This week for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge, Amy invited folks to share images of negative space in photography. Amy shared this: Negative space is the area around the main subject of your photograph. This space is empty or unoccupied. Spencer Cox at Photography Life explained it this way: Photos with high amounts of negative space are: empty, subdued, peaceful, calm, and isolated.
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Isn’t it fun to talk about negative space this week?
Here are some more thoughts to add to this rich discussion – as we all learn and grow when these themes come our way 🙂
The negative space (in a photo or printing) lets us breathe and pause – like margins in a book or like a pause during conversation – the negative space can give us some (visual) room.
However, sometimes the negative space brings us into the photo – around and into the subject, and then deeper into the composition.
Sometimes the negative space is a VERY active part of the energy and movement of the entire photo.
We all see and feel the impact of the negative space – even if we cannot put it into words.
The negative space can work with the subject and other elements to allow us to experience something – it can be calmness and peacefulness – OR it can be an engaged and “pulled in and around” vibe too.
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These next two photos remind me that a slight change to the negative space can CHANGE the energy in a photo. Let me know what you think:
Care to join in with the Lens-Artists? Here are the links:
Hi – well thanks a lot and I am learning so much this weekend with the various entries for the theme of negative space 👍🏼😊
-also – notice the flowers are rather a thin bunch – I shared half the bouquet with my cousin’s elderly neighbor ! Just had to– 😉
I think the second helicopter shot has a more calm feel because there isn’t so much else in the photo. Am I being negative? LOL! Is that your sculpture? We have some western sculptures and my parents have many of them. Happy Sunday, Yvette.
Hi Janet – not negative at all – because it is all so subjective – eh? And it is “all how we look at it” and I could change my mind next week – plus sometimes the way we “read” a photo or feel it – well we can be “primed” from our day or from what we have recently done – and so then coming to a photo can change depending on that frame of mind –
And no ma’am – that sculpture was one of maybe 25 sculptures at a hotel – they were well made
Happy Sunday to you also
Beautiful set of images of negative space, Yvette. Well captured and explained that help us appreciate these beautiful images of the flower arrangement, sculpture, old building, and helicopter.
Hi – cheers to the flowers and I loved your pro tips for food photos – that was really well
Done!
And a top tip for me was
Pick good surfaces what’s under the plate matters, while marble, wood and fabric are great, you’re concreate patio could be even better”
And would just add to maybe even think about using signature backdrops or signature vibes to develop identify and brand – or not
– but thanks for sharing the link
Very cool choices for this challenge. In the flower photo, I think the negative space is more accented in the second shot. Cropping is a great tool for images like this. It can change the whole vibe of the photo. The helicopter one can be cropped so many ways!
Thanks so much and appreciate the feedback – seems many folks like the second photo of the flowers better as well
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And I am not that into cropping but sounds like you have a lot of experience with it
Great teaching post Yvette. I like the flowers better in the first post. It seemed more impressive. I preferred the second helicopter shot. I think the building detracted from the first shot. I loved the explanation of the shadow on the wall being part of the negative space. Great post. 🙂
Thanks Marsha – your comment was nice to read – and I keep learning so much but it is also fun to share a few things I have picked up over the years.
I know smthe helicopter shits were not very different – but I guess we can all see things a bit different and maybe accentuate small parts – hope your week is going well
In cropping the two vases of flowers, I have to tell you that what stood out for me was seeing that flower head drooping and I couldn’t seem to get past that image to see beneath it. The upclose helicopter was unique but my favorite was the flowers.
Thanks Linda
And I was truly just exploring – I know the helicopter photos are not that different at all!
And the droopy flower cathedral my eye too! The flowers also make me smile because getting back in touch with a cousin – someone I did not connect with since late 80s – that was really special
The photo of the vase has so much to say. The color, the wallpaper, the fresh flowers
among the drying ones. I enjoyed viewing them all but that one stayed in my mind.
Have a great day … Be Safe
Isadora 😎
From now on this is going to make me think more about what isn’t in the photo. Framing the subject with virtual nothingness. Maybe I already do it – sub-consciously. I’ll check out my pictures.
“Ruffled feathers and endless squawking over a minor difficulty is typical of a crow’s life. I lean back on the counter and realize that could be my line….”
Yes, I agree with you about the last two shots, Yvette. Looks like someone dropped a brown paper bag in front of that building. 😦
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Ha! I know – the litter! Need to go and pick that up. And thanks for the comment about the last two shots 😉
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I enjoyed your explanations of the negative space, Yvette. I love your flowers – lucky you!
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Hi – well thanks a lot and I am learning so much this weekend with the various entries for the theme of negative space 👍🏼😊
-also – notice the flowers are rather a thin bunch – I shared half the bouquet with my cousin’s elderly neighbor ! Just had to– 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the second helicopter shot has a more calm feel because there isn’t so much else in the photo. Am I being negative? LOL! Is that your sculpture? We have some western sculptures and my parents have many of them. Happy Sunday, Yvette.
janet
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Hi Janet – not negative at all – because it is all so subjective – eh? And it is “all how we look at it” and I could change my mind next week – plus sometimes the way we “read” a photo or feel it – well we can be “primed” from our day or from what we have recently done – and so then coming to a photo can change depending on that frame of mind –
And no ma’am – that sculpture was one of maybe 25 sculptures at a hotel – they were well made
Happy Sunday to you also
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I was joking about me being negative, as “negative” is the word of the week. 😂🤭🥰
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Got it -dear uplifting one – in all the time we have Ben blog friends I ha e never felt you negative or grumpy – just genuine and kind
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I try to be that way. Of course, it doesn’t always work, but… 🙂
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😊
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Beautiful set of images of negative space, Yvette. Well captured and explained that help us appreciate these beautiful images of the flower arrangement, sculpture, old building, and helicopter.
