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Composition: effective use of negative space
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Dec 30, 2017 21:21:35   #
autofocus Loc: North Central Connecticut
 
blackest wrote:
The google search for that phrase is fun, it's been reused a lot :)


aha

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Dec 30, 2017 21:24:55   #
artBob Loc: Near Chicago
 
Ads are often excellent examples of the use of negative space, not just in its simplest subject/background either.

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Dec 30, 2017 21:41:33   #
Larrymc Loc: Mississippi
 
autofocus wrote:
yes, for me it does


Glad you agree!

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Dec 30, 2017 21:52:37   #
jj56 Loc: Londonderry, NH
 
I did not know what "negative space" was until I posted this image on this forum and was commended for good use of negative space!
Had to look it up.....


(Download)

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Dec 30, 2017 21:57:08   #
GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan
 
Fotoartist wrote:
OK, I'm confused. Negative space means Less room for ads? Does that mean positive space leaves more room for ads? Please explain. Definitions would seem to be in order.


Sounds like you're a little more than confused. Think about it this way.

Many magazines had just about every page pre-set-up before the article is even created to be used by them although they had a subject planned months in advance. The writer/photographer just filled in the blanks. Those "blanks" had to be approved and when negative space was added, the main subject became very small.

Much of the photos were only used to accent the written article. Being low on the pecking order they would crop the NS off and make the subject larger and thus match the article. Not to many cared about quality and creative photography. If they were to enlargen the print itself, that would take valuable space away from something else. Guess what that was? (Hint: It always won out over NS and the writer won out over NS also.)

Basically, the print had to match the writers thought pattern. Just like today, many writers, (not all though), think more about their ability than a photographers ability.

Have I explained it well enough yet?

If you think about it, that is still happening a lot today. How many stock photos can you think of have make it to print without being chopped up to bits?

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Dec 30, 2017 23:07:08   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
The black here as negative space, meaning no information in it, frames the subject which contrasts dramatically with it for its high visual interest, a very attractive young female. The negative space grounds the photograph. The photograph takes on a dynamic as well from its effective composition within the dark frame.

I could say a lot more, but have indicated what the OP suggested, to describe the use of negative space.
CO wrote:
I photographed this young lady in front of a black backdrop. It might meet the criteria of the first and fourth definitions you listed.

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Dec 30, 2017 23:16:09   #
jcboy3
 
CO wrote:
No, not this one. The poles break up what could have been negative space. I hope it's OK, I wanted to see how it would be if there were no poles. I think the sky is now negative space. I know it's not good to edit someone's else's photo here. I'll get admin to remove it if it's not OK.


Looks like you printed it out and used a rubber eraser on it.

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Dec 30, 2017 23:34:52   #
Fotomacher Loc: Toronto
 
The negative space provides the area for the sailboat to move into.

Attached file:
(Download)

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Dec 30, 2017 23:39:47   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
autofocus wrote:
Good ones Rich!


Thank you.

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Dec 30, 2017 23:56:51   #
RichardQ Loc: Colorado
 
This photo (actually two negatives combined in the enlarger) incorporates empty space across the entire frame. Or does it? Do the cables criss-crossing the space negate my attempt to designate it an example of "negative space"?



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Dec 31, 2017 00:38:32   #
dbfalconer Loc: Salida CO
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
I believe it's been a year since there was a discussion topic on this subject

Just as a discussion of bokeh should be about the quality of the out-of-focus background (how it supports the subject), the effective use of negative space is much more than just "empty space."

A few definitions:

- "It's about the the edges of the objects or the light/dark, and the shapes they make."

- "Meaningful negative space adds to the story that the picture is telling, or it adds to the feelings that the picture is trying to evoke."

- "Negative space can be used to denote scale, or even to draw attention into that space.

- "Negative space defines and emphasizes the main subject of a photo, drawing your eye to it."

Please offer your opinions and to help further the discussion, post examples or provide links to photos you feel use negative space in a powerful way, and tell us why you feel that way.

Many thanks.
I believe it's been a year since there was a discu... (show quote)
I'm a beginner. Wonder if these are examples of use of negative space. Both are from Paint Mines in Colorado. I thought the skies added to the sense of scale and also the barren feel of the area. Suggestions and critiques welcome!





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Dec 31, 2017 03:24:39   #
CO
 
jcboy3 wrote:
Looks like you printed it out and used a rubber eraser on it.


I did this quickly with a retouch brush in Nikon Capture NX2. I wanted to see how it would be without the poles. For better results I would have spent a lot more time with it and worked on it in Photoshop.

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Dec 31, 2017 03:43:35   #
CO
 
jj56 wrote:
I did not know what "negative space" was until I posted this image on this forum and was commended for good use of negative space!
Had to look it up.....


I think this is an excellent example of negative space. The negative space direct the viewer's attention towards the people on the pier and the tree. It also gives a sense of scale. You get a sense how vast the water and sky is compared with the people on the pier. It's one of the best photos here that utilize negative space.

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Dec 31, 2017 04:28:32   #
dickwilber Loc: Indiana (currently)
 
jj56 wrote:
I did not know what "negative space" was until I posted this image on this forum and was commended for good use of negative space!
Had to look it up.....


jj56, I think this is an excellent use of negative space! To study the use of negative space in portraiture, I would recommend viewing the extensive works of Yousaf Karsh, but Arnold Newman's1946 portrait of Igor Stravinsky stands by itself.

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Dec 31, 2017 05:00:40   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
I took this tonight. If you click on download, you will see something interesting just NE of the moon.


(Download)

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