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Negative Space in Photography: The Essential Guide

The post Negative Space in Photography: The Essential Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sandra Roussy.

What is negative space in photography, and how can you use it for beautiful compositions?

The term negative space may sound problematic, but it’s actually an essential component of almost every great image. In fact, if you want to create gorgeous photos, you must master negative space; that way, you can take shots that feature balanced, harmonious, eye-catching arrangements. (You can also capture wonderfully minimalistic compositions, as I discuss down below.)

In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about negative space, including:

• What negative space actually is
• Why negative space is important
• Simple tips and tricks to use negative space in your images, whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, street scenes, or architecture

Ready to become a compositional master? Then let’s get started.

What is negative space?

Negative space refers to areas of a composition that are empty, bland, or otherwise uninteresting. That’s why negative space is also called white space; it’s where nothing is really happening.

Here’s an image full of foggy sky, all of which acts as negative space:

In photography, negative space is often made up of certain elements:

• Water
• Sky
• Walls
• Sand

Note that all of these elements tend to fade easily into the background, and that’s why they make such great negative space. An empty sky does not draw the eye, any more than a blank white wall, a stretch of empty sand, and so on.

Now, some photos are full of negative space. These compositions are often very abstract, such as a stretch of empty blue sky, or a sand dune stretching off in every direction. Such negative-space-centric compositions can also be minimalistic, with a single eye-catching element surrounded by emptiness.

Other photos, however, feature plenty of non-negative space, also known as positive space:

Positive space versus negative space

Positive space is the complete opposite of negative space. Negative space rejects the eye, while positive space steals the spotlight. You see, positive space is the area of a photo that includes elements of interest, the area that includes the main subject, the area where the viewer’s eye goes first.

In the photo below, there is plenty of positive space, but very little negative space. The flag, the buildings, and the trees all act as positive space. Even the clouds provide some positive space, thanks to their interesting arrangement and texture. The biggest patch of negative space is the sky, which takes up a tiny portion of the shot.

Now, positive space can be anything, but here are some common examples:

• Faces
• People
• Buildings
• Birds
• Wildlife
• Mountains

So which is better, positive or negative space?

Neither.

In photography, the goal is to combine both types of space to create a balanced composition. You want negative space, yes, but you also want positive space. That’s how you can get consistently stunning photos!

(Some photographic styles do heavily emphasize negative space, while others heavily emphasize positive space – but in general, a mix of the two is the way to go.)

Negative space tips and tricks

In this section, I’ll share my favorite tips and techniques for working with negative space.

1. Let the scene dictate your negative space and positive space combination

Every scene has a different ratio of negative space to positive space.

And while you, as the photographer, can zoom in, change perspective, and crop to emphasize certain parts of the scene, you need to be flexible; you need to be able to embrace a scene that’s full of negative space, just the same as you embrace a scene filled with positive space.

So don’t try to force a scene in a certain direction. Instead, ask yourself: What is the scene already like? And work with what you’ve got.

For example, a few years ago, I stood at a popular lookout, observing an iconic rock sitting in the Atlantic Ocean in Eastern Canada. It was early morning and some fog had rolled in, covering most of the impressive structure. The woman standing next to me turned to me and said, “It’s so sad, we’re driving by today, and I wanted to get a photo of the Percé Rock. But due to the fog, it seems it won’t be possible.”

She left, disappointed that she didn’t get her shot. But I stayed, and I stood for a long time, examining the fog and the way it draped the rock like a heavy blanket. I thought it was one of the most amazing things to happen that day. I felt so lucky to be there at that exact moment to capture the wonder unfolding. I embraced the negative space, and I captured a beautiful, minimalistic image.

Bottom line:

Be adaptable. Be flexible. If negative space dominates a scene, let it, even if you generally prefer to avoid minimalistic compositions. Make sense?

2. Use negative space to balance out positive space

A key goal of photographic composition is to achieve visual balance. You want your images to feel whole, complete, satisfying.

And one way to achieve balance is by identifying your positive space, then countering it with negative space.

For instance, look at the image below. You can see the positive space – the clenched fist. It’s a powerful, eye-catching subject, but it’s countered by all the surrounding negative space. It creates an overall balance, as you can see:

By the way, it’s important to recognize how lots of negative space can balance out just a little positive space. Positive space is aggressive and powerful. Negative space is much more subdued, even soothing. So unless you’re specifically after a very in-your-face image, positive space should come in small doses.

