On Better Photography, Series Tips On Making Better Photos
Negative Space
Negative Space
This is essentially true in any artistic composition, because it is the space around the “subject” that
defines and creates that subject - one cannot exist without the other.
What happens in this ‘other’ space will effect how the viewer reacts to your image. If this space is complex, it
needs to be structured so as to lead the viewer through it in a controlled way [remember leading lines?]. And don’
t forget shape, pattern, rhythm, color. These and other graphic elements can help structure the negative space
so it compliments a subject.
Most all the graphic elements are always present and intertwined - and they cannot be easily separated. But they
can be emphasized or minimized to your advantage, in order to create the image you want.
The simpler it is, the easier it is to control. Think, “KISS” -Keep It Simple, Stupid. To quote the authors of the Time
Life book, The Art of Photography, “For any picture, the best combination of elements will be
irreducible - the minimum that express the photographer’s sense of the subject”.
“Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better” -
Andre Gide
So, for a change, instead of focusing on the subject, concern yourself with the somethingness of this nothing
space. Let yourself go …… past the subject into what lies beyond. Let your mind travel into and explore that
nothingness. But be sure to get it back before the next deadline.
And remember, “Nothing is more real than nothing”. At least according to Samuel Beckett.
Text Glenn Pollock
defines and creates that subject - one cannot exist without the other.
What happens in this ‘other’ space will effect how the viewer reacts to your image. If this space is complex, it
needs to be structured so as to lead the viewer through it in a controlled way [remember leading lines?]. And don’
t forget shape, pattern, rhythm, color. These and other graphic elements can help structure the negative space
so it compliments a subject.
Most all the graphic elements are always present and intertwined - and they cannot be easily separated. But they
can be emphasized or minimized to your advantage, in order to create the image you want.
The simpler it is, the easier it is to control. Think, “KISS” -Keep It Simple, Stupid. To quote the authors of the Time
Life book, The Art of Photography, “For any picture, the best combination of elements will be
irreducible - the minimum that express the photographer’s sense of the subject”.
“Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better” -
Andre Gide
So, for a change, instead of focusing on the subject, concern yourself with the somethingness of this nothing
space. Let yourself go …… past the subject into what lies beyond. Let your mind travel into and explore that
nothingness. But be sure to get it back before the next deadline.
And remember, “Nothing is more real than nothing”. At least according to Samuel Beckett.
Text Glenn Pollock
Negative Space Much Ado
About “Nothing”
by
Glenn Pollock
Way back in 500 BC, Lao-tzu, said, ‘What-is, sprang
from what-is-not. It is in the spaces that there is nothing /
that the usefulness lies,”
Way now, Glenn Pollock says, “What the hell does all this
have to do with taking pictures?” Actually, quite a bit.
To quote Betty Edwards, in Drawing and the Right Side of
the Brain, “If care and attention are lavished on the negative
spaces, the forms will take care of themselves.
Equally important as the subject of a photograph is the
“nothing” space that is created around it. This is often called
“Negative Space”. The artist, M. C. Escher was a genius
when dealing with this negative space. In many of his works
the concepts of positive, negative, and subject, are almost
meaningless.
About “Nothing”
by
Glenn Pollock
Way back in 500 BC, Lao-tzu, said, ‘What-is, sprang
from what-is-not. It is in the spaces that there is nothing /
that the usefulness lies,”
Way now, Glenn Pollock says, “What the hell does all this
have to do with taking pictures?” Actually, quite a bit.
To quote Betty Edwards, in Drawing and the Right Side of
the Brain, “If care and attention are lavished on the negative
spaces, the forms will take care of themselves.
Equally important as the subject of a photograph is the
“nothing” space that is created around it. This is often called
“Negative Space”. The artist, M. C. Escher was a genius
when dealing with this negative space. In many of his works
the concepts of positive, negative, and subject, are almost
meaningless.
Photos by Rain Rodolph
Rain Rodolph Photo
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In this Better Photography Series Tips On Making
Better Photos includes use of Negative Space.
Equally important as the subject of a photograph
is the nothing space that is created around it.
This is often called Negative Space.
Better Photos includes use of Negative Space.
Equally important as the subject of a photograph
is the nothing space that is created around it.
This is often called Negative Space.
Tips On making Better Photography Series covers Tips On Making Better Photos with the use of Negative
Space
Space
This Book Takes the Mystery Out of Selling Your digital Travel Photos
Great Tips illustrated with Great Pics, October 20, 2010
(Amazon Review)
I found this book to be engaging and full of great tips and instructions. The black and
white travel photos inside are a joy to look at. I would like to see another book of his with
just the photos, printed larger and on glossy stock.
The book is divided into two sections: How to take good travel pictures, and then, How to
sell them. ....
This is the sort of handbook that you will want to buy, read and then save to refer back to
again and again.
(Amazon Review)
I found this book to be engaging and full of great tips and instructions. The black and
white travel photos inside are a joy to look at. I would like to see another book of his with
just the photos, printed larger and on glossy stock.
The book is divided into two sections: How to take good travel pictures, and then, How to
sell them. ....
This is the sort of handbook that you will want to buy, read and then save to refer back to
again and again.
It found a permanent home on my bookshelf, September 3, 2010
This book covers all aspects of selling photographs. Drawing from his own
experience as a travel writer and photographer, the author has created a
real resource for anyone who wants to have their images published. He
gives sound advice as to how to be productive creatively and walks you
through the necessary steps to getting your images to market. I highly
recommend this book to anyone who is serious about selling their
photographs.
This book covers all aspects of selling photographs. Drawing from his own
experience as a travel writer and photographer, the author has created a
real resource for anyone who wants to have their images published. He
gives sound advice as to how to be productive creatively and walks you
through the necessary steps to getting your images to market. I highly
recommend this book to anyone who is serious about selling their
photographs.
Must Have, September 27, 2010
I highly recommend this book. Easy to read and understand. Even if you are
not trying to sell your photographs this book is a must have. This book
covers all the fundamental information that you have to know on aperture
settings, filters, composition, etc. which will get you the photographs you will
be proud of and want to sell.
I highly recommend this book. Easy to read and understand. Even if you are
not trying to sell your photographs this book is a must have. This book
covers all the fundamental information that you have to know on aperture
settings, filters, composition, etc. which will get you the photographs you will
be proud of and want to sell.
Sell Your Digital Travel Photos