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Any – thanks so much and such a wonderful theme this week – I can’t wait to go and learn more from other bloggers –
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I’m so glad this theme works for you. I really have learned so much from our participates. Thank you for your support,Yvette. It means a lot to me. 🙂
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As Schwarzenegger once said, “Get to the choppah!”. I dig both of those pics, but I think the first one a bit more.
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Hahaha
Laughing with the choppa line
I sorta like
“Sarah Conner?”
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Connah. Sarah Connah . . Must be tominated! LOL
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Hahaha – love your wit!
And actually the other line that came to mind was “F**k you A**hole”
With the accent
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Need that accent. 😉
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Ha!
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LOL
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Fun exploration of the topic Yvette. I must admit I Prefer the flowers without the dresser tho!!
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Thanks Ruth
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The helicopter shot is a good use of negative space, Yvette.
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Thanks Jane
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Wonderful post.
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Thanks Rupali
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Love your flowers, especially, Yvette! And the helicopter ones are special too.
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Thanks Leya
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I like the flowers without the dresser.
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Thanks YC – seems a few others prefer that one too
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Nice cropping on those last two photos. The cropping made it more interesting.
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Hi Tcast – thanks
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I real love that vase, and great photography tips. You may enjoy this post Food Photography
https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2020/06/10/food-photography-add-instragm/
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Hi – cheers to the flowers and I loved your pro tips for food photos – that was really well
Done!
And a top tip for me was
Pick good surfaces what’s under the plate matters, while marble, wood and fabric are great, you’re concreate patio could be even better”
And would just add to maybe even think about using signature backdrops or signature vibes to develop identify and brand – or not
– but thanks for sharing the link
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool choices for this challenge. In the flower photo, I think the negative space is more accented in the second shot. Cropping is a great tool for images like this. It can change the whole vibe of the photo. The helicopter one can be cropped so many ways!
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Thanks so much and appreciate the feedback – seems many folks like the second photo of the flowers better as well
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And I am not that into cropping but sounds like you have a lot of experience with it
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You’re welcome. Yes I love cropping 🙂
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The flowers are beautiful!!
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Thanks Norah
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I am sure lots of people would enjoy and learn from the explanations of each photo. Well done Yvette 😀😀
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Thanks BB – and I love sharing My subjective musings – ha – and also still learning so much And blogging keeps me informed more and more
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Keep writing and sharing Yvette 🙂
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😊
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Great teaching post Yvette. I like the flowers better in the first post. It seemed more impressive. I preferred the second helicopter shot. I think the building detracted from the first shot. I loved the explanation of the shadow on the wall being part of the negative space. Great post. 🙂
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Thanks Marsha – your comment was nice to read – and I keep learning so much but it is also fun to share a few things I have picked up over the years.
I know smthe helicopter shits were not very different – but I guess we can all see things a bit different and maybe accentuate small parts – hope your week is going well
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Small parts are the best. Have a great weekend, Yvette. 🙂
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🙂
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You, too, Yvette. 🙂
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I like the flowers best.
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Hi Dawn – for some reason the flowers are a reader fav today!! Thanks for the comment and hope your week is going well
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Love the image of the flowers, Yvette!
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Thanks Sue
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In cropping the two vases of flowers, I have to tell you that what stood out for me was seeing that flower head drooping and I couldn’t seem to get past that image to see beneath it. The upclose helicopter was unique but my favorite was the flowers.
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Thanks Linda
And I was truly just exploring – I know the helicopter photos are not that different at all!
And the droopy flower cathedral my eye too! The flowers also make me smile because getting back in touch with a cousin – someone I did not connect with since late 80s – that was really special
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That was a special connection after all those years Yvette … the droopy flower … our eyes were drawn to it.
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🙂
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Excellent examples. LOVE those flowers!
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Thank you John
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Thanks for visiting and following my blog. Love your photos.
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Glad to connect and meet you via the lens-artists challenge – I like your photography a lot
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The photo of the vase has so much to say. The color, the wallpaper, the fresh flowers
among the drying ones. I enjoyed viewing them all but that one stayed in my mind.
Have a great day … Be Safe
Isadora 😎
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A nice shot. I love helicopters! They are sag o awesome for an early morning island hopping. Happy Saturday!
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Oh wow – the island hopping sounds pretty amazing! and what a luxury – thanks for the visit AOC!!
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Have a wonderful safe and blessed week! ☕️🌺☕️🙏
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You too
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From now on this is going to make me think more about what isn’t in the photo. Framing the subject with virtual nothingness. Maybe I already do it – sub-consciously. I’ll check out my pictures.
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Hi – I bet you do a lot of things without realizing it – and it can be so fun when we see more of this in our work – thanks for the visit and comment
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