Minimalist Photography with Judy Hancock Holland

Minimalist photography is a powerful medium that aims to convey the “soul” or essence of a subject, whether the subject is a person, an object, a place, or even a feeling. It involves stripping away everything in the image that doesn’t contribute to the essential vision of the photographer.
Today’s world is often an overstimulating place, and this kind of photography provides a respite from everyday overwhelm. Any camera, even a phone, can be used to create minimalist photographs. The more important part of the equation is seeing deeply into the subject. This is something that can be practised even without a camera; it’s a matter of tuning in to a scene or subject in a very focused way. We must slow down and notice shapes, lines, light, form, and especially our own feelings in the moment, and then distil the composition down. The result is often emotionally evocative.
The process of creating minimalist photographs is meditative, even spiritual for some, as the world falls away and the artist “falls in love” with the subject, seeking to know and reveal it in an intimate way. The resulting image can be restful or dramatic, but it focuses the attention of the viewer and invites them to become centred and grounded. Having this kind of art in a home or other setting provides a haven where the eye and spirit can rest.
About Judy
Judy Hancock Holland is a photographic artist whose work focuses on themes such as ageing, healing, femininity, death and dying, peace and passion, and spirituality and sensuality. Her experience of ageing and widowhood and her sense of the sacredness of Creation informs how she sees and portrays her simple subjects. A lifelong learner and educator, Hancock Holland has won a number of medals from the Canadian Association for Photographic Arts, been published in PhotoNews Canada, and was awarded honourable mentions in the 15th and 16th Julia Margaret Cameron international photography competitions. She makes her home on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
Judy Hancock Holland’s work can be seen at JHHphoto.com
Webinar Sponsor: Olympus
This SheClicks webinar was sponsored by Olympus, empowering consumers and professionals alike with innovative digital cameras, lenses, audio recorders, and binoculars. Olympus' precision optics and groundbreaking technology opens up new possibilities for capturing life's most precious moments.
For more information, visit olympus.co.uk

[@Janbwebster]

An excellent talk - interesting and informative. Loved how she showed the wider scene and then zeroed in on a minimalist shot.

[@marilyngiannuzzi9867]

Your photos are amazing.I shoot mostly wildlife but I am going to try & shoot minimalism ,thank u so much for a great video!

[@sebastienmaloron1660]

Your words aired some of my thoughts about photography and reminded me of this phrase by Minor white : "Do not photograph something for what it is but for what else it is" Thank you very much for sharing your view about minimalist photography

[@olympus2OM]

Very nice photos. Less is often more.

[@desmondtan7219]

Love the 3 rules!!

[@paulehjertaas2319]

super presentation. very inspiring.

[@jimhamilton8775]

Enjoyed this session very much.

[@vivienrobertson5977]

Loved this session. Thanks Judy for a very informative talk. Feeling very inspired!

[@SheClicks]

Thanks for letting us know, glad you enjoyed it.

[@neilcousineau4956]

Excellent presentation. I think I need more minimalism in my life and my photography.

[@sue.Hoo123]

A really interesting watch, so inspirational, thanking for sharing your work and techniques with us.

[@neilcole3406]

Like your stuff so l subscribed!

[@hymanlevy2265]

Very interesting and helpful video

[@SheClicks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juttapunken9424]

Thanks. Viele Institutionen.

[@JulieR888]

Wonderful work that truly resonates with me and inspires me! Thank you!

[@SheClicks]

Great to know you enjoyed it.

[@smkunder1]

Awesome, I am thinking about Olympus, do you think EM1ll is a good entry into Olympus, I know the 3 is out, but about 3 times the price.

[@SheClicks]

The E-M1 II is a sophisticated camera and would make a great introduction to Olympus.

[@robertbalestrero9124]

I live in Michigan. Do you give in-person lessons.?