas once you're there, preventing your workflow from slowing down and you from getting stuck in the crowd.

▶ Wait for a moment when there is the least possible movement in your environment if you are faced with too much commotion.

Whether it's people (pedestrians), cars, bicycles, or any other element passing through your scene, simply let them move out of the frame. Be patient and wait for the right moment before pressing the shutter. This will simplify the image right from the start and save you time in post-production, since you won't have to remove these elements. The idea isn't to create empty images, but rather to highlight a single subject.

For example, I wanted to capture the interior of the Oculus, a spectacular landmark and a very busy landmark in the heart of New York City. As you might have guessed, it's constantly bustling, 24 hours a day. Even arriving at 4:00 a.m., the crowds were still unavoidable. So I had to be patient and wait for the perfect moment to get a photo with as few people as possible.

2 - USE NEGATIVE SPACE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

In photography, negative space refers to the portion of the image surrounding the main subject that is intentionally left empty or sparsely populated. It is not the subject itself, but the space around it, such as the sky, a flat surface, water, or any other open background. Here are some tips for using negative space to your advantage if your desired result is a more minimalist image overall.

▶ Create a foreground blur (front blur) to minimize the bottom of your photo.

Front blur acts like a "visual tunnel": it eliminates distractions near the lens and naturally guides the eye towards the main subject. A blurred foreground transforms potentially distracting elements (grass, objects, textures, crowds, etc.) into a soft, neutral area. This is also useful in situations where the bottom of the scene is aesthetically unappealing (cobblestones, litter, uneven ground, overly prominent textures); front blur allows you to transform it into a uniform and harmonious area.

As you can see in the photo below, the foreground blur adds a sense of dimension and immediately creates separation between the planes. In minimalist photography, this allows for a more airy image without cluttering the composition.

▶ Take photos where the subject and its reflection create symmetry.

The reflection acts as a natural extension of the subject, reinforcing the impression of stability and purity. It also helps balance the negative space, a key element in giving the composition breathing room. Reflection can enrich the story of the photograph, adding a poetic or contemplative dimension and strengthening the image's graphic impact, making it more memorable and aesthetically pleasing. This technique is often underestimated in minimalist photography, yet it is highly effective.

▶ Use depth of field to enhance your subject and refine your image.

Depth of field allows you to isolate the main subject by blurring the rest of the scene. It simplifies the image, eliminates distractions, and creates a sense of depth, even with few elements. Sharp areas immediately capture the eye, while the blur adds softness and poetry. In this way, every carefully chosen detail gains impact, and the image becomes more harmonious and contemplative.

To achieve good depth of field in minimalist photography, it's recommended to use a wide aperture, a small f-number (ex. : f/1.8) → shallow depth of field, ideal for isolating a subject and blurring the background. Of course, the f-number will depend on the focal length of the lens chosen. Long lenses (telephoto lenses) reduce the depth of field (the blur or bokeh is often more "creamy"). The blurred effect then becomes the result of compression. If you're using a versatile focal length (e.x. : 24-105mm), getting closer to your subject while choosing a small f-number will help you achieve a beautiful blur, emphasizing the main subject and minimizing distractions in the image.

3 - COMPOSE WITH INTENTION

Every element within the frame should serve a purpose, whether it's to balance the scene, create depth, or guide the eye toward the main subject. Thoughtful composition transforms a simple photograph into a powerful and impactful image. In minimalist photography, this intention is even more crucial, as every detail matters.

▶ Position your subject, taking care to analyze the rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds is a term often used in photography. It's an option you can activate on your camera's screen to display two horizontal and two vertical lines, creating a 3x3 grid and dividing the screen into nine equal parts. In schools, teaching methods for the rule of thirds still often recommend placing the subject on one of the lines. Personally, I believe photography is also about experimenting and deconstructing more traditional techniques to explore our style and artistic vision.

