“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” ~ Hans Hofmann via Brainy Quote

Often heard advice from me – simplify, simplify, simplify. But, how do we know what’s necessary and what’s unnecessary? How do we know what’s most essential?

Photography can help us to develop this skill.

One assignment I often give is to create an image with no more than five elements, where the main subject is clear and all other elements support the subject. In this case, an element can be an object or person or space or colour or line. Each element is necessary in getting the message across or to provide context or clarity.

I tend to keep my photographs simple quite naturally, so it was difficult to find one that contained even five elements. In the photograph here, I noticed these pumpkins on an outdoor table. They and the leaves on the tree and the ground tell us what time of year it is.

This house is on a corner, so I could have included part of the road and sidewalk, but they did not support the main subject. I’ve included the pumpkins, the table and chairs, part of the patio and foliage behind, and part of the house for context. Colour is an important element of the image.

The same lessons in simplicity can be applied to our lives. What do we leave in? What do we leave out?

Today, simplicity is needed more than ever. Which is why I offer my Keeping It Simple workshop on demand. Eight emails over four weeks to help you practice simplicity with your photographs and your life. Start immediately by registering here.