RCP Photography School: Negative Space
Hello to all who’ve joined me on day 14 of this 26 day challenge to learn about the basics of photography.
Are you ready?
In today's lesson, I want you to get creative in your home, garden or on your daily walk. Get your camera, using manual mode or just be getting your exposure correct, and let's create some amazing photographs! Kids, use your toys; teens, use your devices or favourite food; and those who are joining in, why not use your kids, pets, or items in your home. Photography has been a therapy for me during lockdown, and I really hope this course is just that for you!
If you’re doing this course, you probably already know a little bit about me but if you don’t, please check out who I am.
Today I’m going to talk about...
N for Negative Space
What do you mean by negative space?
When you use a small part of the 'frame' for the object or person or thing in the photograph, and leave the rest empty, the empty area is classed as negative space. This is generally used in an artistic way.
IN PORTRAITS
Negative space can be used in portraits, such as this. Here is a fisherman, at Benone Beach, with the waves coming in and the water causing ripples in the sand.
The clouds are visible, but the majority of this image is the sky. At the foreground, the fisherman is the darkest part of the image, along with his shadow.
During images like these into black and white photographs can really enhance your negative space because the shadows and highlights of the main subject will be stronger.
IN OUTDOOR SHOTS
Negative space is an amazing, creative technique that you can use outdoors.
You can see some colour in the background, however your eye is instantly drawn to the flower on the left of the image because there is nothing in the rest of the image. That is the beauty of negative space.
IN MACRO SHOTS
Negative space can be used in macro shots, and generally enhance the 'subject'.
The flower petal is taking up nearly half of the image however, the negative space at the top draws your eyes to the lines in the petal, then the yellow pollen.
Macro shots can either take up the full 'frame' or a small section of the photograph. Be as creative as you want, and use the rule of thirds too!
These are just a few 'subjects' you can use when creating your 'negative space' photographs. Please send them over to info@rebekahcollinsphotographer.com and I will share them at the end of the 26-day course.