articles/Composition/negativespace-page2

Negative Space Seeing What isn't There! - part 2 of 1 2 3 4

by Sofie Louca Published 01/10/2011

In the image (right) you can see the difference it makes to the composition of the image and defining the subjects by moving just a few steps to one side and positioning both the subjects in the doorway.

The strength of your composing can make or break an image. When composition is mentioned something that is always discussed is the rule of thirds, but there is so much more to composing an image than simply this and one very important factor, that people overlook, is the 'negative space' in an image.

The opening lines of quotation are the perfect description of how important empty space can be. The usefulness of many everyday objects lies in the space they hold and the same can be true with photography, it is not only about photographing the subject but also seeing what isn't there and how that can outline your subject and thereby make your image stronger.

Let's break down an image and see what composition comprises of:


- the frame: the outside edge of the image
- the positive space: the subject
- the negative space: the empty space around the subject or between the subjects

All three factors are important in composing an image that is pleasing to the eye, but many people when they look through the viewfinder, more often than not, search for the subject and the framing and forget about the negative space. Both the positive space and the negative space are important aspects in your image and are simplified in the example below where the black area is the negative space and the white being the subjects.

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1st Published 01/10/2011
last update 09/12/2022 14:56:55

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