Negative Space in Photography Negative space is the area surrounding the main subject in a photograph which is left unoccupied. Put simply, it is the space around the object itself that helps define the positive space (or main focus). When used creatively together, negative and positive space can communicate the composition of your photograph. Negative Space Using negative space is an easy way to create beautiful, minimalist photographs that hold dramatic impact. Having large spans of empty space can really draw the viewer into the main subject of your image whilst continually holding strong emotion. The human eye is designed to see reality in 3D, through two eyes, the camera, on the other hand, is manufactured differently. As you all know, a camera sees in 2D through a single lens, this is why there is often a difference between the way you see a composition and the way that the camera perceives it. It is for this reason that negative space is so important. It allows us to truly consider our composition, and how the camera will see it. Sense of Scale Negative space surrounding your main subject can portray a sense of scale/size to the viewer. This can be useful if you’re a landscape photographer as shooting subjects close up can take away the feel of the location from the audience. Stepping back from the edge of your shot can often have more impact to the image than it would if you were to be right in the action. The further back you are from your subject, the smaller they would appear, achieving a greater atmosphere, with...
