10 Simple Steps for Successfully Create Simple Photos

The more photos I sell and the more clients I meet, the more I realize that most people are drawn to photos that are simple, easy to read, and understand.

After conducting a personal analysis of my photographic activity, I have concluded that creating simple photos is challenging.

In this article, I will share this analysis with you.

Nothing simpler than a dune under low light. However, it took me several days to capture this evocative black and white photo.

Simplicity in Photography

Simplifying. Simplicity, whether it is easy to read or understand.

These few words and expressions guide my photographic approach. I intentionally use the verb 'guide' because they have become mantras. Over the years, I have realized how difficult it is to achieve simplicity, especially in photography.

Before delving into this article, I want to clarify the definitions of the words 'simple' and 'difficult.'

A definition of the word 'simple' is as follows:

Reduced to the essential, without embellishment, without adornment or unnecessary elements.

A definition of the word 'difficult' is as follows:

Not easy to accomplish, requiring significant effort.

Simplicity in photography involves creating images that are reduced to the essential, without embellishment or unnecessary elements. A simple photo stands on its own, needing nothing else to produce the expected effect.

Creating interesting photos that make sense, capture attention, evoke emotions, or convey messages, and are technically correct and aesthetically successful is challenging! It is as simple as that. Every day, it feels like a lifetime will not be enough to learn how to create simple photos that are easy to read, photos that convey emotions, messages, and feelings—photos that emotionally resonate with others.

Sometimes, I manage to create a photo, or even two or three, of which I am truly proud and completely satisfied. However, creating 15 or 20 of this caliber requires years of work and dedication.

When I started photographing, I bought books by renowned photographers, mostly focusing on documentary photography at the time.

My favorite authors were Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau, and Willy Ronis. I was interested in portrait photographers because most beautiful books were dedicated to them. Landscape photography was mostly reserved for postcards, and wildlife photography was primarily featured in magazines praising distant travels. These themes were not considered significant subjects back then.

Fortunately, times have changed. Every photographic theme is now acknowledged these days. I was always captivated by the simplicity of the images, transported to other universes. The photographic approach was visible, identifiable, and understandable. One either connected with it or not. I always wondered how these photographers managed to achieve such a level. How it was so simple for them.

At that time, I did not dedicate all my time to photography; I was a student. I focused on rather technical studies that would lead to a professional career unrelated to photography. I continued practicing photography as an amateur. Eventually, in 2003, I chose the path of professional photography. This decision was mainly a choice for survival. I had been living in the United States for two years, and establishing a company allowed me to obtain a visa to stay in the country where I felt comfortable.

I continued to improve my skills by reading every book I could find. It was then that I began to understand what was, paradoxically, evident. But as always, we see only what we want to see. All those books I read, flipping through them, captivated by so much talent, were not the result of geniuses. They were the result of photographers who worked tirelessly, with dedication.

These books and photos were merely the best of their photographic approach, a selection from their entire activity. The revelation came with Ansel Adams, the American photographer who immortalized the stunning landscapes of the southwestern United States.

I have always been and will remain an unconditional fan of Ansel Adams. He is a true source of inspiration for me. I have read all his beautiful books and technical books. However, photos of average or even beginner-level were published. These books were released long after his death because he is a photographer whose books are highly sought after.

These books are published by people who are only interested in money. But thanks to them, I realized that Ansel Adams was like everyone else. He also took ordinary photos. However, his pursuit of excellence and perfection meant that he only showed what was worth it.

There is another factor that led me to believe for a long time that most photographers I admire could effortlessly create simple and wonderful photos. This factor is called photographic intentionality. It's when photographers are attributed statements, qualities, or a photographic approach that they haven't defined themselves.

I have listened to and watched numerous documentaries or read many books and articles attributing specific qualities or actions to photographers.

Digging deeper into the subject, I realized that these photographers had not said or written anything. It all starts with a journalist, an agent, and the rumor grows. These photographers are attributed with facts of which they themselves were unaware. This is photographic intentionality. The photos are beautiful and interesting, but the statements are deceptive. They are constructed by others than the authors. I have been led down the wrong paths because of this photographic intentionality.

The conclusion of these personal reflections is that creating simple photos is challenging for all photographers, whether anonymous or well-known. To create simple photos, you need a lot of experience, life experience, doubts, searching, experimenting, failing! Continuously creating simple photos that speak to everyone, evoke emotions, and bring happiness is impossible.

When you take photos, there are always a few good ones and many failed attempts. One thing is certain: the more photos you take, the more demanding and perseverant you become, and the more chances you have of creating simple photos that speak volumes.

In the rest of the article, I will share with you the implementation of various photographic ideas that will help you create simpler, more interesting photos that make sense and have an impact.

I offer you two quotes from Henri Cartier-Bresson, extracted from his book 'The Decisive Moment.'

Living is discovering ourselves, simultaneously with discovering the external world; it shapes us, but we can also act upon it. A balance must be established between these two worlds, the inner and the outer, which in constant dialogue form a single world, and it is in this world that we must communicate.

The content of an image cannot be separated from its form; by form, I mean a rigorous plastic organization by which alone our conceptions and emotions become concrete and communicable. In photography, this visual organization can only be the result of a spontaneous feeling for plastic rhythms.

I believe that many lessons about photography can be drawn from these two quotes. They are two lines that guide me on my photographic journey.

The Photographic Learning

Why is it so difficult to create simple photos?

The answer is simple: photographic learning is difficult. I have defined a model that I called the principles of the photographic approach, which consists of different stages.

Step #1 - Learn to master photographic equipment: camera, lens, flash, etc.

Step #3 - Master basic development techniques: composition, framing, color, elements, sharpness, etc.

Step #2 - Learn to construct photos: computer screen calibration, cropping, contrast, brightness, sharpness, etc.

Step #4 - Learn to present a photo: printing on paper, web, etc.

Step #5 - Define a specific photographic goal to continue progressing: This is the photographic 'why.'

Step #6 - Define a photographic and/or artistic approach.

Step #7 - Define photographic intentionality.

Step #8 - Learn to master photographic semantics, syntax, aesthetics.

Step #9 - Learn to master advanced photo development. At this stage, advanced development involves reinforcing the photographic approach.

Step #10 - Develop a significant photographic culture that will reinforce the photographic approach.

All these steps require a long learning period. It is an ongoing process that never stops. Personally, I constantly go back to strengthen a particular step.

As you can see, learning photography, regardless of the field, is difficult. The way to achieve it is to be persistent and dedicated. Never let go and never get discouraged.

In my case, another layer has been added to the previous ones. I am a professional photographer. I chose to do what I wanted in my life and make a living from my passion. I had to learn to communicate and market to sell my photos. It is again a complex and difficult process to master.

All these different steps make us feel that everything is complicated and difficult. This is reflected in the creation of photos.

Never forget that our photos reflect ourselves. We put into them what we are and what we see in ourselves. If mastering is complicated and challenging, our photos will be complicated and challenging. If we are in an inner state where everything is simple, easy to manage, we will create simple photos.

Finally

I hope this article has enlightened you on the notion of simple photos. This article is certainly one of the most important I have written.

If you want to create simple photos that are interesting, attract and retain attention, convey your emotions, and make sense, you must learn, progress, never stop, and always step out of your comfort zone.

But, above all, understand others and what they are looking for.

You will eventually be seen, heard, and known.

What is well conceived is clearly expressed, and the words to say it come easily.
Nicolas Boileau.