The Positive Aspects of Negative Space

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

California Poppy California Poppy

There are so many rules we can apply to improve our photos and some of them are complicated, but negative space is so simple yet essential for creating images that stand out. In this article, I will explain what Negative Space is and how to leverage it to improve your photography.

What is Negative Space?

Negative space is the area that surrounds the main subject, which is referred to as positive space. Negative space can be blank, neutral, give a sense of environment, or be completely blurred out. The approach can vary based on the subject and conditions. In general, it should take up more room in the photo than the positive space. A good starting point is about twice the space as the subject takes. I shot this image with a wide aperture to blur out the grasses in the background and distractions.

Impala Impala, Serengeti National Park

How can negative space improve your photos?

Negative space is a useful tool for framing the subject because there are no other elements to distract from it. It is a very intentional tool.  Because it gives the viewers eye a place to rest, it leads the viewer to the subject and makes it stand out.

When the negative space is a complimentary color to the subject, it provides an extra benefit to the composition because it makes the overall image appear more balanced and allows the subject to pop. 

Negative space can add mystery, inviting the viewer to determine the rest of the story. In this photo, the lion is clearly the subject and these grasslands are his territory. He's looking at something outside of the frame, allowing the viewer to decide what that might be.

Placement matters to provide balance. In this photo of a tree in Zion National Park, the tree provides an anchor at the bottom of the frame. The fact that it is silhouetted against the brightly colored canyon wall does not distract from it because of the contrast between the two areas.

Zion Tree Silhouetted tree, Zion National Park

Although negative space may not be the first thought on your mind when you are out shooting, if you start to look for opportunities, it will become easier to spot compositions and will become a habit over time. It's a simple tool that can take your images to the next level.