Photo Friday - The Art of Empty Space: How to Make Your Subject Pop in Photography

Frame your subject with empty space

Notice how the subject is framed by white and empty space

Notice how I could have moved just enough so the right arm did not “touch” the pole

One of the most overlooked—and most powerful—tools in photography isn’t fancy gear, perfect lighting, or dramatic editing. It’s empty space.

Also known as negative space, it’s the intentional use of blank or unoccupied areas in a photo to give your subject room to breathe. And believe me, after 40 years of teaching photography, I can say with confidence: learning to see empty space is one of the most important mindset shifts for beginners and pros alike.

We’ve all been tempted to fill every inch of the frame—cramming in background details, textures, and colors like we’re telling the whole story at once. But here’s the truth: what you leave out is just as important as what you include.

What Is Empty Space in Photography?

Empty space doesn’t have to be literal nothingness. It can be:

• A soft, out-of-focus sky

• A stretch of sand or pavement

• A blank wall

• A field of color or texture that doesn't compete with your subject

It’s visual breathing room—and when used with intention, it draws the eye right where you want it to go.

Why It Works

Using negative space:

• Emphasizes your subject

• Simplifies the story

• Creates mood or emotion (think isolation, serenity, contemplation)

• Adds a modern, editorial feel

Want your viewer to instantly “get” your image? Give your subject the stage.

How to Use It Effectively

Here are a few quick teaching tips I give my students:

1. Move your feet – Find an angle where distractions fall away.

2. Use shallow depth of field – Blur the background so your subject stands out.

3. Place your subject off-center – The rule of thirds + negative space = magic.

4. Look for calm backgrounds – Walls, skies, water, sand, fields, or monochrome textures work beautifully.

One of My Newest Examples

This artwork in the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh begged me to photograph it. I walked all around the sculpture, evaluating exactly the perfect angle to separate it from the background. The challenges included people moving through the background and around the art, as well as the light in the background.

A Photo Challenge for You

This week, I challenge you to shoot with space in mind. Frame your subject with intention. Let it breathe. Let it pop.

And if you’re feeling bold, share your favorite “empty space” image in the comments or tag me on social. I’d love to see how you make space work for you.

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Takeaways

1. Examine your subject from all angles to determine if you can effectively isolate it from the background.

2. Find the best position to stand, sit, or lie down to capture the picture.

3. Look around the entire room to “see” everything.

4. Consider both stationary and moving objects (such as people).

5. Decide whether the image should be vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape).

Did this help you see the technique I used to separate the subject from the background? Let me know your thoughts.

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Photo Friday is a weekly critique of a photograph I captured. I discuss elements like composition, lighting, and color balance so you learn how I “see” and pick up tips to improve your images. If you'd like to participate, please send me one of your photos, and I'll review it in a post on Photo Friday.

Read last week’s Photo Friday. It’s about…removing unwanted objects in Lightroom.