Negative space photography refers to the unoccupied space surrounding the subject of a photograph. It is applicable to all types of photography. Simply put, the space surrounding an object helps define its positive space or main focus. In other words, the subject in the image is sometimes referred to as positive space photography in this type of composition. Negative and positive space can convey the composition of a photograph when used imaginatively in conjunction with the rule of thirds.
The human eye is designed to perceive reality in three dimensions with two eyes, whereas the camera is constructed differently. As you are all aware, a camera sees in 2D through a single lens; therefore, there is frequently a difference between how you perceive a composition and how the camera interprets it. This is why the importance of space in photography is so great. It allows us to carefully consider how the camera will perceive our composition.
Negative space may sound problematic, but it is an essential element of virtually every great image. In fact, if you want to create beautiful photographs, you must master negative space; this will enable you to capture images with balanced, harmonious, captivating compositions. Undoubtedly, you have heard the saying “less is more.” If negative space photography were a company, those three words would be the slogan. Negative space can be a powerful compositional tool when used effectively in photography. Photographers frequently use negative space to reduce distractions and direct the viewer’s attention to the subject. It would be difficult to argue against its usefulness for that purpose. Read on to find out how to master negative space photography.
Tips To Nail Negative Space Photography:
Let the scene dictate your choice of negative and positive space
And while you, as the photographer, can zoom in, change perspective, and crop to emphasize particular elements of the scene, you must be adaptable; you must be able to embrace a scene filled with negative space just as you would embrace one filled with positive space. Therefore, avoid forcing a scene in a particular direction. Instead, ask yourself: What is the current state of the scene? And make do with what you have. Be adaptable. Be flexible. If negative space dominates a scene, you should allow it to, even if you typically avoid minimalist compositions.
Combine negative space with other compositional elements
Negative space photography is unquestionably effective in and of itself. However, when negative space is combined with other compositional elements, it takes on almost fine art or commercial quality. For instance, your portrait can utilize negative space, a shallow depth of field, symmetry, and leading lines to create an original image. This is merely one of the numerous combinations you can use to take better photographs.
Balance positive space with negative space
A primary objective of photographic composition that you should know as a professional photographer is to achieve visual equilibrium. You want your images to feel complete, satisfying, and whole. And one way to achieve equilibrium is to identify your positive space and then balance it with the negative space. The positive space can be a powerful and arresting subject, but the surrounding negative space might just undermine it for creating a global equilibrium. In addition, it is essential to recognize how a large amount of negative space can balance a small amount of positive space. The positive space is forceful and aggressive. The negative space is considerably more subdued and even calming. Therefore, positive space should be used sparingly, unless you are aiming for a very prominent appearance. Some professional photography tips will tell you to adhere to the “2:1” rule for negative space, in which two parts of negative space are added for each part of the positive space.
Test the limits of minimalism
As one of the best practices for photography portfolio updates, always remember that minimalist compositions make effective use of negative space. In fact, they rely heavily on negative space, combining it with a small amount of positive space to produce an eye-catching effect. If you enjoy the minimalist aesthetic, we strongly suggest you try it. Identify a primary subject, such as a tree, a person, or a building. This will be your space for positivity. Adjust your positive space, focal length, and camera angle until your primary subject is surrounded solely by negative space. By lowering yourself to the ground, you can frame your subject against the sky with a low perspective. Like this, you can professionally shoot without a tripod. Remove as much color as you can. If possible, you desire uniformity: just one or two colors in a highly harmonious scene. Position your primary subject near the composition’s edge. You can attempt to position the subject at a rule of thirds power point or along a grid line, but you may also want to move it closer to the frame’s edge.
Use negative space to express emotion
Negative space tends to be desolate and even melancholic, particularly in black and white photographs. If you wish to convey an emotion or mood, negative space photography can be of assistance. Apply this pro photographer tip: your photography composition should tell a story infused with melancholy, solitude, or quiet pleasure. Obviously, you should be guided by the scene. However, you can also add more negative space to your composition by zooming out, finding a background with a particularly empty area, etc. For instance, the photograph of an empty sky, dotted with positive space, tells a captivating and eerie tale. Before you take the photograph, you should consider the surrounding area and lighting. Consider the feeling you wish to convey. Then, consider ways to alter the composition or employ lighting to convey your emotion. For instance, if you want to convey a sense of awe or mystery, you should find a large, open space and use action and scale to convey your message. You can try to capture a solitary woman walking through a seemingly endless desert while gazing out of the frame. She can appear diminutive in a wide-angle photograph, and the setting sun can contribute effectively to the overall tone of the image.
