"Photography Theory" Appropriate use of space makes the picture more profound
- ChungT.
- Feb 14
- 3 min read
Space is mainly divided into positive and negative space, three-dimensional space, foreground, middle ground, background and perspective space.
In photography, space is one of the important elements of composition, which can affect the visual effect and emotional communication of the photo. We are used to filling up the space, but removing objects from the space appropriately can make the picture more dynamic. Properly adjusting the dynamics of space can create a virtual sense of depth and distance, making the subject seem more real than it actually is.
Positive and negative space "makes the subject stand out and gives the photo more depth and feeling"
Positive Space
The area of a photo where the main object or subject is located. These objects are usually the focus of the viewer's eye. The use of positive space requires consideration of its placement and size to ensure that the subject is prominent and clear in the frame.
Negative Space
Refers to the blank areas in a photo that do not contain the subject or main object. Negative space can help emphasize your subject, provide visual resting areas, and add balance to your image. Smart use of negative space can make your subject stand out and give your photo more depth and breath.
Foreground, middle ground and background
"Make the picture more layered and enhance the emotional atmosphere"
Foreground
Elements placed in the front of the picture can be used to add a sense of depth and guide the viewer's eyes. They are often used to frame or guide the subject to make the photo more layered.
Mid-ground
Located between the foreground and background, it usually contains the main subject of the photo. The use of midground needs to be coordinated with the foreground and background to ensure the harmony of the overall picture.
Background
Elements located at the back of the picture serve to set off the subject. The background should be simple and uncluttered so as not to distract the viewer from the subject. Choosing the right background can enhance the expressiveness and emotional atmosphere of the subject.
Three-dimensional space "makes flat works look three-dimensional"
Solid space
It refers to the use of light and shadow, overlapping, size changes and other techniques to express the height, width and depth of an object, making the flat work look three-dimensional.
For example, side lighting can highlight the volume of an object, top lighting or bottom lighting can create a dramatic effect, gradient shadows can make flat objects look more real, overlapping parts of objects can create a front-and-back relationship to increase the depth of the picture, and near and far objects can set off each other to create a visual difference.
Perspective space "guides the extension outside the picture to express the sense of distance and space"
Perspective space
Refers to the use of perspective to show depth and distance. The types of perspective can be roughly divided into linear perspective, one-point perspective and aerial perspective. Show distance and depth through changes in color and clarity or by having vision converge on a vanishing point, indicating increasing distance.
Practical Application
When taking portraits, the choice of background is very important. A simple background can help your subject stand out, while using foreground elements, such as flowers or curtains, can add depth and atmosphere to your photo.
In landscape photography, the rational use of foreground, middle ground and background can create a rich sense of layering. Using converging lines to guide the line of sight can enhance the three-dimensionality and depth of the picture.
By taking advantage of the lines and shapes in a city, such as the edges of buildings, roads, and the movement of people, you can create photos that are full of movement and story.
The application of space is an art that requires constant practice and observation. Understanding and making good use of space can make your photos more expressive and emotional, and improve the overall quality of the work.
