Less is More Always

In the art world we are often told, "Sometimes doing less is more." It means we don't need overcomplicated setups to make a meaningful impact. But why are we told it works "sometimes"? Can't it work every time? Certainly we've seen great works of art with convoluted processes. "Less is more" is an oxymoron that works sometimes--most of the time.

(c) Mark Serrano

I've probably lost you there. Here's my main point: "less is more" works every time. It doesn't just work sometimes. It works every time. This is a key fundamental concept in producing great works of art. Doing less for more is a skill exhibited by people who know their craft. These are people who've burned the midnight oil numerous times.

For example, the photo on the right was shot with a single beauty dish with a foam core acting as fill. The retouch was simple heal and clone, dodge and burn. No color correction was even done. No frequency separation as well.

Here are some quotes that echo the same message:

• Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory - Coco Chanel
• If you want something to look interesting, don’t light all of it. - Joe McNally
• It takes two artists to paint something, one to paint and the other to hit the first artist - Sue Bryce
• The best makeup artists knows when to put the brush ... have one thing missing, and it'll be more beautiful! - Rae Morris
• I would also say that bad retouching is retouching that took longer or did more than it should for a particular intent. - Michael Woloszynowicz

Notice the similarity in the quotes. Reduction is a key concept in making great works of art.

How does this translate in practical terms? As a photographer and retoucher I have two tips that will help you:

1. When you plan a lighting setup, take a step back. Reduce the lights, the props, the people.
2. When you're applying a Photoshop effect, take a step back. Reduce the effect by 20%, by 30%, by 50%. 

As humans we tend to exaggerate on things because we think by magnifying things, it will be noticed more and it will be more convincing. But it's not. When you think your work is great, take a step back. You might be exaggerating things. Reduce and simplify your process.

Credits

Photography by Mark Serrano
Model: Angelika Rol
Makeup and hair by Vanessa Serrano (Makeup by Nessa)