Everything for Photography

Negative Space

What is negative space?

Well despite its name, it can certainly be a positive effect when used in art and photography.

Consider the elements in a photograph. The main part of the photograph is typically the subject, whether that be a person or an object. The space that surrounds the subject is called negative space.

Negative space can make the composition of an image interesting by drawing more attention to the subject.

There are some tips to consider with negative space.

Suppose the subject is framed in the right side of the image. Now suppose there is a large tree, car or building to the left of the subject. The other items around the subject also take focus and thus do not qualify as what we like to consider negative space.

When placing a subject in the frame and preparing for a shot with negative space, consider the direction in which the subject is facing. If the subject is in the far left of the frame, it is more pleasing to the eye to see the subject turning toward the right, rather than the left. This gives the subject "room." It gives the appearance that they have space in which to look, move, run, dance, etc.

Enjoy some examples below of negative space in photography.