The Art of Subtraction

A minimalist approach to high contrast image making using imagination, pre visualisation, and deliberate choices in the field and edit.

Introduction:

The Art of Subtraction focuses on mindset as much as technique. Marco invites participants to step back from complexity and work with intention, imagination, and clarity. Although the session centres on creating high contrast, minimalist images, the principles discussed apply to every genre. The goal is to understand how imagination shapes the entire creative process, from the first idea to the final refinement, regardless of the kind of photographs you want to make.

Description:

This workshop offers a reflective yet practical journey into visual simplicity. Rather than starting with camera settings, Marco begins with the way photographers think. You explore how imagination guides creative choices before, during, and after a shoot. The session breaks down the stages of pre visualisation, fieldwork, and post production and shows how a minimalist mindset strengthens each one.

First, the workshop looks at how ideas form. Participants learn to pre visualise scenes, recognise opportunities for subtraction, and build the mental framework needed for high contrast, clean compositions. Then, the session moves into practical field considerations. Marco explains how position, perspective, timing, and environmental awareness shape the success of a minimalist frame. You learn how to work deliberately in the field while considering what might later be refined in post.

Finally, the workshop concludes with an approach to post production that emphasises intention over tools. Marco shares practical guidance that applies to any software, showing how subtle adjustments support the vision formed at the beginning of the process. Throughout the session, participants are encouraged to think critically, practise restraint, and treat editing as the final stage of a thoughtful creative sequence.

Modules:

Module 1: Pre Visualisation and Imagination
This module introduces the foundation of subtraction. Participants explore how to form ideas, anticipate high contrast situations, and imagine the minimalist images they want to create. The focus stays on pre visualisation as the anchor for every decision that follows.

Module 2: Fieldwork and Creative Action
The second module examines what happens before and during the shot. Participants study position, perspective, and environmental elements that shape a clean, intentional frame. Marco demonstrates how to make strong technical choices in the field while thinking ahead to post production possibilities.

Module 3:Post Production and Creative Refinement
The final module offers guidance on editing with purpose. Instead of focusing on specific tools or sliders, Marco explains the mindset behind effective post production. Participants learn how to polish an image so it aligns with the original idea and maintains a minimalist, high contrast aesthetic.

Suitable for:

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional

What Should Students Bring?

Participants may bring laptops and a small selection of images for discussion. Marco can also share sample work from his own library if needed.

Closing notes:

This workshop encourages photographers to work with intention at every stage of the process. Marco shows how subtraction, restraint, and imagination lead to stronger visual stories. Attendees leave with a clear framework they can apply to any genre, along with a renewed sense of how simplicity can produce powerful results.