Personally, I've found through field experience that I usually prefer to place the subject in the center rather than strictly along a line. I find the visual impact immediate: the subject draws the eye directly, as it naturally moves towards the center of the image. A central subject can create an impression of closeness or intensity, which is particularly effective in minimalist photography.

▶ Analyze the guidelines carefully.

In minimalist photography, leading lines are like traffic signs for the eye: they show where to look without blaring a horn. Even with very few elements, they can transform an empty frame into a veritable visual highway. They add depth and movement. When well-placed, they balance the composition and prevent the image from descending into chaos.

During my visit to São Miguel (Azores, Portugal), I had the great pleasure of exploring the tea plantations, which are the only ones in Europe. The area is vast, and it can sometimes be difficult to find your way around for photography. My first reaction was to fly my drone to identify guidelines and position my subject correctly. Even though I look tiny in the photo, the lines of the terraces, which extend from the bottom right and left, trace a perfect path leading to the center of the image, where I am standing.

4 - MAKE ARTISTIC AND TECHNICAL CHOICES THAT EMPHASIZE SIMPLICITY

One of the keys to visual elegance in minimalist photography is consistency in a scene that emphasizes simplicity. To achieve this, I'll share two tips: one artistic and the other technical, to increase your chances of achieving the desired result.

▶ Choose a decor that is homogeneous in terms of colors and/or texture.

When considering a color-coordinated backdrop, we often think of product photographers working in studios with plain backgrounds. The truth is, even if you're in the heart of the Amazon rainforest or in the Montreal subway, it's entirely possible to create minimalist photos by emphasizing color or texture. First tip: choose a close-up shot. Have fun capturing the textures of your subject or appreciating its color.

▶ Opt for longer exposure times when necessary.

A long exposure in photography is a technique that involves leaving the camera's shutter open for a longer than normal time, usually several seconds (and sometimes several minutes). The goal is to capture movement or increase light in low-light conditions. In minimalist photography, the tendency is to capture movement in order to soften, smooth, and slow it down. For example, you might want to reduce the movement of water, achieve a smooth, blurred gradient for clouds, blur people to eliminate visual clutter, and so on. In short, it's a photograph where time is stretched.

To do this, you will absolutely need a tripod, as your camera must be perfectly stable. Take the time to properly configure your settings: a slow shutter speed (e.x., 10 seconds, 30 seconds), a variable aperture depending on the light (often between f/8 and f/16), and a low ISO (100–200) to minimize noise. If you are shooting during the day, remember that you will need an ND filter.

Although it's a technique used occasionally by photographers, it's becoming increasingly popular across all niches of photography: urban, lifestyle, product, and even real estate (as in the image below). I captured this scene for a client in the tourism (hospitality) sector who wanted to add a human touch to the visuals without compromising the beauty of the furnished spaces, so that their future guests could imagine themselves there.

5 - MINIMIZE VISUAL DISTRACTIONS IN POST-PRODUCTION

The magic of minimalism doesn't end with the shooting process. During post-processing, certain steps can significantly improve the visual result of your images. To do this, you'll need photo editing software such as Lightroom CC or Photoshop.

▶ Remove any elements that distract the eye from the main subject.

Sometimes, even when we try to avoid unnecessary elements in the field, some remain unavoidable: an overly flashy sign, dust on the sensor, imperfections on a face in portrait mode, ingrained stains on products that are impossible to clean, and so on. In these situations, having at least a basic understanding of photo editing proves useful for permanently removing these elements. Remove anything that distracts the viewer's eye from the main subject.

▶ Embrace black and white photography.

While I'm a big fan of color photography for many reasons, black and white photography can sometimes steal the show in minimalist photography. For example, it can be an excellent option when the colors in the scene create visual noise or add nothing to the composition. Black and white then allows you to return to the essentials: shapes, lines, textures, isolated subjects. This approach offers a clean, classic, and often more contemplative style—perfect for conveying a simple yet powerful emotion, without distraction.

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