Composition: effective use of negative space (Page 7): So glad you're enjoying deer2. I bring up the topic every couple of years (in between, often other people do too :sm02:) because...

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

deer2ker wrote:

I don't know how I missed this discussion when it ... (show quote)

So glad you're enjoying deer2. I bring up the topic every couple of years (in between, often other people do too

) because I find it so hard to grasp except for the most obvious examples. I just posted another link to an article that discusses more complex compositions.

rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA

Linda From Maine wrote:

I believe it's been a year since there was a discu... (show quote)

Here are a few of my attempts at use of negative space in images, much to learn, I believe it's as much about the journey as it is the art. The thoughts here were use of subject isolation and scale.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Linda From Maine wrote:

I believe it's been a year since there was a discu... (show quote)

Another thought re: negative space.
Negative space can emphasize...or diminish...the effect of compositional balance...or imbalance...as desired.

a few examples:

Dave.

Attached file:
(Download)

(Download)

autofocus Loc: North Central Connecticut

Controlling the negative space with your exposure and lens choice such that it compliments the subject best should always be considered. In the example below, (my wife's shot, she's also a photographer) the subject is backlit with natural window light, and front lit with off camera flash. Shot with an 85mm lens at f/2.2 the background negative space adds to the overall look of the composition without over powering it.

Amanda by VMontalbano (autofocus), on Flickr

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Negative space for me has two uses. One is compositional, alternating it with areas of interest to create eye movement through the image, as in the first image, with the shadow. The other is to convey a feeling, of aloneness, anxiety, yin-yang, immensity.......as in the second, where the immensity of the snow pushes all else off to the side.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Kiron Kid wrote:

I usually try to keep my snaps simple. Eliminate all extraneous matter that does not contribute to the image.

A very worthy goal!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

rdubreuil wrote:

Here are a few of my attempts at use of negative space in images, much to learn, I believe it's as much about the journey as it is the art. The thoughts here were use of subject isolation and scale.

I doubt that any photographer, no matter how accomplished will say they have learned all there is to know. And I agree with you, a journey of exploration and joy!

Thanks so much for the pics. #3 really speaks to me because of the receding dof, taking us on and on into the meadow. That feeling is supported by the negative space of the tall aspect.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Uuglypher wrote:

Another thought re: negative space.
Negative space can emphasize...or diminish...the effect of compositional balance...or imbalance...as desired.
Dave.

Thanks so much for your provocative and thoughtful images, Dave! You've reminded me of a shot I posted for feedback, with the title "Breaking the rules of composition." 90% of those viewing did not like it

Until just now I hadn't considered the importance (to success or failure, depending on your pov) of the negative space between the two groupings of elements.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

autofocus wrote:

Controlling the negative space with your exposure and lens choice such that it compliments the subject best should always be considered. In the example below, (my wife's shot, she's also a photographer) the subject is backlit with natural window light, and front lit with off camera flash. Shot with an 85mm lens at f/2.2 the background negative space adds to the overall look of the composition without over powering it.

This stunning work checks the boxes of several points made in the second article I linked. Thanks so much!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

artBob wrote:

Negative space for me has two uses. One is compositional, alternating it with areas of interest to create eye movement through the image, as in the first image, with the shadow. The other is to convey a feeling, of aloneness, anxiety, yin-yang, immensity.......as in the second, where the immensity of the snow pushes all else off to the side.

Most definitely you are leading our eyes around the frame with #1. Beautifully seen.

#2 is powerful for its simplicity. I suggested to LoneRangeFinder that many minimalist photos appear contrived, but yours is a pretty strong story. Much appreciated!

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

I entered this assignment back on page 5. Here's my take. I remember feeling particularly creative when I did those pictures and the reason is because I was thinking about the background just as much as the subject, in other words, the whole picture.

I think when we talk about Negative Space (which sounds like a redundancy or an oxymoron, not sure) in a photography context at least we are speaking of a figure–ground relationship, in other words, a subject and a background.

When one focuses on the background then one enlarges the background and diminishes the subject for example, making the subject small in the frame against the large background (although still not less important graphically). Then the Rule of Thirds 'intuition' kicks in and causes one to place the subject at a power point in the frame, and it works compositionally, and then you feel like you have created an art piece and not just recorded a scene.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

-Exupery

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

Han Hofman

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

There seems to be a bit of a mix-up because of the overlap between the usual meaning of figure/background ground and compositional "negative space." While knowing how to use the background as an element in a photo of a subject is good, there is much more when the expressive, artistic nature of negative space is understood. Photos become more powerful and pleasing. Here's a lead: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_(visual_arts). Click on "• Composition (visual arts), the plan, placement or arrangement of the elements of art in a work"--the 4th entry from the top.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

OK, What's the difference between negative space and positive space?

artBob wrote:

There seems to be a bit of a mix-up because of the... (show quote)