Negative Space vs Minimalism - Difference?

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

06/23/2023 06:05:56 AM · #1

Ok, since we still have a week + to shoot for this, I'm wondering, what's the difference between Negative Space and Minimalism?

Looking at the prior runnings of this challenge it seems that Minimalism is the preferred approach. ???

Would love to hear some feedback / see some examples, etc. After all, this is still a learning site, yes? :-)

GinaRothfels

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

06/23/2023 06:19:07 AM · #2

I don't have time to read the whole thing now, but this comes from Adobe:

Originally posted by :

Negative space photography is related to minimalist photography. It emphasises not just the subject, but the empty space around the subject. The viewer's eyes may be drawn to a central figure, but they can't help noticing the large section of emptiness that surrounds and defines that figure.

The full article is How negative space can help you to use nothing to make something.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

06/23/2023 06:26:03 AM · #3

Thanks Gina. That was a VERY helpful link!

posthumous

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/23/2023 01:56:04 PM · #4

negative space is just the space around the subject. it can be minimal or complicated. there is no correlation.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

06/23/2023 02:56:36 PM · #5

Minimalism is usually a simple and uncluttered appearance. Negative space is often minimalistic (not always) but it surrounds the subject with empty space to lead the eye.

Message edited by author 2023-06-23 14:57:37.

RKT

Canon EOS-60D

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 for Canon

06/23/2023 03:52:30 PM · #6

There is no description for this challenge, so why are people trying to box it in anyway? Think beyond the physical and visual...smash the box, take a risk.

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

06/23/2023 04:07:10 PM · #7

No box, but there must be a general concept behind the photographic term "Negative Space". Certainly worth exploring / learning. Thanks all for the contributions made thus far. Quite helpful.

tnun

Ricoh GR III

06/23/2023 04:31:32 PM · #8

we need a "Smash The Box" challenge: flex those categories, peeps.

06/23/2023 06:22:01 PM · #9

Originally posted by tnun:

we need a "Smash The Box" challenge: flex those categories, peeps.

That does have a catchy sound to it. How would you make that different from a standard Free Study?

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

06/23/2023 06:35:29 PM · #10

I started this thread in earnest. To me, 'Negative Space' and 'Minimalism' are stylistic approaches to photography; similar, but not the same. I honestly wanted to know what the difference is and how you would define it. Not trying to limit anyone at all, it's more of an educational pursuit.

Seems similar to discussing other art rules / types of composition, such as 'Leading Lines', 'Rule of Thirds', 'Golden Ratio', 'Use of Diagonals', etc.

I'd much prefer to talk about challenges that are running under one of these technical headings than say something like 'Goofy Faces'. :-D

tnun

Ricoh GR III

06/23/2023 07:21:22 PM · #11

Originally posted by glad2badad:

Originally posted by tnun:
we need a "Smash The Box" challenge: flex those categories, peeps.

That does have a catchy sound to it. How would you make that different from a standard Free Study?

maybe we should try it and see.

I must admit "negative space" is one of those things almost just past the corner of my eye.