Negative space in photography

Photographs can be seen to comprise two elements: the background and the foreground (or subject matter). In artistic terms, this is also known as negative space and positive shapes. Low awareness of these elements could cause the photographer to pass by great opportunities to create aesthetically pleasing photos. But how can negative space be used in photography?

Causes of Imbalanced Photos

Shooting Negative Shapes

When viewing a scene through the LCD screen (or viewfinder), ask yourself:

• • How is the negative space distributed throughout the scene? Is there a lot of it in one area and little in another?

  • Are there any enclosed negative spaces visible? What shape and/or size are they?

  • Is there not enough negative space in the scene causing a claustrophobic feel to the shot? Can this be used to create a certain mood?

  • Is there to much negative space in the scene making the shot feel airy and empty?

Background and Foreground in Photos

Use negative space to create a mood or feeling. A shot intended to convey distance or elevation might work best from lots of negative space with a foreground that appears to open out. Remember that background and foreground respectively can be subdivided into basic elements. The background for instance might comprise sky and trees behind a fence and pillarbox (see image). The foreground (or positive shapes) might comprise the fence and the pillarbox.

Photographing a Jigsaw

Viewing a scene as basic elements will help solve compositional problems in photograph. View the scene as a basic jigsaw comprising three or four large pieces. A view of tin mines on a Cornish coast might comprise four elements: sky, sea, cliffs and the tin mines. Notice the contours of these basic shapes and how each compare proportionately. Look for areas in the photo where t

The Perfect Composition

If something about a photograph niggles, it might be because there is an imbalance of negative space and positive shapes in the scene. There might be too much of one in one area and too little of the other in another. Ideally, a scene will comprise a balance of background and foreground elements.

Balance might be achieved regarding the distribution of both or regarding their quantity. If there is too much going on in one area of the photo, this means there isn’t enough ‘breathing space’ here. Find a way of introducing a little negative space here. Don’t allow the main subject matter to take precedence. View the negative space as the main subject matter of the photo, and the positive shapes will take care of themselves. This means shifting the viewpoint and looking for interesting background shapes in a photo.

A photograph may sometimes turn out visually displeasing without an obvious cause. Numerous visual elements might appear to vie for attention, creating a lopsided feel to the shot; the arrangement might appear too crowded or lack a focal point. Unless the photographer is visually diligent regarding the foreground and the background, the chances of a well composed shot from occurring is less likely. The key to a good composition is negative space.

What is Negative Space in Photography?

A simple example of a photo comprising negative space and positive shapes might be a scene depicting a church tower against a sky. The negative space is the sky, the positive shape is the church tower. If the sky can be seen poking through a window or gap in the wall, this forms an enclosed negative space. Enclosed negative spaces can be used to create great visual channels throughout a photograph. Examples might be the view through a teapot handle. slats of a chair or gaps between gate posts (see image above). Enclosed negative shapes can be any shape or size.

How to Make Photos Interesting

Rather than view a photo as simply a shot of an object, which might be a pet, person or inanimate object, take the flip-side view and treat the background as the main subject matter. Notice how the shape of the background can be made more interesting by shifting your viewpoint. Look for enclosed negative shapes where parts of the background poke through.