In photographs as in life,what IS NOT present is as important as what IS present…

Negative Space—Breathing Room for the Soul

In photography the “what is NOT present” is called Negative Space or White Space (even though it’s often not white space).

In life the “what is NOT present” doesn’t have any particular name, but I like to call it “Breathing Room for the Soul.” I find a life with fewer things in it and fewer commitments give me breathing room that creates a richer more joyful life. This breathing room makes the things, people, and events I bring into my life even more satisfying.

In photography negative space can provide a place for the eye to rest, sometimes increasing the drama of the main subject or evoking an emotion like peace or longing.

The use of equal negative space, as a balance to positive space, in a composition is considered by many as good design. This basic, but often overlooked principle of design, gives the eye a “place to rest,” increasing the appeal of a composition through subtle means.  — Wikipedia on ‘Negative Space’

Negative space defines and emphasizes the main subject of a photo, drawing your eye to it. It provides “breathing room”, and prevents your image from appearing too cluttered with “stuff”. All of this adds up to a more engaging composition.

What art offers is space – a certain breathing room for the spirit.

               — John Updike

How can you create negative space in your photographs?

• Ignore the objects and concentrate on the gaps around them. Let your eyes rest on the “white space.” Notice how it feels, can you shift your angle or position to make it feel better?
• Ask yourself, “How simple does this want to be?”
• Try putting your camera in Black and White mode when you make your images. Seeing how something looks in black and white can help you see negative space in a new way.
• Try removing one object from your image. How does that feel? Do you want to remove another object? Keep eliminating things (by changing point of view—move up, down, left, or right, changing depth of field, using a different lens, or physically moving things out of the frame — please respect nature and do not physically remove plants or growing things) until the image reflects your vision.
• Be intentional about seeing and eliminating “clutter” in your images. Look at all four corners and edges of the image before you click the shutter.
• Take time to be present with your subject and the space around it. Presence helps you become more intentional in what you include or exclude from your photograph.

How can you create breathing room for your soul in your life?

• Let your “Yes” be a yes to what brings you true joy, not a yes to what you think you should do or be. Learn to say No to things that do not bring you joy. (Hint: listen to your body and heart more than your head if you want to truly understand what brings you joy.)
• Take time to become present and calm. This presence and calm will create breathing space for your soul. Learn to meditate.
• Limit your wants. Clear clutter out of your home and your life.
• Welcome a pet into your life and watch how your pet lives in a space of joy and presence. What can you learn from your pet?
• Spend time alone in nature. Soak in the peace and wonder of it all.

May you find breathing room for your soul…

May you walk in beauty.