Understand positive versus negative space
Positive space refers to the subject of the photograph, whereas negative space (also known as white space) refers to the surrounding area. Negative space is used to provide the eye with breathing room. If there is insufficient negative space in a photograph, it may be difficult for the viewer to identify the main subject or focal point. Even if it’s nothing more than empty space, each element we include in the frame carries visual weight. In fact, the most important aspect of negative space photography is the balance between positive and negative space. This is what you should understand while scouting out locations for photography. Faces and eyes or words on signs in the background would carry a great deal of visual weight in a typical photograph, even if they are not the main subject.
Finding the balance
Negative space photographs have fewer competing elements for attention. To achieve a good balance of positive and negative space in your final image, you must consider its purpose. Check photography lighting before the shoot. The size of your subject in the frame, the contrast between your subject and the background, and the light-to-dark ratio can alter the image’s balance and influence whether or not you achieve the desired effect. Consider this when setting your objectives and composing your shot.
Bring multiple subjects into focus in a single frame
Although we have discussed one object as the focal point when using negative space, it is a common misconception that negative space only works when there is only one subject in a photograph. You can have more than one main subject; two or more will work. However, it becomes more difficult to achieve the proper balance between positive and negative space when the primary objects occupy a larger portion of the frame.
Avoid conflating negative space and emptiness
While the negative space technique makes extensive use of empty space, a blank canvas is not required. You have probably seen images with a lot of open skies, vast fields, or expansive bodies of water. All of these utilize a great deal of negative space and work well for negative space photography, but you can add more elements to the frame. This may sound similar to the previous tip, but it differs slightly. This applies to sunny day photography ideas as well. The key to successfully employing this technique is to ensure that none of the other elements in the frame detract from the subject. Ensure that the elements surrounding your primary object are peripheral, or that they almost disappear into the negative space. This allows the viewer to concentrate on the primary subject of your photograph despite the presence of other elements.
Know when to disregard the rules
While most photographers adhere to basic composition rules such as the rule of thirds, negative space photography allows for greater freedom. The position of your primary object, for example, is secondary. Consider placing your subject where the viewer would not ordinarily look, such as in a frame’s corner. Your only real limitation is your own imagination. As with most other aspects of life, the more you practice this technique, the better your negative space photographs will be.
Add visual interest by incorporating textures, solid colors, or patterns
To add visual appeal to the overall image, fill in the negative space with textures, solid colors, or patterns. The fact that the majority of your frame is “empty” does not imply that it must actually be empty. You can use repeating patterns present in the scene.
Go for black and white
Although color can be used as a compositional element in photography, it can also be distracting. In contrast, black and white photographs rely on the contrast between shadows and highlights to attract the viewer’s attention. In negative space photography, it is possible to use color to make a subject stand out against an otherwise dull background. In black and white, however, we can give the image a timeless quality while also enhancing the contrast that makes negative space such an effective technique.
Adjust the aperture for effect
If you have ever seen macro photographs of flowers or insects against a completely blurred background, then you are familiar with the effect of wide apertures and the resulting shallow depth of field on separating the subject from the background. This effect can be used to create negative space photographs depending on how the shot is composed. In negative space photography, a small aperture or shallow depth of field can be used to keep patterns, textures, and backgrounds visible for effect. If you are shooting against a breathtaking background, there is no need to blur it. Utilize the aperture consciously when creating negative space images in order to further influence the final image and create with intent.
When photographing, negative space should be considered. However, it is not something that you should always seek. Keep an open mind for times when it may happen. Allow yourself to discover situations where the subject is present and appropriate for your photograph. Practice is the best way to improve your negative space photography technique. Go out and take as many photographs as you can. Remember the above-mentioned key considerations, including the golden rule of negative space photography: less is more. In addition, negative space photography should be utilized sparingly despite its effectiveness. In other words, add it to your compositional toolkit, but do not rely on it exclusively. Continue practicing- negative and empty spaces are everywhere. The more images you create, the better you will become at recognizing and utilizing them.
