Ah, simplicity! So elusive, in photography and life.
I often hear from participants in my workshops that they want to simplify their photographs; they feel that their images look too cluttered.
Sometimes, what’s happened is that we were drawn to several different things and think that we have to include them all in the same photograph, especially in the name of making it “interesting.” Then, we wonder why the photograph doesn’t work.
This is done unconsciously. Part of simplifying is bringing more awareness to what we’re drawn to in the first place.
Efficiency is not necessary in photography. We can take two separate images. We can trust that what attracted us is good enough as it is. It’s important to know what our subject is and then choose the elements that support what we saw.
In life too, we have to choose what to take in, what to experience – often among equally compelling possibilities. I understand this all too well as a curious person, interested in many things. It all comes down to choosing what’s most important – what’s utterly essential.
I’ve learned how to say no and when to say yes.
Please join me in a 4-week exploration of simplicity – in photography and life. This is the perfect time as we enter the busy holiday season, to create simple photographs that keep us grounded in the moment and to choose to do what truly matters.
“Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.” ~ Frederic Chopin (via 30 Awesome Quotes on Simplicity)
Learn more about Keeping It Simple, which begins Monday, November 16th.
What’s utterly essential? is the hard question. It’s a question that applies to photography, and to life. It takes me some time to sort all the possibilities out, but I am getting better at it with practice. I really enjoyed your last class on simplicity.
You’re so right, Gina. I was just asked to do something that might end up requiring a lot of my time. It’s a worthwhile project, something I would enjoy doing, and might have some wonderful benefits. Yet, something in me is saying no – because it would take too much time from existing work that I feel is essential. I’m not sure yet what I’ll do, but sometimes we have to say no even if it’s hard.
Yes, recognizing what is essential is a gift which can be nourished when we ask ourselves the right questions. It’s a wonderful freeing feeling when we’re able to make the right choice. As KIm says, it’s not only in photography that we need to make these choices, but in our everyday lives. Like Gina, I’m getting better at it too and feel less overwhelmed by the various options that crop up. I too loved the class I did on simplicity.