“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I have grown to love simplicity. My favorite stories are the simplest ones, my favorite foods are deliciously uncomplicated, my favorite science is elegant not because it is complex but because it is effortless, my favorite moments are brief moments of easy conversation with the people I love and my favorite images are the ones that say the most with the softest voice.
Over the last few years I’ve been trying to do more with less in photography and life. It’s not easy. The chaos of it all makes it very challenging for me to find the simplicity amidst the clutter. It’s interesting though; some of my favorite simple moments are the ones I have searching with my camera for simple things. There’s a strange circularity to it all; the simplicity I crave in life I find by searching for the simplicity I find in photography. It makes me smile as I consider its, well, simplicity.
23 Comments
The pursuit of simplicity is – for me – a lifelong adventure. You’ve definitely captured it here – in this image. Well seen!!!
I love this so much! For all the reasons you have stated, this photo makes is possible for us to live in cities. If we can just see beyond all the clutter, there is beauty and space to breathe.
You are the master of simplicity! It is the quality that attracts me so strongly to your work.
well, it’s working well for you.. you sure have a knack for making common scenes unusual..
Simple sometimes does work best. Brilliant photo as always, I’m sorry I haven’t been round your blog much but have just got online again after an absence. I look forward to being back here for inspiration in both photography and life more often.
Hoping you are well.
Will
Oh, I also crave simplicity and I also find it difficult to find in my life. Very nice image.
minimalistic and loved the way how the frame is divided
fantastic shot!
You’re right Chris, simplicity reveals so often that less is more, and it’s a welcome additional aspect to life. The only problem is that life is rarely simple and it needs a rare degree of single mindedness to cut through the chaos.
But between here and Diurnalis you manage remarkably well….nice pic by the way.
images like this say a lot to me. i’ve developed quite a taste for minimalism, desaturation or greyscale, and grit. this is excellent.
Very good, i like it!
I think thede days the simplicity to be found, as well as in the photohraph, I think everyone will have a subjective interest; in tour photo, my friend, I see precisely this research, the ability to make interesting a simple click, good post Chris and nice weekend!!
Excellent composition, really captures the eye. Well done!
La photo minimaliste est terriblement subtile.
En lisant ton texte, j’avais l’impression de t’écouter. Comme si tu étais tout proche, et que tu parlais doucement et sereinement… avec un petit café pas très loin.
nice framed … simple and elegant!
The old saying, less is more. Love this composition. I am beginning to crave the simplicity of prime lenses. No twisting the barrel to find a different focal length, just use one.
i like the soft, subtle vignetting in this.
yes simplicity is so simply and yet so hard to attain Christopher. it dawned on me just now (after I read your comment on my Oline Reality entry) that you are one of the virtual friends whom I have come to value and adore. it is a delight to read your blog as well as just see your stunning images. thank you for your perseverance, voice and eyes – I know it can’t be easy at times, what with life responsibilities and all.
” ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be…”
The quest to find the core depths of ourselves and existence can be daunting. It’s easy to be distracted by so many things. Your photo exemplifies what you are trying to accomplish very well. Nice work–and resonating thoughts.
excellent, like the gradients of light and shadows.
Nice composition and processing!
An excellent photograph and point of topic. Real genius is finding the simple among the complex. You have it my friend. When on our recent road trip, the settings we visited were at times overwhelming in sensory stimuli… everything was so new and interesting. To find strong, simple images in quick time was a real challenge for me. So I can appreciate your skill for obtaining simplicity.
Love the textures!