Geometric patterns in drying mud, Alvord Lake, a seasonal shallow alkali lake in Harney County, Oregon

Minimalist Photography Gallery

Lake Superior Whitefish Point, Michigan Minimalist Photography GalleryLake Superior Whitefish Point Michigan #63785  Purchase

If you browse through my website you’ll see that I employ many different styles of photography. Likewise, I don’t like the idea of limiting myself to one method in photographing landscape and nature. Minimalist photography is one approach that has always inspired me. I love how a simple composition can tell a story.

Consequently, my archives of minimalist photographs continues to grow.  Therefore, I’m presenting a new Minimalist Photography Gallery showcasing this evocative style. Most of the images in this gallery implements elements of earth, sky, and water. In addition, in some photos high key lighting and pastel tones are used to complete the mood. Please take a look when you get a chance. Also, feel free to comment and share with friends and colleagues. Click here to view the gallery.

Lake Superior Whitefish Point, Michigan Minimalist Photography GalleryLake Superior Whitefish Point Michigan #63784  Purchase

What is Minimalist Photography?

Minimalism uses empty spaces, colors, patterns, textures, and shapes. These simple elements properly composed can bring focus to subject. This alone can often be enough to convey a concept, or elicit an emotional response.

Visual noise in today’s world increases every day. Images overwhelm us with color, patterns, and information. And they are constantly bombarding us at breakneck speed. All of this can leave a person with a feeling of mental exhaustion. On the other hand, minimalist images can offer a relaxing break from our increasingly stressful world.

Lake Superior Whitefish Point, Michigan Minimalist Photography GalleryLake Superior Whitefish Point Michigan #63803  Purchase

For example, the healthcare industry often displays minimalist artwork  in their facilities. Simple shapes and tones can bring a calming atmosphere to anxious patients. In addition, businesses are also recognizing this benefit. Many offices also use minimalist artwork to relax stressed employees, and increase productivity.

All of the images in this post, and gallery, are available as fine art prints. They are also available for commercial and editorial licensing.

Please scroll down to see more!

Lake Superior Whitefish Point, Michigan Minimalist Photography Gallery Lake Superior Whitefish Point Michigan #63785  Purchase

Alvord Lake Oregon Minimalist Photography GalleryAlvord Lake Oregon  #60974  Purchase

Redfish Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area Idaho Minimalist Photography GalleryRedfish Lake Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho  #56206  Purchase

Minimalist Photography Gallery

 

 

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National ParkWhatcom Peak North Cascades National Park #61501  Purchase

Recently while filling an order for a client I came across a couple of images of Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park in my archive that caught my attention. Both photos are from last year’s trip to Whatcom Pass in North Cascades National Park. Both are also good examples of what may be called pre-visualization and post-visualization.

Pre-visualization is being able to view a subject in the field and visualize how it may appear in its final form. Post-visualization, my own term, is fulfilling the vision during processing. Many times I have images in my files that haunt me in a way. Meaning I remember the pre-visualization, but I’m not seeing the processing solution to make it appear. However they keep catching my eye, beckoning me to keep trying.

In the field both of these images struck me as having all the elements of a compelling photograph. I also new at the time how they should appear in a final print. However, after initial processing and editing none of that pre-visualization came out. As a result I assigned them a lower ranking in the archive.

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National ParkWhatcom Peak North Cascades National Park  #61502  Purchase

Achieving the solution is sometimes only technical in nature. Other times it’s of a creative nature, or of course a combination of both. In this instance it’s the latter. Although I’m quite happy with the results you see here, it’s possible I’m still short of the original vision. In the future I may rethink the processing. Maybe they need just a tweak, or maybe something completely different. It’s all part of the creative journey.

To see more images from this trip read my two part blog, Whatcom Pass Tapto Lakes, North Cascades National Park.

All images are available as fine art prints, or for stock licensing. Feel free to comment on this post and share it with friends and colleagues. Thanks for visiting!

