Critique Request (negative space)
Dec 1, 2015 18:55:53 #
Thanks again for all the interest, photo submissions and stimulating discussion.
Cliff Notes from this topic:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-352582-1.html
"Negative space defines and emphasizes the main subject of a photo, drawing your eye to it." (this definition can be found in several articles online)
Apaflo - An image is divided into two 'spaces,' one is called 'positive space,' and the other is called 'negative space.' Every part of the image is necessarily in one or the other space. It is not actually the photographer that determines where the boundaries are, but rather that is a function of how the mind of each individual viewer works at the time an image is viewed.
R.G. - To my mind, that which defines the kind of negative space that we are discussing is its meaning (or purpose). Just any old space won't have meaning or purpose - it was just there and managed to get included somehow. Meaningful negative space adds to the story that the picture is telling, or alternatively it adds to the feelings that the picture is trying to evoke.
Cliff Notes from this topic:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-352582-1.html
"Negative space defines and emphasizes the main subject of a photo, drawing your eye to it." (this definition can be found in several articles online)
Apaflo - An image is divided into two 'spaces,' one is called 'positive space,' and the other is called 'negative space.' Every part of the image is necessarily in one or the other space. It is not actually the photographer that determines where the boundaries are, but rather that is a function of how the mind of each individual viewer works at the time an image is viewed.
R.G. - To my mind, that which defines the kind of negative space that we are discussing is its meaning (or purpose). Just any old space won't have meaning or purpose - it was just there and managed to get included somehow. Meaningful negative space adds to the story that the picture is telling, or alternatively it adds to the feelings that the picture is trying to evoke.
Is this an effective use of negative space?
(Download)
2. A different version, requested by a buddy :)
(Download)
Dec 1, 2015 19:04:05 #
While I like the first, as it seems more realistic to what we expect, I find the second to be true to the negative space theme.
- It draws my eye to the subject faster than that first.
Closing my eyes and looking at the first, I see the sky, and then drawn down by the leading lines to the house below, whereas closing my eye and looking at the second, the harsh leading line drives me to the subject then back and out to the rest.
Personally I'd hang the first on my wall, but the second is more in tune with this post. Either way, they're beautiful! S-
- It draws my eye to the subject faster than that first.
Closing my eyes and looking at the first, I see the sky, and then drawn down by the leading lines to the house below, whereas closing my eye and looking at the second, the harsh leading line drives me to the subject then back and out to the rest.
Personally I'd hang the first on my wall, but the second is more in tune with this post. Either way, they're beautiful! S-
Dec 1, 2015 21:37:04 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Thanks again for all the interest, photo submissio... (show quote)
I've already pleaded a lack of knowledge on negative space, but hope to learn. If I were to use RG's definition, though, both images might have significant negative space, a rather barren set of rolling landforms that reveals the isolation of the farm building. However, if I try to look at it from Apaflo's viewpoint, I seem to lose the aspect of the space being negative because I find so much in it and look those landforms to discover more detail. So in that sense, that space is an essential and interesting element of the composition.
Regardless, both versions are beautifully done. My own preference is the first one, because of how appealing that top landform and all its lines add to it. But if I were to say which had more of a negative space concept, it would be the second one.
Dec 1, 2015 21:48:41 #
minniev wrote:
... if I try to look at it from Apaflo's viewpoint, I seem to lose the aspect of the space being negative because I find so much in it and look those landforms to discover more detail...
Thank you, Minnie! Your time and viewpoint are much appreciated!
This topic kind of ended up overlapping with the other; I should have left well enough alone :)
When Apaflo asked me to define my subject, I realized that the hillside has its own attraction, as you have noted here also, Minnie. So maybe that changes its "negative" status :)
My answer to Apaflo's question:
I must admit that the subject, for me, is the entire scene. I often can't separate elements in my landscapes and state definitively what the subject is. A lonely ranch located in harsh, unforgiving landscape (why build in that particular spot?), the tracks winding up that very steep hill (what is that all about?!), the layers of curves of hillside, the time of year making the setting even more unpleasant to consider as home...all add up to my "subject" - what compelled me to snap the shutter.
But, also as was pointed out in the other topic by Apaflo, everyone who views an image has their own definition of the subject (the positive space) and the rest (the negative space). Interesting stuff!
Dec 1, 2015 21:49:02 #
St3v3M wrote:
While I like the first, as it seems more realistic... (show quote)
Thank you so much, Steve!
Dec 1, 2015 22:02:07 #
#1 seems to be more about the barrenness and harshness of the land and my eye keeps coming back to the path to/from the hill. The house is incidental and I doesn't hold my attention. The whole scene is the subject,I think. #2 the house becomes the subject and the barren land is what drives you to consider the house's isolation. Therefore, the land is the "negative space".
Dec 1, 2015 22:04:27 #
carlysue wrote:
#1 seems to be more about the barrenness and harshness of the land and my eye keeps coming back to the path to/from the hill. The house is incidental and I doesn't hold my attention. The whole scene is the subject,I think. #2 the house becomes the subject and the barren land is what drives you to consider the house's isolation. Therefore, the land is the "negative space".
Thank you so much, carlysue, for your concise comments. Very interesting to know! btw, it was St3v3M who suggested I do that crop :thumbup:
Dec 1, 2015 22:07:58 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
... btw, it was St3v3M who suggested I do that crop :thumbup:
Oh fine, blame me... LAF
Dec 1, 2015 22:09:00 #
St3v3M wrote:
Oh fine, blame me... LAF
They like you, they really like you :thumbup:
(Sally Field, Oscar speech)
Dec 1, 2015 22:12:07 #
St3v3M wrote:
Oh fine, blame me... LAF
You do have a way of stirring the pot,St3v3. :lol:
Dec 1, 2015 22:13:21 #
carlysue wrote:
You do have a way of stirring the pot,St3v3. :lol:
Little ol'me? Never...
Dec 1, 2015 22:13:56 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
They like you, they really like you :thumbup:
(Sally Field, Oscar speech)
(Sally Field, Oscar speech)
(taking a slow and deliberate bow)
Dec 1, 2015 22:14:40 #
carlysue wrote:
#1 seems to be more about the barrenness and harshness of the land and my eye keeps coming back to the path to/from the hill. The house is incidental and I doesn't hold my attention. The whole scene is the subject,I think. #2 the house becomes the subject and the barren land is what drives you to consider the house's isolation. Therefore, the land is the "negative space".
Curious - which would you hang on your wall and why? S-
Dec 1, 2015 22:35:50 #
St3v3M wrote:
Curious - which would you hang on your wall and why? S-
#2. Its moody, its about struggling to live in a dry and weary land. Which is full of optimism.
Dec 1, 2015 22:38:07 #
carlysue wrote:
#2. Its moody, its about struggling to live in a dry and weary land. Which is full of optimism.
Nice, but are we talking about the image or a nice bottle of wine? LAF
Seriously, I love your description as it sets the mood for how you feel about it which in turn lets me experience it through you. Thank you for that! S-
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