Composition Rules in Depth: Use Negative Space
- Gary Holpin
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Those of you who followed my series of blogs on 'The ten ingredients of great landscape photos' will know that composition comes very high up the list! Those of you who have attended any of my training courses will also know that I always teach composition as the first topic. Why? Because learning the art of composition is the most important skill for any developing photographer; in fact, simply by mastering composition, you can hugely improve your photos with any camera. It's for this reason that, in this series of blogs, we're looking in depth at the art of composition.
The ingredients of great landscape photos
Other than finding a great subject to photograph, composition is the next most important factor in any great landscape photo.
What are composition rules?
I firmly believe that understanding and improving your composition is the quickest and easiest way to improve your photos, whatever camera you use. This is why it’s the topic that I always cover first in all of my training courses, both for mobile phone users and DSLR camera users
Why do snaps so rarely do justice to a beautiful view?
I'm sure we've all stood looking at a beautiful view, pointed our camera at it and snapped the shutter, only to get home and realised that whilst the view was beautiful, the photo is just plain dull! The reason for this is that we are used to seeing with our amazing binocular vision which sees the world in in three dimensions. As soon as we lose that third dimension in creating a two- dimensional photo, this view can immediately lose its essence. Put simply, a two-dimensional representation of a beautiful view can often be boring!
So, how do we make photos of beautiful views interesting?
To make a two-dimensional landscape photo more interesting, it's necessary to use one or more tricks, to build interest into the image. In a 'point and shoot’ snap of that beautiful view, there is likely to be little to grab the interest of the viewer, and they are more than likely to glance at it and then look away (which equals boring!). Instead, to develop as a photographer, you need to move away from taking a snap and move towards composing an image which grabs the viewers’ attention, pulling them into, and through the photo. This journey forces them to look longer at the photo, and in doing so, makes it more interesting to look at.
One of the easiest ways of improving that photo is to use one or more little tricks, often called ‘composition rules’ to make the image more interesting to look at and help to do better justice to that beautiful view. Although there are loads of composition rules (just Google it and you will find hundreds!), below are a handful of what I believe are the most powerful ones to have in your mental checklist when composing a photo.
Ensure you have a focal point
Construct your frame using the rule of thirds
Utilise lead-in lines to help draw the viewer into the frame
Use layers to help give depth
Find foreground interest especially when shooting wide
Embrace symmetry
Provide a sense of scale
Use the rule of odds
Keep your edges clean
Embrace diagonals
Use negative space
Ensure balance
Over this series of blogs, we'll look in detail at each of these 'rules' to help equip you with a mental checklist for how to compose better landscapes.
Composition Rule Number 11: Use Negative Space
When it comes to landscape photography, one of the most powerful-yet often overlooked-compositional tools is negative space. This simple concept can transform your images, making them cleaner, more impactful, and visually engaging.
What Is Negative Space?
Negative space refers to the area around and between your main subject or focal point. It’s not always “empty” or plain; it can be a clear sky, a calm lake, fog, sand, or even softly textured backgrounds that don’t compete for attention with your subject. The key is that negative space gives your subject room to breathe, allowing it to stand out and giving your composition a sense of balance and calm.
Why Use Negative Space in Landscape Photography?
Highlights the Subject: By reducing visual clutter, negative space draws the viewer’s eye directly to your main subject, making it the clear focal point.
Creates Mood: Expanses of negative space can evoke feelings of solitude, tranquillity, or even drama, depending on the scene and light.
Adds Context and Scale: In landscapes, negative space can help convey the vastness of a location, making a lone tree, rock, or figure feel small and emphasising the grandeur of the environment.
Simplifies the Frame: A clean composition with well-used negative space feels more polished and professional, avoiding distractions that can dilute your visual message.
Practical Tips for Using Negative Space
Look for Simple Backgrounds: Seek out scenes with open skies, water, fog, or snow to naturally create negative space.
Position Your Subject Off-Centre: Placing your main subject away from the middle of the frame, such as along a third, can increase the amount of negative space and add interest.
Use Depth of Field: A wide aperture can blur backgrounds, turning busy details into soft, unobtrusive negative space.
Be Intentional: Don’t just leave empty space by accident. Think about how the negative space interacts with your subject and what mood it conveys.
Balance Is Key: Too much negative space can make an image feel empty, while too little can feel cluttered. Aim for a balance that supports your subject and your creative intent.
Examples in the Field
A single windswept tree against a vast, overcast sky.
A lone hiker on a ridge, dwarfed by a sea of rolling mist.
A rock or small island in the middle of a calm, reflective lake.
Final Thoughts
Embracing negative space in your compositions can elevate your landscape photography, helping your images feel more intentional, balanced, and emotionally resonant. Next time you’re out with your camera, try simplifying your frame and let your subject breathe-you might be surprised at the impact it makes.
Mastering negative space isn’t about making your photos empty; it’s about making every element count.
Want professional help improving your photography skills?
Don't forget that if you want some direct help with your photography, I offer a range of 1-2-1 photography courses for Devon based folks. If you're not nearby then I also offer residential workshops for beginner photographers or improving photographers.
About Gary Holpin Photography
As a professional photographer based in Devon, my journey began along the stunning South West Coast Path. Disappointed with my initial attempts to capture its beauty, I embarked on a second 630-mile journey, this time dedicated to mastering photography. Today, I'm a nationally acclaimed photographer with award-winning landscape photos.
I specialize in providing top-notch property photography, business photography, and drone photography services to businesses across the South West. Additionally, I offer comprehensive photography training courses tailored for both businesses and individuals. Whether you're looking to enhance your corporate image or improve your personal photography skills, my training programs are designed to help you capture stunning images.
As an award-winning and widely published photographer, I frequently share my passion for photography and Devon through engaging talks at local camera clubs and community groups. My expertise spans the entire South West region, ensuring that clients from Devon, Dorset & Somerset benefit from high-quality photography services and training.