Some photographers practice a “2:1” negative space rule, where you add two parts negative space for every one part positive space. I don’t like to restrict myself in this way, but it’s a good guideline to bear in mind.

3. Experiment with minimalism

Minimalistic compositions use negative space to great effect. In fact, they’re all about negative space; they take lots of negative space, include a touch of positive space, and create an eye-catching result.

Here’s an example of a minimalist image, where the shadow acts as positive space, while the bricks provide some empty negative space:

If you like the minimalistic look, I highly recommend you try it out. It’s pretty simple to pull off.

Here are my recommendations:

1. Start by identifying a main subject, like a tree, a person, or a building. This will be your positive space.
2. Adjust your positive, focal length, and camera angle until your main subject is all alone, surrounded by nothing but negative space. (A low perspective is great for this; by dropping down to the ground, you can frame your subject against the sky.)
3. Eliminate as much color as possible. You want uniformity, if you can get it: just one or two colors in a highly harmonious scene.
4. Position your main subject toward the edge of the composition. You can try putting the subject at a rule of thirds power point or along a gridline, but you might also consider moving it closer to the edge of the frame.

The tree photo below is highly minimalistic. It includes a small tree positioned in the corner as positive space, while the rest of the photo is (for the most part) negative space, for a nice overall balance.

4. Use negative space to convey emotion

Negative space tends to be bleak, even melancholy, especially in black and white images.

Use this fact. Tell a story with your composition – a story that’s laced with sadness, or loneliness, or quiet pleasure.

Of course, you should let the scene guide you, as I emphasized above. But you can also carefully add more negative space to your composition by zooming out, or by finding a uniquely empty background, etc.

Check out this negative-space-filled image. Is it full of emotion?

Yes, it’s an emotional shot, at least to my eye. The empty sky, sprinkled with a bit of positive space, tells a captivating, haunting story.

Negative space in photography: final words

Negative space photography is an excellent way to expand your skills and your photographic eye. By mastering negative space, you can capture consistently gorgeous images – no matter your genre of choice.

So remember this article. Memorize the advice. And good luck!

Now over to you:

What do you think about negative space? Do you plan to use it in your images? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Negative Space in Photography: The Essential Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sandra Roussy.

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22 Self-Portrait Ideas to Get You Inspired

The post 22 Self-Portrait Ideas to Get You Inspired appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

Are you looking for self-portrait ideas so you can create powerful, eye-catching results? If you’re a frequent self-portrait photographer, you’re bound to struggle with inspiration now and then, so this article will be a big help. And if you’re a first-time self-portrait photographer, then you’re certainly on the right track; the ideas I share below will get you started taking gorgeous self portraits!

Now, if you are a beginner, you might be wondering: What’s the difference between a selfie and a self portrait? It gets a bit complicated, but selfies are usually taken spontaneously with a phone camera (often with the intent of uploading the images to social media). Self portraits, on the other hand, are more thoughtfully composed, and aim to explore deep themes such as identity.

In this article, we’ll look at 22 ideas for engaging self portraiture, perfect for photographers of every skill level.

A brief history of photographic self portraiture

The first surviving photographic self portrait is a daguerreotype by American Robert Cornelius taken in 1839, just 12 years after the oldest surviving photograph was made.

Today, self portraiture is a way for photographers to express either themselves or an idea on the opposite side of the camera. However, the exact purpose of a self portrait depends largely on the photographer.

While some photographers create self portraits out of convenience, others seek catharsis. Some photographers use self portraiture as a means of documentation, while others appreciate the creative control and transformative process a self-portrait shoot can entail. Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Vivian Maier are all well-known self-portrait photographers.

Equipment for self portrait photography

Self portraiture can be a tricky form of photography, as you must act as both the photographer and the subject.

Therefore, a few basic pieces of equipment can aid the creative process. You’ll want a decent camera setup, and a tripod can help hold the camera in position for a shot. In addition, while the self-timer function on many cameras will give you time to get in front of the camera, a remote is much more convenient, and will let you trigger the shutter without having to run back and forward to the camera before each shot.

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at 22 ideas for beautiful self portraits!

1. Try a change in perspective

First on our list of self portrait ideas is perspective. Many self portraits are made with a traditional straight-on perspective, but others are made from a low or high perspective, which adds a sense of scale and dynamism to a shot.

Both approaches have benefits: traditional straight-on portrait perspectives make for intimate photos, whereas perspectives that convey a unique point of view give a viewer a sense of movement or activity.

