For a minimalist landscape, all the rules valid for minimalism in general apply: empty or also negative space, the main object, repeating shapes, colors.

Background
An empty or negative space should amplify the main object in the image by the “absence” of its structure (or its simplification as much as possible). This is easiest to achieve with the lowest possible aperture or long exposure.

The main object
The main object should be visually strong enough to stand alone in the image without the expressive support of other supporting elements. Minimalism and abstraction go hand in hand, so minimalist images do not have to show the main object in detail.

Composition
The rules of composition, such as the rule of thirds or the rule of the golden ratio, are doubly important for minimalists because they make it possible to achieve what minimalism is all about: less is more! Every imperfection is especially a fist to the eye in minimalist photography, so the composition must be perfect in minimalism.

Colors
The minimalist effect can also be enhanced by minimizing the colors in the image. By using only limited shades of the selected color scale or by choosing a black and white design.

Repeating shapes
A coastal pier made of round logs, round stones, equally large windows, successive undulating horizons in the landscape, these are repetitive shapes that can be used in a minimalist painting.

Planning
Many renowned photographers wear a pre-image of the resulting photo in their head long before they find the right backdrop and main object to capture their minimalist image. In many cases, they sketch out their idea in advance so that they can return to the idea later and realize it.

Practice and practice again
Learning to “see” as a minimalist can be difficult, especially in today’s world full of so many stimuli and impulses. For this reason, one of the best things you can do for your minimalist photography is to photograph as much as possible. The more you train your eye in the search for graphic shapes and clean compositions, the better you will notice them in often and unexpected places.

Take your time
For the minimalist photographer Hengki Koentjoro, who is based in Indonesia, creating an image is time consuming; they often sit and wait in nature until the correct composition is clear. His goal is to look at the world from an uncomplicated perspective, without judgment or haste. Practicing minimalist photography can serve as a reminder of slowing down and returning to the basics. No need to complicate things. All you have to do is stay present at that moment and capture it without adding any more unnecessary layers of meaning. As Frank Stella once said of his paintings, “What you see is what you see.”