Erik, you did a beautiful job of writing and explaining your thoughts on negative space. As a fellow photographer, I often think about these concepts, especially space in general. In music, the pause may be just as, or more important than the note played, a place for the mind to rest. In photography, you eliminate all but what is essential in the composition. How poetry often allows for pause and reflection.
I'm sure I have some photographic examples of negative space. If can find a good example of negative space I'll send it along.
I hadn't even considered music, but you are exactly right. It's so apparent when you look (or listen)! I really like how you phrase 'a place for the mind to rest.' So true. And I would love to see some of your photos! Thanks!
We all need a place for our minds to rest! I'll see what I can find in photos when I get back to my desktop. I primarily look for simplicity when I photograph. A clear/obvious subject with the least distractions. Easier said than done.
Wonderful words Erik. I can see where your thoughts have taken you in the pursuit of identifying negative space. You have really given me something to think about. Thank you for that.
Thanks, I get very self conscious about sharing poems!
The tunnel is an interesting place. Its called Stumphouse Tunnel in South Carolina. Its an unfinished railroad tunnel that was dug by hand before the Civil War. You can walk 1/4 mile back before it just ends.
Have you ever noticed a song that sticks out because, for a split second, all sound stops? When it returns, it does so with a real impact. I tend to notice it in songs.
Some speakers use negative space. If you are ever in a meeting, and you get asked a question in front of a group, an extra long pause gives your answer more weight. I use that one myself, and I pause to follow one breath in and out. It makes a difference because everyone stops and focuses on what you're saying instead of whatever they are doing in their heads.
Ah, the dramatic pause! Perfect example! Music was mentioned in an earlier comment. I didn't really think about it while writing this post, but the negative space in it is so apparent when you look for it!
I was a graphic designer and illustrator before I became a photographer (and all the other things) and negative space was always very important to me in terms of improving readability of text and titles and of drawing the eye towards areas of focus or around the page. I still use the same concepts now in photography and in other areas of life where I can - others have said it already, but often the things you are not doing are just as important as the things that you are. Great work Erik!
This is so true! The difficulty lies in seeing and appreciating the things undone, unspoken, or not shown and asking why. Its a new skill development for me!
A very thought provoking article Erik and I really enjoyed the images and the poem.
I think what we choose to omit in our images is just as important as what we include. Negative space is the mystery that makes images intriguing. I think it's inclusion is important but I have never really analysed it so deeply. You have given me something fascinating to think about 🙂
You just highlighted something I didn't really touch on in the post and am only now starting to think more about. Its the CHOOSING to omit that lets us work with negative space! What do we omit and why? Haha, fuel for another article! Thanks, Gill!!
Composer John Cage used a lot of negative space in his work, his piece 4’33” being the most famous example! His book Silence has a lot of philosophy and musings on negative space if you’d like to read more about it.
Great post Erik. These days we rush to fill the negative space with noise - as if the worst thing would be to caught with nothing but our own thoughts. And such as evocative poem - I have had those exact thoughts!
Erik, you did a beautiful job of writing and explaining your thoughts on negative space. As a fellow photographer, I often think about these concepts, especially space in general. In music, the pause may be just as, or more important than the note played, a place for the mind to rest. In photography, you eliminate all but what is essential in the composition. How poetry often allows for pause and reflection.
I'm sure I have some photographic examples of negative space. If can find a good example of negative space I'll send it along.
I hadn't even considered music, but you are exactly right. It's so apparent when you look (or listen)! I really like how you phrase 'a place for the mind to rest.' So true. And I would love to see some of your photos! Thanks!
We all need a place for our minds to rest! I'll see what I can find in photos when I get back to my desktop. I primarily look for simplicity when I photograph. A clear/obvious subject with the least distractions. Easier said than done.
Simplicity can be the highest form of mastery!
Wonderful words Erik. I can see where your thoughts have taken you in the pursuit of identifying negative space. You have really given me something to think about. Thank you for that.
I really appreciate that Gaz! I feel like I'm just scratching the surface of these concepts.
Indeed!
Aside from all the usual beauty in your words and images, that poem was chilling.
And that photo of the black tunnel with the light at the end. Beautiful. I'm saving the video to watch on my big screen this afternoon.
Thanks, I get very self conscious about sharing poems!
The tunnel is an interesting place. Its called Stumphouse Tunnel in South Carolina. Its an unfinished railroad tunnel that was dug by hand before the Civil War. You can walk 1/4 mile back before it just ends.
I hear the use of negative space.
Have you ever noticed a song that sticks out because, for a split second, all sound stops? When it returns, it does so with a real impact. I tend to notice it in songs.
Some speakers use negative space. If you are ever in a meeting, and you get asked a question in front of a group, an extra long pause gives your answer more weight. I use that one myself, and I pause to follow one breath in and out. It makes a difference because everyone stops and focuses on what you're saying instead of whatever they are doing in their heads.
Ah, the dramatic pause! Perfect example! Music was mentioned in an earlier comment. I didn't really think about it while writing this post, but the negative space in it is so apparent when you look for it!
I was a graphic designer and illustrator before I became a photographer (and all the other things) and negative space was always very important to me in terms of improving readability of text and titles and of drawing the eye towards areas of focus or around the page. I still use the same concepts now in photography and in other areas of life where I can - others have said it already, but often the things you are not doing are just as important as the things that you are. Great work Erik!
This is so true! The difficulty lies in seeing and appreciating the things undone, unspoken, or not shown and asking why. Its a new skill development for me!
A very thought provoking article Erik and I really enjoyed the images and the poem.
I think what we choose to omit in our images is just as important as what we include. Negative space is the mystery that makes images intriguing. I think it's inclusion is important but I have never really analysed it so deeply. You have given me something fascinating to think about 🙂
You just highlighted something I didn't really touch on in the post and am only now starting to think more about. Its the CHOOSING to omit that lets us work with negative space! What do we omit and why? Haha, fuel for another article! Thanks, Gill!!
I shall look forward to reading it Erik. 🙂
Composer John Cage used a lot of negative space in his work, his piece 4’33” being the most famous example! His book Silence has a lot of philosophy and musings on negative space if you’d like to read more about it.
Oh absolutely! I'm looking him up and adding the book to my list! Thank you!
Words not written or spoken, just like the act of looking away, tell the truth most clearly. Love your comments on negative space…
Thanks Karen! This is such a deep concept. I feel like I'm only just beginning to understand it.
Great post Erik. These days we rush to fill the negative space with noise - as if the worst thing would be to caught with nothing but our own thoughts. And such as evocative poem - I have had those exact thoughts!
That is such a great point about rushing to fill the space! I know I am guilty of it often. Thanks!