It took me over 10 years to realise what truly sets photography apart from other creative mediums like painting or music.

Think about how a painter works

They start with a blank canvas, nothing but white space.

From there, they add elements, colour, shapes, and details

Until they create a finished piece.

Music works in a similar way.

You begin with silence and add notes, layers, and instruments to build a composition.

But photography? It’s the opposite.

Photography is a Subtractive Art

When you take a photo, you're not starting from nothing

You’re starting with everything.

The world is chaotic.

There are distractions everywhere, cluttered backgrounds, competing elements, random details pulling attention away from your subject.

Your job as a photographer is not to add more, but to remove what’s unnecessary

To simplify the scene and create a stronger, more intentional composition.

In that way, photography is actually closer to sculpture than painting.

A sculptor begins with a solid block of material and carefully removes what doesn’t belong to reveal the final form.

How to Apply This to Your Photography

• Be selective. Every element in your frame should have a purpose. If something doesn’t add to the story, composition, or mood, remove it, and look for a different angle.
• Use framing and composition to eliminate distractions. Change your angle, adjust your focal length, or recompose to simplify the shot.
• Think critically about every object in your photo. Put each element on trial: Does it belong? Is it necessary? If not, get rid of it.

Less is more.

The best photos aren’t about capturing everything, they’re about capturing the right things.

So next time you shoot, don’t just think about what to include

Think about what to take away.

And if this tip resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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