Embrace Solitude for Dramatic Outdoor Photos (VIDEO)

One big challenge when shooting in in the field is understanding how to make sense out of chaos when confronting complicated scenes. Today’s eye-opening tutorial takes this approach to the extreme by exploring the power of minimalist photography.

The dynamic concept involves reducing the composition of a photo to one impossible-to-ignore essential element. This thoughtful approach will change the way you shoot whether the subject at hand is an expansive vista, abstract details, or intimate environmental portraits. You’ll pick up some very helpful post-processing tips as well.

Instructor Andy Gibbs is a Canadian pro whose shooting and editing lessons share his passion for nature and landscape photography while delving deep into light, composition, and the art of capturing breathtaking moments. In the next 14 minutes you’ll learn how to view the world differently and stop complicating your images.

Gibbs puts it like this: “In this video I explore the power of simplicity and reduction in photography, and how eliminating distractions can help you create cleaner, more substantial, and more impactful images.” The video begins with a display of several inspirational photographs that perfectly illustrate the concept without words and will get you in the mood for the practical tips that follow.

He acknowledges the temptation to include everything in the frame—from mountains in the background, vivid flowers in the foreground, a dramatic sky overhead, and water reflections in between. Yet, he insists that “sometimes the strongest photographs aren’t about adding more—they’re about taking things away.”

Gibb’s encourages you see thing differently than you have in the past, and then then provides great advice for deciding what not to include in a shot in a way that will help you tell a clearer story. So if you’re concerned about images that are too busy or lack focus, this minimalist approach is the video for you.

There’s plenty more where this comes from, so be sure to visit Gibbs’ instructional YouTube channel and explore.

And don’t miss the recent tutorial we shared from another notable expert who demonstrates an overlooked camera metering mode that protects highlight details in nature, wildlife, and landscape photographs. No more clipping!