SPACE

 

Space is all of the area that is filled up in a composition. Space includes the foreground, background and middle ground in an image

 

The space of an image is all made up of both positive space and negative space.Positive Space—areas occupied by the shapes or object of interest

Negative Space—empty/non-emphasized space between shapes or objects of interest...Negative Space is the technique of using elements of low impact to contrast and bring more emphasis and attention to your subject in a picture. Negative Space isn’t always a flat color, or an empty space of nothing. Its just needs to be contrast to the high impact nature of the subject. This could be a flat color, or an area of low contrast, low texture, subtle gradient, or an area of blur (bokah), etc.

This concept of space in making images is similar to how we exist as human beings. If we don’t get a balance of space and activity we can feel claustrophobic. Or if we have no balance because things are too open with no closure, we might feel lost or overwhelmed. This concept works in visual composition in much the same way. Having a balance of high and low impact activity can emphasize the subject in the photograph as well as give a natural and calming desire to the viewer.

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Space of a photograph is divided into three sections the foreground, background, and middle ground Artists use their awareness of these sections to help give their work depth.

Foreground—objects are closer, larger, often more in detail In a picture, objects low or directly in front of us are perceived as closest to us and are in the foreground. They are larger, clearer, and brighter than those “behind” them. They are often at the bottom of the composition frame (but not always)

Middle Ground—objects overlap between foreground and background. Objects at a medium distance are perceived as mid-ground; they are in the middle of the composition frame.Background—objects are distant, smaller, less detailed Objects farthest from us, in the background, they seem less clear, and their colors are less intense than those in both the foreground and middle ground. The are usually higher up in the composition frame, often at the top (but not always)

 

The Rule of Space is simply a technique that creates a sense of motion, activity or conclusion in your composition. It simply involves creating space filled with your subject balanced properly from foreground into the background with negative space that supports your composition.For example, if you place negative space outside your subjects head in a portrait, you imply maybe there is thought going on – particularly if you direct your subject’s eyes toward the negative space.

Or if you have a picture of a motorcycle zooming across the desert. Placing the negative space in front of the motorcycle creates a sense of direction or implication of eventual destination.