A classic example of positive space in photography is the main subject of your image, such as a person in a portrait.
Understanding Positive Space in Photography
Based on photographic principles, positive space in a photo is defined as the subject, or subjects (there doesn't have to be just one), and other important details that stand out in a photo. It represents the main emphasis of an image, serving as the focal point that draws the viewer's eye.
Even if the subject occupies only a small portion of the frame, it is still considered the positive space because it holds the primary importance. Naturally, as all photos have a subject, all photos have positive space. It's essentially "what the photo is about."
Examples of Positive Space
The concept of positive space is straightforward – it's simply the 'stuff' you want people to look at. Here are a few common examples:
- A person in a portrait: The person is the main subject and the positive space.
- A flower in a close-up: The flower itself is the positive space, standing out from the background.
- A building in a landscape: A specific building that is the intended subject within a wider scene.
- An animal in the wild: The animal that the photographer is focusing on.
- A product in commercial photography: The item being advertised is the positive space.
The Portrait Example Explained
Let's take the example of a person in a portrait. When you view a portrait, your eyes are immediately drawn to the individual being photographed. This person is the subject – the core reason the photo was taken. They stand out from the background and are the main emphasis of the image. According to the definition, this makes the person the positive space. The areas around the person, such as a blurred background or empty wall, would typically be considered the negative space, which helps define and highlight the positive space.
Understanding positive space is crucial for composition. By effectively using positive space (your subject) in relation to negative space (the area around it), photographers can create more impactful and visually appealing images.
