Negative space is the area that surrounds the main subject in your photograph while the main subject would be the positive space. Negative space can be used for many purposes in your composition; whether it is to show the size of the subject, to emphasize the subject, or to create balance in your image. Below are some examples of how you can use negative to create potentially stronger images.

When using negative space, you want to look at your composition and try to create a balance between the subject and the negative space. If there is too much negative space, you can lose the emphasis on your subject. If you do not have enough negative space, your photo could feel cluttered or too busy.

Negative space can change the way a photo feels. For example the above photo of Vancouver. If I had lowered the angle of my camera to show more of the city, the photo would have given the feeling of being more confined and having less space. By raising the angle of my camera up, I was able to give the photo the feeling of having more space or a greater expanse.

On your next photo adventure, try a quick shooting exercise to learn how negative space can change your photo. Find a subject to photograph and while taking photos, move your camera around to change the amount of space around the object. See what happens when you tilt the camera up, down, or from one side to the other. How does the relationship between the subject and the surrounding space change when you get closer or further away? Knowing how negative space can affect your photo will be one more advantage you have when planning your next photo shoot or composing your images.