Lessons in Restraint and Composition

Summary

Photographer Michael Kenna's 50-year career, detailed in his new book 'Same Sun Same Moon,' champions a philosophy of photographic restraint and deliberate composition. Using long exposures on medium format film, Kenna strips away the clutter of the world to reveal essential forms, light, and time. This approach, which requires patience and a slow, deliberate shooting process, offers valuable lessons for contemporary photographers focused on developing their eye rather than just upgrading gear.

Key points

• Michael Kenna's work emphasizes restraint, emptiness, and composition through long exposures.
• His technique involves waiting for stillness, using black and white, and shooting fewer frames.
• The book 'Same Sun Same Moon' serves as an object lesson in composition, negative space, and tonal range.
• Kenna's approach encourages photographers to develop their observational skills over gear acquisition.