It’s easy to assume that, to achieve maximum impact, the subject should fill the frame. While this approach can certainly create bold and eye-catching nature photographs, it rarely produces the strongest, most stimulating compositions. By including a degree of negative space around your subject, you can capture a far more compelling, harmonious image, and one that conveys more about the subject and its environment.
What is negative space?
Put simply, negative space is the area of the image that is not occupied by the subject. When photographing wildlife, it’s tempting to focus attention solely on the subject, overlooking the importance of the empty space around it. However, when used correctly, negative space can create far more aesthetically pleasing compositions, helping to create a sense of context, scale, or even isolation.…