Take part and get your favorite picture as a large print for your home!
Dear friends,
Do you not only like to look at minimalist photography, but also like to go out with your camera?
What is XPOZER?
Xpozer is a company from Holland that has developed a unique system for murals.
For the past 6 months, I have only had my pictures printed by XPOZER for all my exhibitions.
Why?
The prints look like absolutely high-quality prints on aluminum dibond. The colors and contrasts are magnificent and the images are absolutely sharp.
But the highlight is:
In contrast to Alu-Dibond, the images are not printed on a large, heavy panel, but on a very matt, water- and scratch-resistant special film. Even in unfavorable lighting conditions, reflections are not a problem.
When I don't need the pictures at the moment, the film is rolled up and stored in a space-saving box with an aluminum frame.
I recently took the streetcar and six prints to the exhibition venue and everything was up and on the wall in no time at all:
The film is rolled out and the rods are hooked into the corners and stretched:
A print of 80x120 cm weighs approx. 1 kg and only needs one nail on the wall and not two screws as with aluminum dibond.
Frames and prints can be ordered individually. So you can simply change pictures without having to order a new frame every time. This saves money and resources.
As I am absolutely delighted with the system, I accepted Xpozer's invitation to become their brand ambassador.
And as a brand ambassador, I have now become a judge in the current "Minimalistic" photo competition.
First prize: Your winning picture in the size of approx. 80x120 cm
Second prize: Your winning picture in the size of approx. 60x90 cm
Third prize: Your winning picture in the size of approx. 40x60 cm
Closing date for entries is 31.12.2023.
All image rights remain with you.
Rules:
Only one picture per person.
Photographs only, please:
No AI-generated graphics.
No image montages via Photoshop or similar.
You can find all further information on the page of Xpozer .
"I would like to take part, but I still need some inspiration..."
Then perhaps the interview I recently conducted with Bart from Xpozer will help you:
Guido, why is this topic so much fun?
The great thing about minimalist photography is that you can do it anytime and anywhere. You don't need expensive equipment or special conditions. Minimalist photography works in the city and in nature.
Minimalist photography trains the eye for composition and an eye for the essentials.
Which 2 things are the most difficult in this subject?
A good minimalist photo impresses with its successful composition and its focus on the essential message of the image.
The following questions are important: What do I want to show? What do I leave out? And HOW do I want to show it? This is sometimes more difficult than it sounds, because with minimalist photography you can make fewer compromises.
It's relatively easy to take attractive minimalist photos at first glance: A nice door, and lots and lots of wall around it, done. But that quickly becomes boring.
A good minimalist picture is surprising because it shows unusual details and perspectives.
What helps?
It helps to think about what you want to photograph and to take your time. Try out different positions and image sections. What possibilities does the location offer? Is there something in the foreground that you can combine with the background? Get down on your knees or hold the camera above your head and see what happens.
What tips do you have for image processing?
If you want great contrasts in the image, be careful with the contrast slider, better use luminance masks, or sliders that only affect the shadows, midtones and highlights-this makes the photos look more natural.
Pro tip: underexpose the photo slightly and then only brighten the highlights.
If you prefer soft contrasts, use the afternoon light.
Which places are good for minimalist photography?
Places where there is a lot of space and only a few things to see are good for getting started.
The easiest places are, of course, by the sea, by a lake or on a hill. There you can use the sky for so-called "negative space", i.e. large picture areas where nothing can be seen.
In cities, places with modern architecture, such as banks, museums and so on, are suitable.
What kind of equipment do you recommend?
Minimalist photography can also be done wonderfully with a cell phone. Generally speaking, longer focal lengths are easier to start with. Otherwise, take the camera you feel comfortable with.
What should I bear in mind when composing the picture?
This is a difficult question to answer, as a good minimalist image composition depends heavily on the subject. Basically, you can stick to the classic composition rules. But try out what it's like when you consciously break these rules? Pay attention to shapes and lines. Look at how painters like Kandinsky, Rothko, Mondrian and others have done it.
Do you have any tips for color design?
Follow your personal taste. Some prefer pastel colors, others love strong colors - like me. You can try out different filters on your cell phone or image editing program. Over time, you will discover "your" color style.
What 3 things do you look for most when choosing the winning photos?
The most important thing is a clearly recognizable image statement that surprises me at best.
Showing something ordinary in an unusual way or combining it with other picture elements - that makes a picture stand out from the crowd.
A successful composition that suits the subject.
The photo should look authentic and natural - it should really be photographed. I personally find image montages with Photoshop or AI-generated images rather boring.
Now I wish you lots of fun taking photos and choosing your favorite photo!
Good luck!
Stay happy, creative and healthy!
Guido