Minimalist photography is about simplicity. This weeks exercise is about creating simplicity in our work.

Matching the greatest tonal contrast focal point with the centre of interest is a recipe for a successful image. Used by professional photographers to highlight important subjects in their advertising work.

Stopping and reflecting on why you create what you create is a valuable step in self understanding. It helps focus us with clarity. This weeks exercise asks us to stop, listen and reflect on why we make the art that we do.

The centre of the frame is an area that is often compositionally avoided. Yet it is full of power and strength. This week we explore using it boldly or tentatively to explore its hidden strength.

When we use different areas of the picture we engage different emotional responses. The upper half feels more lofty and spiritual, while the lower is more grounded and perhaps sadder. This week we will explore these two areas in the picture and see if they do indeed match up with the theory.

This weeks exercise is linked to the start of our Composition Course. We explore the concepts and works of the Elements of Art and Composition.

A diptych is two photographs side by side that work together to create a whole artwork. This week we will explore working with two photographs.

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese relatively modern concept that defies literal translations, and an agreed specific definition. Like most concepts it needs research and some understanding before being applied to our artistic practice. In this weeks exercise we will explore its meaning and how it can inspire us with some interesting work.

Leading lines are fascinating, they can take you straight to the main focal area, or lead you off into the distance. How do they work is the question Len poses in this weekly exercise.

Finding an artwork you find inspiring and trying to recreate elements in it is a great way to show us how we can use others work as inspiration and to learn. Accompanying photograph Olive Cotton - Interior of my room 1933

So last week we looked at the bias we have towards the left or the right. Before we move on we need to really understand what we prefer and why. Or does the subject over ride everything. By only tackling diagonals in squares this week we can see what we like. Do we have a common preference?  Follow the link to read more, see examples and see the full exercise. 

This week we are going to explore left and right biases. Many people have noticed them. Lets see if we can figure out how they work?

This week we will explore reflections… what can we create when we have to use a reflective surface to photograph with.   

Following on from last week where we explored the white of the photographic paper in the print, this week we are going to explore the blacks.

This week we are going to explore red and blue. Each has a very different colour psychology. What happens when we use them together or alone?

Yellow is a warning colour. It attracts our eyes. This week we will explore how yellow works in compositions. For more information please read more at the website.

Intentionally adding depth to your photographs captivates the viewers attention. Depth can be achieved in numerous ways. This week we explore ways to add depth to your photographs.