Can we discuss Negative Space? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D

09/10/2025 09:28:29 AM · #1

I assume it would be a bad idea to just post things about people's photos. But maybe if people post their entry and put it out for discussion?

Negative space is one of those that I always feel bad voting on, because I don't have any art training, and I end up going by feel. Even within our group, we seemed to struggle with what actually constituted negative space. If we don't end up with enough people willing to discuss their images, perhaps we can just post other images and discuss them?

This is the DPC description
Use the space surrounding (and distinct from) your subject to create the WOW of the photograph.

Adorama description
Negative space is the empty area in a photograph that surrounds the main subject or focal point. The main subject in your photo is the “positive space”; the entire area between or surrounding that subject is referred to as the “negative space.” You can fill the negative space with solid color, texture, or white space so long as it creates a distinct sense of empty space and separation from the main subject.

Negative spaces are typically just that—a blank space, such as the sky, a body of water, or any uninteresting elements that take up a huge chunk of the entire image. Sometimes it’s called “breathing space,” especially when your subject is a person or living thing.

This is the AI description:
which normally I ignore the AI composites because a lot of times they are just wrong. And you only know if you know the material or double check it. But in this case, it has the feel of what I think of as negative space.
Negative space is the empty area surrounding the primary subject of an image or artwork, known as the positive space. It's a crucial compositional tool that provides visual breathing room, directs the viewer's eye, prevents clutter, and emphasizes the main subject by creating contrast and balance. Examples include a large expanse of sky, a plain wall, or a blurred background.
How Negative Space Enhances a Composition
Emphasizes the Subject:
The emptiness around the subject makes it stand out, drawing more attention to it.
Creates Visual Balance:
Distributing empty space helps to balance the visual weight of the subject, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing composition.
Provides Breathing Room:
Negative space gives the image a sense of calm and allows the viewer's eye to rest, preventing the feeling of a cramped or chaotic image.
Adds Mood and Emotion:
Depending on its use, negative space can evoke feelings of isolation, tranquility, curiosity, or tension.
Guides the Eye:
Intentional negative space can be used to create a path for the viewer's eye to follow, leading directly to the focal point.

tvsometime

Nikon D750

09/10/2025 09:49:44 AM · #2

sorry

Message edited by author 2025-09-10 09:50:07.

posthumous

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

09/10/2025 09:58:51 AM · #3

for me, it's not about whether you have negative space, because almost every photo does, but whether that negative space enhances the image.

some photographers thought the idea was to have a LOT of negative space. But it doesn't say "Lots of Negative Space". The point, in my opinion, was to use negative space in an interesting way.

so, to use a great photo as an example, so no one feels attacked, look at this wild shot:

the exploration of negative space is on the LEFT side, not the right side, which is simply blank. The face is able to be "inside" another face by an interaction of negative space. He is paradoxically "filling" negative space while letting it remain negative.

I actually think it would be better with a tighter crop.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

09/10/2025 10:11:56 AM · #4

Originally posted by posthumous:

for me, it's not about whether you have negative space, because almost every photo does, but whether that negative space enhances the image.

Good conversation topic Don. Thanks!
I also think that for many, Negative Space means/meant Minimalism.

salmiakki

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

09/10/2025 10:39:06 AM · #5

I went with a minimal approach. Not because I think it's a good example of negative space, I don't. I fully agree with Don's comments. I did it because it's DPL and I knew based on past negative space challenges that it would score higher than what I would prefer to submit.

posthumous

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

09/10/2025 11:44:22 AM · #6

Originally posted by salmiakki:

I gave you a 6 because of the beautiful web of negative space created by the head-on angle of the ship. another example of a picture that would have been even better if it had *less* negative space!

but i totally understand your calculations.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/10/2025 12:25:46 PM · #7

Feel free to pick mine apart.

I can't seem to get the image number On my phone so somebody will have to post it for me. Or I can post it later.

I didn't leave enough room up above so it's not the best crop. But I wanted to use the negative space in this to make it about the cat looking off into space, instead of making it about a cat portrait. I wanted to get people wondering what he was looking at. I wanted to give a sense of quiet And calm what you wouldn't get as much from a simple portrait. I took a huge number of shots in this session, But only two of them seem to use The negative space well in my mind. I'll post the other outtake in a bit when I'm back at my computer. But all the rest of the shots seem to just be plain portraits with lots of extra space around it. This one felt like it had more meaning And that it was more contemplative.

When I was voting, that's how I was voting. Did the negative space add to the picture. Did it change the feel And meaning of the picture by having that negative space?

Negative space doesn't have to be minimalism. But it certainly can be minimalism.

(Btw, I also liked Tate's use of negative space)

Message edited by author 2025-09-10 14:19:44.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/10/2025 01:21:41 PM · #8

I was focused on the idea that the negative space should have a relationship to the subject -- in my case a contrast in technologies. And though Art correctly points out that the phone can hold a billion times as much information as the books, it will only do so until you drop it ...

posthumous

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

09/10/2025 01:33:40 PM · #9

Originally posted by vawendy:

Feel free to pick mine apart.

In your image there is no positive space. The cat disappears into the negative space it creates, which I thought was an interesting take on the challenge.

09/10/2025 02:19:34 PM · #10

Originally posted by posthumous:

Originally posted by vawendy:
Feel free to pick mine apart.

In your image there is no positive space. The cat disappears into the negative space it creates, which I thought was an interesting take on the challenge.

That's intriguing. Never thought about it that way. Kinda cool!

Olympus 17mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko

09/10/2025 02:20:54 PM · #11

Originally posted by GeneralE:

I didn't find any negative space in yours. It all seemed to be positive space, and it was confusing what part of that positive space was the subject.

PennyStreet

Olympus OM-D E-M1

09/10/2025 04:02:52 PM · #12

In your post:
"Negative spaces are typically just that—a blank space, such as the sky, a body of water, or any uninteresting elements that take up a huge chunk of the entire image. Sometimes it’s called “breathing space,” especially when your subject is a person or living thing."

I like that they call it “breathing space” however I think negative space is just the opposite for what is positive in the image. It can be interesting. Color, texture, etc can be used ... anything the photographer thinks will ultimately bring attention to the positive. It's all about how it is compositionally used IMO to create that emphasis, if you know what I mean. Not necessarily a "nothing", although that may be a minimalistic way to use it.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/10/2025 06:28:18 PM · #13

Originally posted by posthumous:

That was my sense of it also when I was voting. High score from me mainly for 2 reasons: The subject grows out of the negative space as if the cat itself is comprised of emptiness manifesting into solidity. Also, the lighting/processing is flawless, and that's hard as heck.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/10/2025 06:39:11 PM · #14

Originally posted by vawendy:

I didn't find any negative space in yours. It all seemed to be positive space, and it was confusing what part of that positive space was the subject.

Good point -- it was (as usual) a last-minute deal -- if I'd had more time maybe blurring the background would have help create more separation.