So if you normally use a traditional perspective, why not try getting high or low? And if you’re more of a dynamic, angled self-portrait photographer, calm things down to create a standard, intimate portrait.

2. Include motion blur

While many self portrait photographs are pin sharp, a long exposure can create fascinating visual effects. By setting the camera to a slower shutter speed and introducing movement during the exposure, you can create unique, even surreal, results.

3. Make use of shadows

By thoughtfully applying shadows, you can create dramatic effects; for instance, you can obscure areas of the face, body, and the surrounding environment. Harsh light can be used to apply impactful or even mysterious patterns to a self portrait, while shadows with a softer gradient can convey a more subdued atmosphere.

4. Experiment with minimalism

Minimalism is a form of abstract art developed in America in the 1960s, typified by artworks comprised of simple geometric shapes. Reveling in the beauty of simplicity, minimalist self portraits emphasize the central figure by cutting down on superfluous detail. Some minimalist self-portrait techniques use plain or simple backgrounds, a shallow depth of field, and/or shadows or highlights to direct attention to the subject.

5. Emphasize color

Color in self-portrait photography can convey emotions and ideas, and it can also direct attention. Using color as a tool to express the self is a simple and effective way to create engaging self portraits. While reds can create an eye-catching shot, blue is more calming and reflective.

Color can indicate location or time of day, the emotion of the sitter, and the atmospheric tone of the image. Mindfully incorporating colors into a self portrait is a way to attract attention, set a scene, and reinforce the actions of the subject.

6. Go abstract

Abstract photographers aim to create visually appealing images without relying on conventional self-portrait approaches. A few examples of abstracted self portraiture include the use of intentional camera movement (ICM), subject movement during a long exposure (discussed above!), and selective lighting. Double exposures can be another way to create abstraction in an image; by combining layers of photographs, you can create a hauntingly evocative result.

7. Make a faceless portrait

A compelling self portraits doesn’t always need the face of the subject. Faceless self portraits draw attention to the form and the context that surrounds the subject – because by excluding the face, a self portrait highlights other elements like line, shadow, color, and light, which can create atmosphere and mood. The use of props or interesting environments can add clues about the personality of the photographer, too.

8. Experiment with depth of field

If you’re just getting started with self portraiture, consider experimenting with different depth of fields. Depth of field dictates the areas within a photo that appear sharp, so by incorporating careful depth of field control, you can combine focused and unfocused regions in an image. Introducing unfocused features into the foreground can add a greater sense of narrative and detail.

9. Make multiple exposures

Sometimes, a single photo won’t cut it. A multiple-exposure technique combines two or more exposures into the one image. In film photography, a film frame is exposed multiple times, whereas in digital photography, many cameras provide a multiple exposure function.

Techniques in the darkroom or in Photoshop can also create multiple exposure effects. But no matter the method, multiple-exposure self-portraits effects condense more information into a single image, allowing you to explore deeper messages and themes.

10. Work in black and white

Number ten in our list of self portrait ideas: black and white photography.

A black and white format can lend a unique, distraction-reducing aesthetic to a self portrait. The absence of color emphasizes contrast, drawing attention to the light-play in a photograph. Photographing a self portrait in black and white can also accentuate a unique atmospheric density, and create a more formal, thoughtful, or documentary format.

11. Experiment with reflections

Making self portraits in reflective surfaces has a few benefits:

1. The camera can be included in the photograph for added information about the subject.
2. Shooting a self portrait from behind the camera allows for easier exposure manipulation.
3. A reflective surface can incorporate the surrounding area, adding interest and context.

12. Venture into the great outdoors

Many self portraits are taken in an indoor studio setting. However, venturing into the great outdoors is a great way to expand the story! Forests, meadows, waterways, or even urban nature are versatile environments that convey context and depth. Nature-based self portraits can also indicate season, time, place, and a connection with the surrounding landscape.

13. Introduce objects

Objects have been used to complement photography since the early days of self portraiture. Many well-known photographic self portraits involve the use of items to help convey a mood or insight, such as Andy Warhol’s Polaroid self portraits of 1979. Of course, all self portraits are as unique as the photographer, but additional items can add to the overall image narrative.

14. Play with light

We’ve already discussed sculpting with light through shadows and color, but there are other ways light can be used to transform a photographic self portrait. Make use of the soft morning light spilling from a window, or experiment with light painting. Harsh light peeking through a curtain can create interesting lighting effects indoors, while natural light outdoors can introduce different temperature effects.

