Image Review: Simplify

Join us for a Zoom meeting where we have a friendly discussion of each others’ images that were taken with the theme of “simplify” in mind. The artist, Hans Hofmann said “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

To simplify a photograph is not an easy task. There are many avenues to accomplish the goal. While some will think minimalism, there are many other ways to simplify an image. After choosing a subject, take the shot, then try zooming in or out (with lens or feet), reduce distractions with a smaller depth of field, move your position to change the background, add a background with [for instance] a paper sheet, add or remove color in post, as well as many other not mentioned methods you might choose to attract a viewer’s eye to the thing that caused you to share the image with us.

At this image review, our goal is to share examples of how you strove to do this. Share your original view image, then show the finished or simplified view, and be prepared to divulge your thoughts on why you felt the simplification made your image better when finished. Also tell us how many images you took to achieve the final image, as the road to a successful image is often paved with many failed attempts that teach us how to simplify our techniques in future shots.

You may submit up to three pairs of images (6 images total). The first of each pair should be an overview “snapshot” of what first engaged you. The second should show what you did to isolate and emphasize the subject of your photograph.

Thanks to Pat Cooney & Charles Sweigart for their help in describing this process.

1. Photo(s) should be taken from now until Monday, June 7.
2. You may submit up to 3 image series of 2 images each.
3. Rename the files to BEGIN with a NUMBER, then your initials. Example: Lynn Garwood’s would be 1lg, 2lg, 3lg.
4. Image files may be in any format other than raw but please limit their size to under 10MB each.
5. Send photos to lancasterphotomeetup@gmail.com by Monday, June 7 at 9 PM.

During the review, give accolades then constructive advice about how you think the photo could have been made stronger and had more impact. No attacks or negative comments!

When receiving comments, consider what is said, take what resonates, and ask about anything you don’t understand.

After the meeting, please post your photos to this event’s Photo Album. If someone made a comment about something you could do to improve a photo that you agreed with, you may make the change before uploading to the album.

I’ll send the Zoom meeting information to everyone who RSVPs “Yes” the evening before the event as well as post it to the event page an hour before the meetup begins.