Negative Space
Video: Negative Space
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Main subject and supporting elements you might need
Good for scenes such as minimalistic photography or where the main subject has a clear separation from the background.
Negative Space
Of all the composition techniques available to photographers, this one is the most counter-intuitive. Instead of giving priority to the main subject, with the artistic composition rule called ‘negative space’, it seems as though you give emphasis to the area around the subject. This isn’t really the case. What you are doing is leaving enough room for your subject to stand out. It’s cleverly deceptive, but it works every time!
Why is Negative Space Important?
When the focal point of your photo has a lot of empty space around it, the viewer’s eyes immediately go to the main subject. It’s a dramatic way to give a person or object lots of attention. A current trend in the world at the moment is minimalism, and this fits the negative space composition format extremely well. Having a minimalistic approach means a simple, uncluttered image, which makes the viewer focus only on the subject.
When there isn’t any negative space in a photo, you tend to look around the image from one object to another, but with negative space, the eyes latch onto the subject, then they’ll briefly wander to the empty space before returning full focus to the main feature of the photo. An extra benefit of this form of composition is the calmness it adds to an image. Negative space usually endows an image with feelings of solitude and peacefulness, which encourages an attitude of contemplation.
Using negative space is different to the usual approach to photography, where you try to fill the frame as much as possible with the subject. Leaving lots of negative space can shock viewers when they first see this type of composition. This is great because it makes them stop and ponder the impact of the photo. Sometimes the smaller the main subject is, the more dramatic it can be. On a psychological level, it forces the viewer to evaluate the importance of what they are seeing. It makes them curious as to why you didn’t follow the usual ‘rules’ of photography, and that’s when they’ll consider what you attempted to achieve. A good example of negative space is a snow scene where a white animal is camouflaged by a seamless background—and it looks like an empty frame until you eventually notice a pair of dark eyes amongst the emptiness.
What’s the Difference Between Positive and Negative Space?
Positive space is the area of the photographer’s subject, whereas negative space is the zone around it. Photographers usually leave a bit of emptiness around their subject, so the image isn’t crowded or cluttered, which helps the viewer differentiate the main subject from the background. Making the main feature prominent in an image shows the viewer where to look, but leaving a lot of emptiness around the subject fulfills the same purpose while provoking a measure of curiosity as well. Negative space makes a different sort of statement, turning a photo into an example of artistic expression.
Does Negative Space Have to be Empty?
The area of negative space doesn’t have to be completely white or blank. A blue sky is fantastic because it acts as a block of color to contrast against your main subject, but the sky doesn’t have to be totally featureless; it can have some light clouds in it. A large field of grass with a model in a red dress, a huge wave with a surfer, and an empty room with just one chair against the wall—these are all areas filled with texture and color, but they still produce a concept of negative space. Other background objects can also be in this negative space, as long as they don’t take attention away from your subject. Keep them neutral-toned or slightly out of focus. The idea is to create a contrast between your main point of focus and whatever is around it.
How Can You Use Negative Space in Photography?
When you want people to notice your photography, try isolating your subject with negative space. The only ‘rule’ for this artistic composition tip is to make sure the background takes up more space in the frame than your subject. To keep yourself from cropping too close to the subject, open the Wise Camera app and position your target in the open box, leaving space around it as indicated by the red lines. Remember to tap the screen of your iPhone with your finger to rearrange the guiding lines for better composition. Now, it’s time to carefully consider the background and make sure there are no distracting influences there. Find an area that isolates the subject. That’s the best way to draw the viewer’s attention directly to your subject and to keep it there.
One of the disadvantages of using an iPhone for photography is its wide angle of view. With the negative space option on the Wise Camera app, you can turn this long-distance viewpoint into an advantage by making a deliberate choice to leave an extra area around your subject. You can also use the Wise Photos app to be artistic with photos you’ve already taken on your iPhone. If you weren’t able to zoom in close enough with your iPhone, crop it afterward through this app to create an artistic, negative space image instead.
Final Thoughts
Very few photographers have negative space at the forefront of their minds when taking shots. The opportunity to use this composition technique is something that you tend to notice when you are on location, rather than consciously seeking it in the first place. But when you discover a scene that works well, it can be a profound moment of joy when you realize the potential of a negative space image. It will introduce an element of magic to a photo, and that’s something to strive for!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What is the Rule of Thirds?The Rule of Thirds is a composition technique used in photography where the frame is divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Positioning the subject along these lines or at their intersections moves the subject away from the center, creating a more balanced and engaging image.
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Why is the Rule of Thirds important in photography?It adds a simple but dynamic element to photo composition, moving the subject away from the center of the frame to create a well-balanced, harmonious image. This technique makes the photo more interesting and engaging by shifting the weight of the image and providing an unconscious appreciation for its balance.
