Minimal.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

— Leonardo da Vinci

Minimalism is some of my favorite photography. Clean, simple lines, contrast, minimal color, patterns, all make for a sophisticated yet simple photograph.

This month was a challenge. While I feel very comfortable creating images that exemplifies “minimalism,” my ability to go out photographing this month was limited. A sprained ankle (a birthday present to myself), kept me somewhat immobilized.

Much of my photography this year has come from walks around Chicago, Mexico Beach, Florida, and going out on small “mission” with other photographers. Having to stay put more, somewhat cramped my style. However, looking back over my photography from April, I am not disappointed with what I created. Spiral and Sine are two of my favorites from Minimalism. I certainly feel these two are true to my overall vision of minimalism.

On the other hand, as with all months so far, I reevaluated my perspective on a subject matter. On several occasions, I had to simply find something to photograph within a few steps (or limps) because I could not travel far to find my photograph for the day. A few, like Romanesque, were simply found while sitting, working on a filmset.

As my ankle returned to normal, I did venture out. People was my subject for March and as that month wrapped, I found I wanted, or perhaps longed, to continue photographing people. People made their way into a month of Minimalism; photographing my friend and artist Rory Coyne gave Day 108 a subject. For Earth Day, my colleagues and I ventured to Oakwood Beach in Chicago for a beach cleanup volunteer day; Avery – Day 111 brought another person to Minimalism.

For those following this year long mission, January was devoted simply to Black and White and February, Shapes and Patterns. Upon self reflecting, Much of those months are reflected here in April. Shapes and Patterns clearly share minimalistic attributes while I also find Minimalism to be greatly connected to Black and White. The skills and vision of all photography are connected and looking back on 120 days of photographs, I know more clearly where my style appears but also areas of growth.

April was a great experience. Continuing a subject of People throughout the year and furthering Minimalism into the coming months will be fun but for now, May is upon us and my next challenge is here.

Up next: May — Color