This series, Simply Sellable, is our weekly effort to explain what type of photos buyers want to license, the trends we see happening across the licensing industry, and what visual thought leaders anticipate being successful in the licensing space. Each week, a member of our Content Team will provide advice, tips, and tricks to guide you, our community of amazing photographers, in your effort to capture that perfectly licensable image.
A minimalistic image stands out right away because of its reductive nature; it doesn’t need a lot to get your attention. In fact, it’s the photo’s lack of busyness that makes a bold statement. When buyers purchase a photo with a minimalist aesthetic, it’s because they’re looking to send a message to their audience quickly and simply.
To create an image that’s striking, yet clean and free of excess, follow these five photography tips:
1) Choose the subject (or object) of the photo. There should be no guesswork when it comes to what the focus of the image is, because the eye should know where to look right away.
2) Remove distractions and use different elements within the frame to direct the viewer’s attention to the subject. This could be anything from dust spots or a competing subject in the image. Lines or colors can help to accentuate the focus of the photo.
3) Get creative with backgrounds. A minimalist photo doesn’t have to appear exclusively on a white background. Experiment with colors, tones, or patterns for a new take on a fuss-free look.
4) Distance can have a dramatic effect on the strength of a photo. Try stepping back when framing a scene to create a sense of scale and it will, in turn, increase the amount of minimalism in the image.
Of course, other times, a close up may have a stronger impact.
5) Shoot the subject at different angles. This tip is useful when it comes to shooting objects where you have control over the perspective from which you’re shooting. Try photographing the subject straight on, from above, or from below.
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