Mastering Minimalism: The Black & White - Alan Schaller Style
- ronisidhu
- May 8
- 1 min read

I love this style of photography, as you can see, it has been a style that I have leaned towards. I have looked at photographers works such as Alan Schaller, his style stood out to me for its distinctive minimalist approach. His work transforms urban landscapes into compelling visual narratives, emphasising form, contrast, and the human condition.
The Essence of Schaller's Minimalism
Schaller's photography is characterised by:
High Contrast: Utilising deep blacks and bright whites to create dramatic effects.
Geometric Composition: Incorporating architectural elements to guide the viewer's eye.
Isolated Subjects: Often depicting solitary figures to evoke themes of solitude and introspection.
His deliberate choice of black and white eliminates the distraction of colour, allowing viewers to focus on shapes, textures, and the interplay of light and shadow.


Tips to Emulate Schaller's Style
For photographers inspired by Schaller's minimalist black and white aesthetic, consider the following techniques:
Seek Strong Light and Shadow: Shoot during times when the sun casts pronounced shadows, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Simplify Your Composition: Focus on a single subject or element, eliminating extraneous details that don't contribute to the narrative.
Use Negative Space: Allow areas of your frame to remain empty, directing attention to the subject and creating a sense of scale.
Emphasise Geometry: Look for patterns, lines, and shapes in architecture and urban settings to add structure to your images.
Post-Process Thoughtfully: Convert images to black and white, adjusting contrast and exposure to highlight the desired elements.

If you're keen on developing this photography style, consider joining one of my workshops. Together, we'll explore our major cities and learn how to manipulate light to create stunning images.
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