Photography Ideas For Creative Photography Projects — Negative Space

Creating a photography project is an excellent way to practice photography. Picking out a photography project that not only creates some excellent shots but also helps you grow your photography skills would be a great idea. Not surprisingly, there are many skills from which to choose. This short article presents one particular skill, negative space, that can be used for a photography project that can help to develop your skills.

Negative Space

Any image consists of three components:

Frame: The image is surrounded by the frame. Basically, the frame sets the boundaries of the image.

Positive Space: The subject of the image.

Negative Space: The negative space is the rest of the image. It sits between the positive space and the frame.

Any photo is formed, in varying proportions, of the frame, positive space, and negative space. In order to make great photos, it is necessary to manage these components.

When many individuals go about composing an image, they focus their attention on the positive space. In other words, they think primarily about the main subject of the photo. The negative space, that encompasses the positive space, gets very little thought. If it receives any thought at all, it is more of an afterthought. This kind of approach can result in second-rate photos. When managed well, the negative space can perform two essential functions. Therefore, the negative space can significantly enhance an image:

First: The negative space can assist in defining what the positive space is about. In other words, it helps to tell the story of the positive space.

Second: The negative space can help make the positive space stand out.

So, exactly how can the negative space help to define the positive space? Basically, the negative space yields supplemental detail that enhances the story of the positive space. Consider the following example. An image might show a blooming plant. On the other hand, we may not know very much about the plant (e.g., such as where the plant is located). Is the subject that forms the positive space in a crowded, urban park or in a forest? We can not tell from the close-up. In order to better define the positive space, additional detail is necessary. Now, suppose that the photographer chose to zoom out. In that case, some of the environment around the positive space would be seen (perhaps, the adjoining environment was a breathtaking mountain region). This would certainly create a negative space that helps to define the positive space.

However, when utilizing the negative space in this manner, it is important that the negative space not overwhelm the positive space. One method that might be employed in this example is to use a shallow depth of field so that the negative space is somewhat out of focus. This should keep the negative space from competing with the positive space.

The negative space can also make the positive space stand out. The negative space does this by helping to control the interest of a person that is viewing an image. It does this by focusing the attention of a viewer. Specifically, it focuses the attention on the positive space. Of course, all unproductive detail must be eliminated from the negative space in order to make it effective at focusing the attention. Otherwise, the viewer’s attention will be on the distracting detail. In addition, the negative space frequently contrasts in tone or color with the positive space — thus, making it stand out.

Consequently, to produce impressive images, photographers need to take into account the negative space when composing images. Basically, both spaces are of similar importance and should be treated as such.

Don’t forget, the more effective both spaces are designed, the better the finished photo will appear.

The Photography Project

So, why not create a photography project around this concept. Why not produce a portfolio of images with negative spaces that serve to strengthen the images?

Conclusion

This post discussed one particular skill you can use to begin a photography project. On the other hand, there is a lot more to learn.

If you would like to view many other great ideas, just click Photography Ideas for Creating Exceptional Images.

categories: digital photography,photography,hobbies