Seek to Simplify

In the complex world we live in, the concept of “simplicity” may seem foreign and sometimes even feel impossible. It is not. Finding, practicing and maintaining “simple” does, however, take effort. And, that effort requires focus, intentionality and persistence.

SIMILAR YET DIFFERENT

As I began thinking about the idea of simplicity and the act of simplifying, I realized that they were similar yet different. Also, both are easily connected to photography and life in general.

Simplicity is the state of being simple, uncomplicated or uncompounded. In photography this can lean toward minimalism, which emphasizes sparseness and focuses on having the least number of elements in the frame. To simplify is to make something simpler or easier to do or to understand. This means reducing the elements down to only what is necessary to “tell the story.” This can mean fewer objects in the frame, but, more importantly, the removal of distractions.

Simplification and simplicity (and minimalism) are not necessarily the same thing. They do, however, share the common path of leading toward greater clarity and understanding in many spaces – from a single image to a single room or a single scene. The goal is to remove all that distracts our attention so that we might present a clear picture – one that communicates what we want to share.

A simple scene created with camera movement left to right on a tripod after a “dud” sunrise in the Outer Banks.

A simple story of sand and wind and dune grasses.

RESISTING DISTRACTIONS

When I think about the concept of simplicity, certain words that come to mind include stillness, calm, peaceful, uncomplicated and uncluttered. Some are emotional, others are visual. My life on a daily basis is not represented or defined by these words, though at times it offers up some moments of time when they ring true. Keeping things simple is not easy, at least for me (a non-minimalist in nature). There are far too many distractions in our everyday lives that pull our attention (and actions) in different directions at once – away from the stillness, the simplicity and the quiet. We all know what they are . . . whether devices of all kinds or the almighty to-do lists. We must choose to pull away from them and resist our “Pavlov-like” reactions to them. To create a sense of calm and simplicity, we must be mindful in our choices and stop the knee-jerk jumping every time a notification sounds the alarm. Quiet time, whenever you choose to take it, should be a priority. Conversations and time with family and friends deserve our uninterrupted attention and focus. Not everything is urgent, and most things can wait.

ADDRESSING THE CHAOS

Another aspect of simplicity that applies in life and photography is the idea of “uncluttered” and “uncomplicated.” I don’t know about you, but my office, specifically, does not present an uncluttered aura. Quite the opposite (as only a rare few can attest). It is in need of focus and attention. My tendency to collect “stuff” does not help. The clutter can and does at times make it difficult to stay focused, as I get distracted in burst of effort to address it while in the middle of something else. What I know is that as the distractions and clutter are reduced, I feel better and work more efficiently. My method of attacking the challenge is somewhat organized. It involves a timer set in 15-minute increments. I choose a smaller area (subject), set the timer for 15 minutes and get to work. At each interval I can choose to continue working or break (each time for 15 minutes) until the task is completed. It is intentional, takes work and practice . . . and persistence. Not easy, but it makes a way for more calm, more clarity and simplifies my life just a little.

PRACTICAL TOOLS TO SIMPLIFY IN THE FIELD

While the 15-minute timer method works for me in my office, it’s not practical in the field when I’m out photographing. The practice of focus, attention, intention and persistence, however, does. Call it mindfulness, slowing down, being present, or whatever you want. It works.

Do you need a timer? No, but you do need to take your time and be more deliberate. If you are one of those photographers who get out of your vehicle and immediately mounts the camera to your tripod, plops and starts shooting, please stop. You may not believe it now, but you will thank me later. Putting your camera on the tripod may make for an easier carry, but will not always help you get your best images. Why? Because you’ve already made choices before even assessing the situation or deciding what your visual goal might be. Consider some of the following techniques as alternatives.

BEFORE YOU START – STOP

Maybe you’re visiting a place for the first time and are overwhelmed. So, you start shooting and hope that you get something good to share with others. Or maybe you’re visiting an “old friend,” a place or subject you’ve worked with many times, and you know the drill. Could that be the “same old drill” on a different day? Perhaps, with a slow down and more intentional approach, you could be surprised with something completely new, unexpected and very different from your usual output. Resisting the urge to set up shop and start shooting right away will help. Take your time. Assess the situation, the light, your mood, the possibilities. Then, decide what you need to make it happen. So, yes, stop before you start.

Turns out that a single duck decoy and some netting tells the larger story differently, but just as well.

FIND AND DEFINE

When you are out in the field, look at your surroundings, find your subject, and look more closely. Define your subject and your objective. Where’s the best place to stand or kneel or even lay on the ground? What’s the best angle? What lens do you need? What’s the light doing for or against your subject? It doesn’t have to take a long time, but it does require deliberate thought.

I usually find my subject and best position before ever bringing the tripod into the equation. I want those three legs to work for and with me, not fight it or let it steer my composition. Do I raise my camera to my eyes and peer through the viewfinder? Yes, but not with it attached to the tripod.

When you define your subject (say it out loud if it helps), it is easier to use the tools you have to simplify your composition and create stronger images. I have a few questions you might use to clarify important elements in the frame. First, “Who’s the STAR?” There’s always something playing the lead. Second, “Who are the supporting characters?” Anyone or anything that is not doing the job of supporting the star needs to get the hook and be pulled off stage and out of your image. In other words, look for and remove all distractions. Clean up messes everywhere they exist, including in the backgrounds.