Minimalism is a cornerstone of countless art forms, including photography. In this five-session nature photography class at The Morton Arboretum, participants will train their eyes to distill what they see down to basic elements, resulting in nature photographs that express grace and powerful silence.
Minimalist photography relies on careful composition and selection of subject matter to deliver images with austere simplicity and mystery. Images are often monochromatic in tone, use few elements, and make use of patterns and textures.
Through a mix of classroom sessions and experimentation in the field, students will learn and practice
- skillful composition techniques to create images with visual tension or a sense of harmony, Zen, or emptiness,
the vital role of negative space, - eliminating unnecessary elements in your image to complete your visual presentation, and
- tapping into innate creativity by producing powerful nature images in both color and black-and- white.
The class will examine the work of minimalist photographers including Michael Kenna, Thierry Salmon, and Hengki Koentjoro as a visual compass and inspiration. This workshop is appropriate for any photographer who is comfortable with the manual controls of a DSLR camera and with post-production software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Please see What to Know for additional information on required equipment and experience.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Dan Pollack, photographer
Age: 16 and older
Course number: P354
