During 2020 I ran a photography challenge over on my travel blog looking at different techniques throughout the year. I was not expecting that the year itself would prove to be a challenge in that the Covid-19 pandemic hit us and not only put paid to any travel plans, but also altered the way in which we conducted our lives. This year I am going to look at those techniques again using new photographs as and when I get the opportunity.
July was the last of the six visual keys which help to create a great photograph, being creative with space. Space is a difficult one to explain in photography. When is it too much? When is it not enough? Generally speaking it refers to the empty or negative space around your subject. Usually sky or water or some bland background. Or you might want to use positive space where the image is deliberately chaotic.
If the subject is looking away from the camera leave space for your subject to look into – this creates a sense of mystery.
The same applies in an active shot where an animal or a bird or a person is moving. This requires space to move into whether running, jumping, walking or flying. Leaving empty space creates a more dynamic scene.
Empty space can create an air of mystery. A story.
And now two beach photos. The first one uses the expanse of the sea to make the figures seem very small and once again I have deliberately aimed towards the sun to create silhouettes.
My second beach photo concentrates on the textures. of both the wave pattern and the ripples of the sand beneath the water.
Photos with high amounts of negative space are:
-
- Empty
- Subdued
- Peaceful
- Calm
- Isolated
I hope some of the above images had an effect on you.
Sometimes you don’t want to leave any space at all, the emphasis is on textures and details, a busy, crowded image with everything demanding attention. This is an example of extreme positive space.
Every part of this image attracts attention, but none stands out significantly more than the rest. It’s all positive space.
Below I wanted to fill the space with the trees even though the figure walking towards me among the bluebells is the focal point.
If you would like to have a look at the different techniques covered throughout the year then you can see them here. Please note that I am not running this as a challenge, but merely using the old one as inspiration for my photography this year.
Cornwall in Colours 
A nice collection. I particularly like the people on the beach photo.
I love taking those kind of photos.
Enjoyable read Jude. Makes photography that much more interesting.
Thanks Alison. I wanted to get out of the habit of just taking snapshots and be more mindful of what and why I was taking a photo.
🙂
These are great examples
Thanks MM.
I really love your second beach shot and the lovely blurry waves. You will, no doubt, be entering 3 favourite images. Where will you start? Airport run completed and washer on. I always feel a bit moony but it’s silly really this time as I’ll see them on Friday. Have a lovely Sunday!
It’s a wet one so I’ll be watching the games. Yes, not long until you’ll be over. Being away from family is what you give up when you live abroad, only you can know if it is worth it. You probably see them more often than I see mine. (and I’m referring to the ones in this country! 😂)
Raining oop north too but brighter later. They will be over flying yours in grey skies about now. Floors mopped and a bit of order restored. 2nd wash load in when I get my breath back 🤗💗
I’ll give them a wave ☺️
Thank you for revisiting this photo challenge. I was going to do do this in 2020 but failed – this is just what I need to find my phojo again.
Hope it helps! I’ve been a bit lacking in motivation this year too, so having something to focus on has helped.
Yes I will start today as it is 1 August here. That’s if I can stay awake. Up late last night watching the Commonwealth games!
It is quite addictive! And at least I am able to watch it in the day time.
Great examples, Jude. You do beaches very well!
Best wishes, Pete. x
And I haven’t been to one in months! Hopefully I’ll have the car fixed in the next couple of weeks or know whether to buy a new one, then we can get out and about again.
Beautiful images and a great explanation of how to make the best use of space in photographs.
Thanks Ann.
Yes, I spend time trying to find unique compositions to make the photo stand out a bit…doesn’t always work but fun to try!
Taking time over a shot definitely helps.
All these photos are so beautiful Jude, and with the technical tips you’ve included I enjoyed looking at them even more.
Thanks Carol, I am glad you enjoyed them. It’s certainly helped me to have a focus on my photography this year.
I found this so interesting. I’m still such a point and shoot photographer. Any great photos are always a fluke. I admire people like you who understand this stuff. Hopefully I’ll remember it next time I’m pointing and shooting. 😁
I’m still a point and shoot myself H. I just take longer to decide where to point before I shoot 😁
Point taken. (Ha.) So really I just need to learn patience. 😁
Exactement! 😍