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Can the Rule of Thirds be applied to all types of photography?Yes, the Rule of Thirds is versatile and can be used for various types of photography including landscapes, portraits, street photography, wildlife, fashion photos, and more. It works well in both horizontal and vertical formats, making it applicable to a wide range of subjects and scenes.
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How does the Rule of Thirds benefit landscape photography specifically?For landscape shots, positioning the horizon one-third of the way from the top or bottom of the frame rather than in the center can make the photo more compelling. This technique allows the photographer to emphasize interesting textures in the foreground or dramatic skies, depending on the horizon's placement.
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What are hot spots in the Rule of Thirds and how are they used?Hot spots refer to the points where the grid lines intersect in the Rule of Thirds grid. Placing your subject at one of these intersecting points incorporates an extra key element into the photo's design. For example, in portraits, aligning the person’s head or an eye at a hot spot can significantly enhance the image's impact.
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How can the Rule of Thirds improve photos that seem lacking?Revisiting photos with the wisdom of hindsight and applying the Rule of Thirds can breathe new life into images that may not have received the attention they deserve. Using this composition technique can often reveal it as the missing piece in the composition puzzle, making the photo more appealing and well-composed.
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What is negative space in photography?Negative space refers to the area around the main subject of a photograph that is left empty or uncluttered. This compositional technique emphasizes the main subject by providing lots of room around it, directing the viewer's focus to the subject and adding a sense of calmness and contemplation to the image.
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How does negative space impact the viewer's perception of a photo?Negative space creates a dramatic effect that makes the viewer stop and consider the impact of the photo. It draws attention to the main subject, induces feelings of solitude and peacefulness, and provokes curiosity about the photographer's intent by breaking traditional photography rules.
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What is the difference between positive and negative space?Positive space in a photo is the area occupied by the subject, whereas negative space is the area around the subject. Using a lot of negative space can make the subject stand out more prominently, offering a clear contrast between the subject and its surroundings without making the image feel crowded or cluttered.
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Can negative space have color or texture?Yes, negative space doesn't have to be completely white or blank. It can include color or texture, such as a blue sky or a field of grass, as long as these elements do not distract from the main subject. The key is to maintain contrast and ensure that the background objects in the negative space do not draw attention away from the focal point.
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How can photographers effectively use negative space in their compositions?Photographers can use negative space by ensuring that the background occupies more space in the frame than the subject. Using the Wise Camera app, photographers can position their subject within a guided area, leaving ample space around it as indicated by the app's guidelines. This approach helps in isolating the subject and drawing the viewer's attention directly to it.
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What are some tips for creating negative space in photos taken with an iPhone?When using an iPhone, photographers can take advantage of its wide angle of view to leave extra space around the subject, emphasizing the negative space. If necessary, photos can be cropped afterward using the Wise Photos app to adjust the composition and create a more impactful negative space image.
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What is the Left to Right composition rule in photography?The Left to Right composition rule involves positioning the subject on the left side of the frame, making them look or move towards the right. This technique leverages the natural way viewers scan an image, particularly in cultures accustomed to reading from left to right, creating a dynamic and engaging visual flow.
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Why position the subject on the left side of the image?Positioning the subject on the left side of the image takes advantage of the natural reading and viewing habits of people in Western cultures, who tend to scan images starting from the left. This positioning guides viewers through the image in a comfortable and familiar pattern, enhancing the photo's impact.
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How does the Left to Right rule enhance storytelling in photographs?By having the subject look or move towards the right, photographers can introduce a sense of direction, movement, and mystery to their images. This technique encourages viewers to ponder what has captured the subject's attention or where they are heading, adding a storytelling aspect to the photograph.
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Can the Left to Right rule be applied to all types of photography?Yes, the Left to Right rule can be applied across various photography genres, including sports, street photography, portraits, and more. It is especially effective in scenes with moving subjects, such as racing cars, sailboats, airplanes, and people walking or running.
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How does cultural reading direction influence the effectiveness of this composition rule?Cultural reading direction significantly influences how viewers perceive an image. In cultures where reading occurs from right to left, such as those using Arabic and Hebrew scripts, the visual path through an image may be reversed. Photographers working in these cultures might place the main subject on the right side of the frame for a more natural viewing experience for their audience.
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How can photographers implement the Left to Right rule in their work?Photographers can implement the Left to Right rule by using tools like the Wise Camera app, which offers guidelines for positioning subjects. They should ensure the subject is placed on the left, looking or moving towards the right, and leave ample space on the right side of the frame for the subject to "move into." This composition approach makes photos more appealing and engaging to viewers, encouraging them to explore the entire image.