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park

Warner Lakes Wetlands, Oregon

Oregon Desert Photography

Oregon Desert Photography 

Warner Lakes Wetlands, Oregon Oregon Desert PhotographyWarner Lakes Wetlands, Oregon #60942  Purchase

Oregon Natural Desert Association is a grassroots organization that promotes awareness and protection of unique environments of the Oregon Desert. Several years ago I was approached by Jim Davis, one of the founders of ONDA, to contribute photos for their yearly promotional calendar. Until then I wasn’t even aware of ONDA, but I quickly jumped at the chance to have my photography help with their conservation efforts. Being a lifelong landscape and nature photographer I always look for opportunities to give something back to the environment, and also help others appreciate the natural world we live in.

So when ONDA asked if I was interested in sharing some desert photography tips for their blog I didn’t hesitate to join in. The post has numerous tips from a variety of photographers that have contribute to the ONDA calendar. Many tips can apply to all landscape and nature photography subjects, but some are specific to desert environments.

You can check out the article here: How to Take Better Images of Oregon’s High Desert 

Below are a few more tips I’d like to share.

Oregon Desert Photography Tip: Lighting

Warner Lakes Wetlands with full moon, Oregon Oregon Desert PhotographyFull moon over Warner Lakes Wetlands, Oregon #60939   Purchase

The two photos above illustrate two important tips for all landscape photography. The first being, make sure to scout out locations with potential for good compositions in advance. That way you’ll know just where to go when the light gets good later on. Here at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge I wanted to find a good spot to make some photographs of Warner Lakes. While spending the afternoon hiking the slopes of hart Mountain, I looked an elevated view along with a foreground that included some features native to the area. Here I included ubiquitous sagebrush and basalt boulders.

Secondly, photograph in the best light. There are many types of lighting conditions to work with and not all are suitable for every subject. I already photographed both of the above images the previous evening. However clouds had diminished the quality of light. The next morning I awoke early, ready to work in the soft saturated light present during the Blue Hour. Many photographers pack it in as soon as the sun goes down, but it’s worthwhile to keep working. The hour following sunset can offer a soft colorful glow with low contrast. Not all Blue Hour light is equal though. Wispy high clouds directly above can reflect warm light down on your subject. However, those same clouds can cancel out any color if they are situated on and below the horizon where the sun set or rises.

Oregon Desert Photography Tip: Be Patient

Owyhee River Canyon Sunset Oregon Oregon Desert PhotographySunset over Owyhee Canton, Oregon  #56352  Purchase

The photos above and below illustrate another important tip, be patient. Watch the weather, and wait it out until the light is gone. In both photos I experienced good light at the last minute. The weather had been dismal and grey for the entire day, and it didn’t look good for evening light. Both locations were very remote, especially Owyhee Canyon. Meaning there was no cell signal, so I couldn’t check weather forecasts. With nowhere else to go it just made sense to wait and see what happened, in these instances I was lucky.

When photographing the immensely popular Painted Hills, I was the only photographer that stayed. Everyone else gave up on the light and left. I also had my doubts until a tiny clearing in the clouds opened up on the horizon. Fortunately this clearing was were the sun would be setting. When the sun poked through this clearing I had less five minutes of good light to work with, but it was enough.

Painted Hills Oregon Oregon Desert PhotographyPainted Hills, Oregon #44747   Purchase

Oregon Desert Photography Tip: Midday Light Creativity

Another tip, and one that many photographers scoff at, is don’t neglect midday light. While not as common, making good photos during the middle part of the day is possible. Interesting cloud formations or approaching storms can add an often overlooked dimension to a landscape. Also, this is a good time to get a bit creative. Experiment with minimalism, low saturation or black and white. The image below of Alvord Lake may not have the dramatic qualities to make it on the cover of Landscape or Outdoor photographer, or garner thousands of likes on Instagram or 500PX. However, it does illustrate the barren aspect of the Alvord Desert.

Painted Hills Oregon Oregon Desert PhotographyPainted Hills Oregon  #44704   Purchase

Alvord Lake Oregon Oregon Desert PhotographyClouds over Alvord Lake, Oregon  #60973  Purchase

Oregon Desert Photography Tip: Enjoy Your Surroundings!

If you’re photographing in the Oregon Desert, and especially the southeast corner, check out the many hot springs. After a job well done there’s nothing like a soak in a natural hot spring. Just sit back and enjoy the view!

Willow Creek Hot Springs Oregon Desert PhotographyWillow Creek Hot Spring, Oregon  #61026

Oregon Desert Photography