Have you seen images where the main subject occupies a small section of the frame? These are photographs which are composed using the Negative space technique. So, let us see the effect of negative space in photography.
What is Negative Space in Photography?
Negative space is the area apart from the main subject. This negative space will occupy most of the area in the scene, and the subject will fill very less area. The main subject can be one or more.
When negative space exists on a photo, there should be some positive space also, right? So, what would be the positive space in an image? It is nothing but the main subjects in the picture.
In this image, the Blue-eared Kingfisher perched on the branch forms the main subject, which corresponds to the positive space.
The blurred background which extends toward the left side of the image, where the Kingfisher is looking at, forms the negative space in the photo.
Use of Negative Space in Photography
Now, you know about Negative space. So, you should be thinking, why to waste such a good amount of space in a photograph?
So, let us see how using negative space can help in photography?
1.Aids in Image Composition Techniques like Rule of Thirds
No image is complete without using proper image compositions.
In this shot of Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch bird, I have used the rule of thirds technique for image composition.
Here, the bird is looking towards the top right side. The use of the rule of thirds has left lots of negative space in the picture.
But, it helped to get a good composition for the scene, with the body of the bird falling on the intersectional node of the vertical and horizontal lines of the rule of thirds technique.
2. Makes the Subject pop out
Most of the time, when we go for a Shallow depth of field with a large aperture, we will get negative space in the image.
But, this helps the subject to pop out and draw the viewer’s attention to the frame. Here, the whiskered pitta standing on the moss, pops out in the frame, leaving negative space onto the left of the bird.
If all the background things in the scene are visible, then the viewer will have to search the image to find the main subject, which makes the image unpleasant.
3. Selling Photos
If you are planning to sell your photos, then negative space can help. If your photo sale is targeted towards a digital designer or stock photography sites, then the chances of selling the image are more with negative spaced images.
It is because designers will be looking for such negative space images for designing the flyers, brochures, and pamphlets.
So, if your image already comes with this space, it makes their life easy.
They don’t have to work additionally to cut the main subject. They can use this space to write their content, provided the background colors match.
4. Main part of Minimalist Photography Style
Have you heard about Minimalist photography style? It is a style of photography where your subject occupies very less portion of the frame.
Here, the negative spaces play a vital role in this type of photography. It gives the breathing room for the subject.
When to Avoid Negative Space?
Now, you know, the different situations where you can make use of negative space. So, let us see some conditions where you should try to avoid negative space.
When it’s a Distraction
If the negative space proves to be a distraction, then it is better to avoid it. It can be in the form of the wrong blend of colors.
The best way to deal with this situation is to use a different composition technique.
Still, if you are not able to fix it, then you need to use the crop tool to alter the aspect ratio of the image to reduce the adverse effect of negative space and go for fill-in frame technique.
Few Examples of Images with Negative space
Conclusion
So, now you know, how negative space can make your image more compelling.
So, start using it. Now, you may think, what should be the ideal ratio of negative space to positive space in photography.
There are no hard and fast rules in photography, same is the case with negative space. It actually depends on what the image composition demands to make the image look stunning.