Focusing on simplicity allows an image to be built from the ground up. Instead of starting with too many elements and debating which ones to eliminate or ending up with a cluttered image, start with as blank of a space as you can and fill it with what is important. The more you can express emotion through a pose, or a certain feeling through a single color or location, the easier it will be for a more universal audience to connect with your work. Creating personal images often correlates to complicated emotions, but the image can speak volumes with the simplest compositions.

Brooke Shaden is a fine art photographer and a Sony Artisan Of Imagery. Follow her on Instagram @brookeshaden