Sometimes, Less is More… the Power of Limitation in Photography

Limitations can be a catalyst for unleashing creative expression and pushing creative boundaries. It compels you to explore beyond the obvious and discover new ways to capture a scene. LImitations are a condition for the creation of true art.

In photography, the adage “Less is More” can be applied in many different ways:

• It can be used to simplify your photo by only including the subject against a plain or blurred background.
• Limiting yourself – create those limits or restrictions to challenge your thought process.

Here are some limitations you might consider:

• Try using one lens for a day.
• Only take vertical images.
• Leave the sky out of your landscape photos.
• Photograph only a particular subject or color
• If your camera is lacking a feature, create a “work-around” – even if it is not the most technologically advanced tool.

Learning to work within limitations will put you in good stead when you’re out photographing, since you will invariably encounter limitations and being able to “think on your feet” will enable you to create memorable images in spite of those limitations.

Photo by Sherryl Belinsky