Project 52, Week 24, Space

The project for this week is space - the area between the frame of your photograph. 

Things to consider:

Negative/Positive space:

"Positive space" is the main subject (other shapes and forms in the scene are considered by some to be part of the positive space).
"Negative space" is the relatively empty space around your subject. 

• The negative in negative space doesn't mean undesirable. 
• A negative space can help create a mood. 
• It can draw attention to the main subject, giving a small subject more importance.  
• Your main subject may be the relatively empty space (such as the sky or a lake.)
• You can eliminate too much negative space by cropping the scene - either pre- or post- production.

Active/Dead space:

• It's better to put more space in front of a moving subject.  For example, a flying bird, racing horse, or running man need room to move.  Put enough space between the subject and the edge of the scene that the moving object doesn't look like it's going to "run into a wall" or out of the picture.  This space in front of the subject is sometimes referred to as "active space".
• But then again, you may want to leave room behind the subject to see where it has been.  The space behind a subject is sometimes referred to as "dead space".
• Active space can also be used for stationary objects. For example, if the subject is looking right, there should be more space to the right of the subject. 

Other things:  

• The right space can make your photo more dynamic.
• Consider the Rule of Thirds when using space to compose your photos.
• Astrophotographers specialize in photographing space.
• Compose your picture before you shoot it.  Consider the best use of space in your composition.
• As always, nothing is absolute.
• Sometimes it is better to surround the subject with negative space.  Sometimes it is better to "fill the frame" with the subject. 
• Sometimes it is better to have space in front of a subject, other times the space should be behind the focal point.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Negative Space by Gaurav Dimri at Photography Made Easy; medium sized article
2. Negative Space in Photography Composition/ by Ron Bigelow at Picture Correct; a short, but informative, article
3. Understanding and Using Negative Space in Photography at Photography Mad; very short article with good examples
4. A Primer on Positive and Negative Space by Michael Falks from Apogee Photo; a two-part tutorial
5. Composition in Photography - Free Space on Moving Object at Exposure Photo Gallery; examples of leaving enough space in front of moving subjects
6. Leaving Space Behind Moving Subjects by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; short article with good examples of leaving space behind moving subjects
7. How to Photograph Space Yourself by astronomer Mark Thompson from BBC; a 5 minute YouTube tutorial on photographing stars
8. Astrophotography by Jerry Lodriguss; an entire website on taking pictures of space