Subtractive Photography: How This Photographer Says More with Less

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Paris-based Australian photographer Nick Prideaux describes his work as “ethereal, fleeting moments playing with light and tactility.” He omits the world around his lens to frame intimate observations, evoking the peace felt in solitude. He portrays a visual sense of quiet; the silence of an empty corner of a room, sun filtering through the blinds, the pause between tidal movements.

Although his work has been featured in Vanity Fair, GOOP and Vogue Germany, the motivation and message behind Nick Prideaux's work is almost contrary to what they represent. “Photography is about finding a quiet space within the static of the world around me.” Adding, "it acts for me in a kind of meditative way. It’s about learning to quiet down the static and return to the present moment — just focusing on what you see in front of you.”

What’s Left Out of the Frame

On his approach of photographing subjects turned away from the lens; he shares that he feels it’s ’“more poetic and beautiful to do it this way.” By leaving out expressive faces, the figures he captures blend in with the surroundings. Nick adds that his work has a lot to do with what is subtracted in the scene and choosing to photograph the model turned away from the camera is part of that.

For Nick, leaving things out of the frame is particularly poignant for him at this moment in history. “We live in an era where so much of everything is front and center and revealed. I like to play with this idea and keep things hidden, to let the viewer ask questions about what is missing rather than what is shown.”

For more inspiration to fuel your photography practice, check out how Maria Clara Macrì uses photography for ‘visual research,’ and the benefits of using ND filters for portrait photography.