Mastering the Art of Blank Space in Photography

Unleashing the Power of Visual Restraint

Keith Chen
5 min readJun 11, 2023
Photo by author. Shot in North Carolina.

Photography is a medium that allows us to capture and convey emotions, tell stories, and create art through visual imagery. While subjects and objects are crucial elements in a photograph, it is the composition, lighting, and framing that truly bring an image to life. Within the realm of composition, one often overlooked yet powerful aspect is the effective use of blank space. Blank space, also known as negative space, refers to the areas within a photograph that are intentionally left empty, surrounding the main subject. When utilized thoughtfully, blank space can enhance the visual impact, draw attention to the subject, and evoke emotions in the viewer. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of utilizing blank space in photography, exploring techniques and tips to create stunning and engaging images.

Part 1: Understanding the Concept and Creating Balance

Photo by author. Shot in North Carolina.

Before we can fully explore the creative possibilities of blank space, it is important to understand its concept and the role it plays in photography composition. Blank space acts as a visual breathing space

--

--

Keith Chen
Keith Chen

Written by Keith Chen

Product manager @ Google.com, ex-Amazon; Adjunct professor @ MICA.edu and Chatham.edu; MBA from CMU.edu; Professional photographer. Language : 中文 / EN