What is Negative Space'
Negative space is a concept that's been used in art, design, architecture, and sculpture for many years and can bring a new creative edge to many photos, sometimes turning an average photo into an outstanding one.
Negative space is simply the area surrounding the main subject in a photo, it can give your photos an entirely different feel, and create an atmosphere that a photo of the same subject filling the frame will lack. The absence of content does not mean the absence of interest, in fact negative space often adds interest as it can draw the viewers eye and place a stronger emphasis on the subject, be it a person a flower or an interesting graphic.
I love to use negative space, and the opportunities are endless, the following are some of my images that I hope will inspire you for your own photography.


How to use Negative Space
Mastering the use of negative space can take a little time and practise, probably because we're so used to focusing on the main subject in a scene that it can seem strange to treat it almost as an afterthought. However, doing so will make you consider each element in your scene more carefully, leading to much stronger compositions







Some excellent examples here. I must try to apply this technique myself. I love the BW portrait of the man.
Ian Crowson
Thanks Ian,
Do you mean the close up of the older guy? That was taken at one of my ‘Off-Camera flash’ workshops at a local camera club.
I was very pleased wit it too.