Too much complexity?

He Photographs Her. Barcelona, 2009

Generally speaking, the more you can reduce an image to its essential elements, the more powerful it becomes. Simpler is usually better. With too many elements in the frame you can easily lose your message as it gets mixed in and confused with the distractions.

Is that the case with the above image? I have been told it is too confusing to be effective. Is it? What do you see in the image? Does the title give you any hints? Is there a story there, or is it too hard to decipher? Does the photograph keep you interested, or is it so complex and nonsensical that it makes you want to move on?

Would it help to hear the backstory? Perhaps. Well, obviously we are looking at a reflection in rain puddles–that much you have probably figured out. The reflection is of the spectacular building that holds the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). But what we also have is a young man squatting on his heels (just to the right of the girl at the top left) and taking a snapshot of his girlfriend, who is posing in front of MNAC, while a statue of white marble looks on with indifference. Now does the picture make sense? Even if it does make sense to you now, does it necessarily make it more interesting?

As you learn the art of photography, perhaps the safest path is to keep your images as clean and simple as possible–strip them of anything that doesn’t contribute to your message or your story. But, reserve the right to experiment every now and then (as I was doing above) to push your comfort level and your artistic frontier. As a final thought, and as your photography becomes more advanced, remember that it is perfectly possible to create an image that contains many, many different elements but is, paradoxically, actually a simple composition when reduced to its basic lines and forms. Even so, simple is usually better, so keep that up front in your photographic crosscheck.

NOTE: The Wednesday Critique will return after the New Year. I’m taking a holiday break!