True simplicity is the hardest thing to get right
I have listened to people on photowalks say: “that photo isn’t any good and it’s so simple, I could do that easy”. In art galleries is more: “look at that pricey artwork, my kid could make it better”.
While, yes, the photo is ‘simple’, and your kid could make it ‘better’.
What seems simple is hard and what seems advanced is often just simplicity mastered, and true simplicity is the hardest thing to get right.
*Early days wandering the streets of Oslo, trying to figure out Street Photography. I was lucky and got this frame.
The impact of an image, that is meticulously taken, with years of experience in testing and failing, is magical.
Many things in life; walking, painting, sleeping, drinking, illustrating, or even music making feels easy until you go into it deep and really try to find what’s what.
It looks easy when Messi runs down a team and scores in the end. You know he has done the work, therefor it look simple.
Noob times are special
Your first shots as a photographer could be some of your best.
Often this comes down to the photographer not knowing what to look for and instinct kicks in, then special stuff can happen.
If you are loose and openminded, this will help a bunch when starting out walking the streets.
Loads of great images are made in the unknown.
*Street photography feels easy, its just to go out and shoot, but of course it’s not.
The untrained eye think their photos are special and off course one of the greatest shots ever taken at the spot, even seasoned shooters have this problem.
Countless times i’ve been to photo clubs where photographers feedback on other members work are decent, but the photographer in question just will not take it.
When you don’t feel the need of telling people you're images are great. I believe you are on the path of making simple images.
*Practicing with pole shots is a good way to start controlling your street scenes.
The more you learn, the harder it gets, and the more you learn, the easier it gets. The more I write blogs, hopefully, the easier I will make sense.
Hah, please try and follow my stumbling words, the goal is that something can help on your photo journey. We are all on a level, I know i’m still learning.
Why is simple so hard
To compose a `simple` photo you need to have control on all the lines, shape and shadow inside your chosen square. Everything must work together.
There is no place to hide your flaws in the chaos. A tiny gap where it clearly shouldn’t be, is enough to make the image feel off.
The simple frames rely heavily on perfect and/or evocative light, and the moments are usually subtle and therefor super easy to miss. Timing is key.
*image to the right has a uneven gap on the top around the shard and the silhouette, so it feels off. Image on left is more balanced but a bit to heavy on the right side.
Simple / minimalism
Simple does not mean minimalism, but it’s a good place to start as all the small details in the frame counts to make a great image.
As a graffiti artist I been amazed by Sofles. Like Messi, Sofles makes his work seem as easy as nothing. It comes down to the knowledge of letter structure and style choice.
The simple shots often have the most power.
*medium format on the left and digital on the right.