Get ready to slow things down and clear the visual clutter—our latest Photo Theme competition is all about Minimalist Photography. This is your chance to embrace the concept of “less is more,” by using simplicity to create images that show calm, elegance, and focus.
From July to August 2025, Danie presented several classes on minimalist photography, which we’ve incorporated into an in-depth self-study online course! You can check out the course HERE. It is also FREE for Pro members!
If you want to learn about the benefits of having a Pro Subscription, click on the link: https://digitalphotographycourses.com/membership/
What is Minimalist Photography?
Shh… It’s photography that whispers instead of shouts, and yet still manages to linger in the viewer’s mind long after they’ve looked away. It’s the act of deliberately giving the viewer less so that they can remember your photograph more. As artist Leonardo da Vinci once paraphrased in design terms: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” In minimalist photography, every element is intentional, and what’s left out is just as important as what’s kept in.
Why Minimalism?
In our visually chaotic world, minimalism offers a pause. It invites the viewer to really look, to appreciate the beauty of a single flower against a vast sky, the gentle curve of a staircase, or the subtle shadow falling across a wall. It’s about balance, restraint, and impact through purity of vision.
Not only does it work across different genres (landscape, architecture, portraiture, etc.) it can also be applied to different styles (surrealism, impressionism, ). It thus brings versatility to simplicity.
To help you visualise minimalist photography in action, we’ve put together a Pinterest Board with inspiring examples:
Minimalist Photographers Pinterest Board
10 Minimalist Photographers
Here’s a list of minimalist photographers we admire and have discussed in some of our classes. Take a look, you might get inspired!
- Danie Bester: Impressionistic Fine Art Photography.
https://daniebester.co.za/ - Joseph Hoflehner: Minimalist landscapes highlighting light and horizon.
http://www.josefhoflehner.com/works.html - Karl Blossfeldt: Minimalistic close-ups of plants.
https://www.artsy.net/artist/karl-blossfeldt - Michael Kenna: Black-and-white landscapes.
https://www.michaelkenna.com/ - Hiroshi Sugimoto: Minimal seascapes and architecture with long exposures.
https://www.sugimotohiroshi.com/ - Joel Tjintjelaar: Cityscapes in high-contrast black-and-white.
https://bwvision.com/ - Noell Oszvald: Surreal Minimalist Self-Portraits.
https://digitalphotographycourses.com/noell-oszvald-surreal-minimalist-self-portraits/ - Uta Barth: Abstract minimalism.
https://utabarth.net/ - Platon: Portraits with strong subject isolation.
https://www.platonphoto.com/ - Tommy Ingberg: Surreal minimalism exploring the human psyche.
https://digitalphotographycourses.com/tommy-ingberg-surreal-visions-of-the-human-psyche/
In the Minimalist Photography Course, we feature so many more inspirational and cutting edge minimalist photographers, covering various genres and styles.
What We’re Looking for in This Competition
We are open to all styles and subjects, but here’s what we’ll focus on:
- Simplicity with Impact – Does your image make a strong statement without unnecessary detail?
- Creative Use of Negative Space – Does the empty space add meaning or mood?
- Intentional Composition – Every element in the frame should have a purpose.
- Emotional Connection – Minimal images should stir feeling.
- Use of Light & Colour – Subtle, clean, and purposeful.
Photo Series!
We will consider both individual images and cohesive series. Submit up to five images, ensuring each contributes to a unified narrative or theme. Consider tonal consistency, recurring motifs, and complementary compositions to create a series that stands out.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on:
- Composition: Balanced, intentional, and uncluttered.
- Originality: Fresh interpretations of minimalism.
- Aesthetic Quality: Clean execution and attention to detail.
- Emotional Strength: Does it resonate beyond its simplicity?
- Post-Processing:
– Editing is permitted, provided the primary element is your own photograph.
– No composites or text overlays.
– Entries must remain true to your original capture. Judges may request the RAW file if authenticity is in question.
– Global and basic local adjustments are allowed, such as exposure, contrast, white balance, colour grading, cropping, and minor spot removal are allowed.
Submission Guidelines
- Closing Date: 15 January 2026 – Plenty of time to learn about minimalism and practice over the holidays 🙂
- Winners Announced: 29 January 2026
- Eligibility: Open to all DPC members – of course!
- Entries: Up to five images (single images or as a series).
- Post In: Photo Themes Group.
- Add these hashtags to your post: #Minimalism2025 and #MinimalistPhotography.
Prizes
- Best Single Image: R1,000 cash prize.
- Best Series: A 3-hour personal training session with Danie Bester, covering any topic you choose!
Final Inspiration
Minimalist photography is not about having less—it’s about making more out of less. So, slow down, clear your frame, and let the simplicity of your image speak.
P.S. We recommend doing the Minimalist Photography Course to get ahead of your competition!