15. Make a photo within a photo

Making a photograph can be broken down into layers; photographing yourself as the self portrait sitter is one layer, while including a photograph inside the photograph is a way to add depth and intrigue to an image. Try incorporating polaroids of yourself, or use photographs of yourself on your phone. This adds an extra level of dimensionality and playfulness to a portrait, inviting a viewer in for closer analysis.

16. Photograph your passion

Self-portrait photography gives you the opportunity share personal perspectives and experiences. In this way, many photographers choose to include additional information about themselves in a self portrait, often in the form of conveying what they love or are passionate about. Plenty of photographers feature a camera in their self portraits, emphasizing their preferred creative methodology. Other options might include making a self portrait in nature, or shooting in an intimate home setting. Choose locations or props that provide the viewer with an insight into you as a person.

17. Experiment with objects in front of the lens

Sometimes, the addition of simple objects or tools can alter the atmosphere of an image. You can use prisms to bend the light before it reaches the camera sensor for beautifully ethereal effects. You can also try attaching stockings to the front of the lens for a dense, atmospheric effect. You might even add glad wrap and Vaseline to the camera lens to create a romantic, unfocused aesthetic.

18. Try frozen motion

We’ve already covered subject motion, but frozen motion in a self portrait can offer a compelling result. Frozen motion photography is made when a fast shutter speed captures motion and translates it into a single physical frame of movement. Action shots in sport of wildlife photography are a common example of frozen motion photography, but the technique can be applied to self portraiture, too. Set a faster shutter speed (starting at 1/250s), and use the camera timer or remote to activate the exposure once you’ve started to move.

19. Shoot a self-portrait in landscape orientation

A landscape image is wider than it is tall, while a portrait image is taller than it is wide. Portrait-orientated images are named so for a reason: they’ve been historically used for portrait photography. But capturing the essence of a person is not reserved to a portrait orientation, and you can experiment with landscape orientations for eye-catching results.

20. Photograph detail

Not all self portraits have to include a whole person, and zooming in for a closer look can reveal a lot of information. Photographing details like hands or eyes can complement full-body portraits or headshots, though they can also stand alone as an intimate portrayal of a subject’s physicality. Scars tell a story, as do wrinkles. Detailed self portraits document the stories revealed by the body over time.

21. Try framing

Framing is a common compositional device in all forms of photography. Doorways and windows are great ways to frame a self portrait, while other objects like plants, holes in objects, shadows, puddles, old keyholes, and mirrors can add depth and impact to a self portrait, too.

22. Reference other creative works

From painters to graphic designers, there are countless artists creating self portraits – and you can always draw on these images for your own photography. Some pre-shot research will undoubtedly open up creative possibilities for self portraiture, plus you can emulate and pay homage to other artist’s self portraits (or portraits) of the past.

22 self-portrait ideas: final words

Self portrait photography can be a lot of fun – so hopefully these ideas get you inspired! From sculpting with light and shadow to paying homage to past artists, self portraiture is a diverse field of photography rich with self expression and creativity.

Now over to you:

Which of these ideas is your favorite? Do you have any self-portrait ideas to share? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

The post 22 Self-Portrait Ideas to Get You Inspired appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

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dPS Weekly Photo Challenge – The Number 3

The post dPS Weekly Photo Challenge – The Number 3 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

This week’s photo challenge is “The Number 3” from one of our Facebook group members, Jayda Messer. Open to your own interpretation, “The Number 3” could be many things! Your image clearly needs to indicate or say “The number 3” in some way, shape or form.

I had NO idea what to photograph for this theme, and then spotted this little trio, thankfully not quite ripe enough for the kids to demolish, but just fine for their portrait session. Photographed with a 55mm f/1.8 in the dark, using the modelling lamp on my new Godox V806iii flash to light them.

The Number 3, what could it be? 3 people in a park? 3 cats in a tree? 3 photographic rules in one frame? (Do you even know 3 photographic rules? You can’t break them until you know them, can you!)

So put down your cup of tea, pick up your camera and go and find your photograph! “The Number 3” and then share it here on the comments of this blog post, or share it on social media and tag it #dPSNumber3 or share it in our private group. (If you haven’t already joined, join now)

Happy Shooting!

The post dPS Weekly Photo Challenge – The Number 3 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

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