Simplification
The main purpose of simplifying your composition is to put more emphasis on your subject by removing, hiding, or reducing distractions that do not enhance or relate to the story of your photo. This is an immensely powerful technique to have in your toolbox and clearly a tool that separates the snapshot photographer from the serious intentional (pro) photographer. As with other compositional tools, simplification is not so easily recognized or acknowledged by the layperson — it is hard to see what was removed to create the great picture.
Simplification comes in many forms and a non-exhaustive list of methods includes:
- Few colors.
- Muted or blurred background.
- Distance to subject.
- Point of view.
- Low light.
- Long exposure.
- Weather conditions.
- Rear-lit smoke, dust, or water particles.
- Post-production.
The shot below of the cement mixers is a good example of simplification by using only a few colors.
Consciously used compositional tools:
- Simplification — few colors.
- Transitional symmetry — three cement mixers lined up the same way.
- Asymmetry — the door breaks the…
