Photography Composition :: Simplification and Negative Space

theartofphotography.tv
/ tedforbes
/ tedforbes
In this video we will talk about 2 concepts for visual composition, simplification and negative space.
Simplification is the reduction of elements in the composition to only what is necessary for the picture. Its a concept very difficult for photographers for a number of reasons. If you are creating the art - in other words, you are drawing or painting, its more natural not to add things to the composition that aren't important. But as photographers - particularly if you're not in a studio, we don't have the ability often to physically remove objects from what we are photographing. This means sometimes you have to reconsider your angle, point of view or any number of changes to the way you're shooting that will interrupt your normal process. This can be quite difficult.
For example, if you're shooting a landscape and there is a street light in the frame, the light might be more distracting to the composition than needed. This is an obvious example, but say you're doing architectural work. Are there chairs in the composition? Do they need to be there? Is their placement complementing what you are trying to say with the image? Simplification is pairing down subjects to only the essential.
Its worth noting that this sounds like minimalism. While reducing elements is a big part of minimalism, it doesn't imply that your photograph is minimalist. On the base level, it simply means that everything in the composition is there to serve a purpose and no element is distracting.
The second technique we'll cover in this video is "negative space". Negative space is simply areas of low texture or activity that contrast the subject and allow it to "breathe". This is very natural to how we exist as humans. Being in a situation that's too crowded can make us feel stifled or claustrophobic. Images are similar. We create interest by allowing things room. This also creates impact and gives importance to subjects that contrast this negative space. Negative space can be simple backgrounds, skies, flat colors, black, white, etc.
These techniques are quite simple, but they are both surprisingly difficult to get a handle on - particularly for photographers.

[@TXGRunner]

Over 400k views, only 113 comments. I think there is a real hunger for this type of content. It might not be as popular as latest gear reviews, but it is much more valuable, and timeless.

[@theartofphotography]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@Kyle592]

Can you bring back videos like this please? I loved the theory and artist videos from the early days.

[@ne0ne0]

Knowing your stuff is one thing, but being able to communicate it to others is what separates the real great teachers. Thank you Ted, for all your great videos on so many subjects. You are very inspirational to me!

[@cloudstepper11]

Just recently became much more interested in photography, purchased some adequate gear, and started doing some learning. Imagine my surprise when I found that a lot of photographers are trying to learn what I've been doing most of my life, which is composing drawings and paintings. There are some great art books that are available for composition studies, such as anything about the old masters (Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, etc.), and a little book by Molly Bang called "How Pictures Work." Also, anything by Steve Huston (his book or his video lessons....be careful! You may become so excited that you spend more time drawing and painting than taking photos. He's THAT good.) Also, watching Feng Zhu paint on his KZbin channel demonstrates a lot of great rules of composition.

[@stevenbudd3725]

So much of You Tube photography content is 'video pulp', shot through with waffle and indifferent presentation. Yours is the polar opposite - professional, articulately expressed and compelling. Top drawer stuff.

[@adambaileyshow361]

I just gotta say I’m pretty new to the photography field and these videos are cheaper and easier to listen to than a college course. Invaluable.

[@nellia2097]

Completely binging these videos! I love the balance of education and pure entertainment of looking at all the amazing photography classics.

[@GallaghersGrub]

Thank you, Ted. The Stravinsky cropping at the end is so cool.

[@CAMROSS67]

hmmm, just happened upon this video and your other one about the rule of odds today.there are a great many videos on YT to show me how to master HDR, or this or that technique in Lightroom,

[@aleksanderchamielec1683]

Thank you Ted! I've never had better photography classes in the architecture school that I have attended. There is some real value in your videos that is way beyond 'another yt video about photography'. Best!

[@RichardSilvius]

Videos about design language in photography are so rare in comparison to other subjects... this video is a little gold nugget. Thank you Ted!!!

[@geraldkokra2270]

watching your videos really makes me feel like im in a college class for photography ! its great thank you

[@katferments]

I just came across your channel today and I absolutely LOVE it. You have amazing content. These are exactly the kind of things I want to learn about. And you're also good at explaining.

[@soulshipconnection]

As a new photographer, I found this video very inspiring and informational. I, now, have some great photographers to study and model after. Thank you for this gem! Also, wow...this video was made almost a decade ago. I love youtube for making this platform available.

[@jadeforest4441]

Dear Ted F, I am back again and learning more, could not sleep, because I want to hear your lecture again today, loving all the lessons! I m not on the street tonight :-)

[@ryans_life]

I loveeeeeeeeee your channel Ted. Your videos have, and will continue to stand, the test of time. While I have been familiar with your newest videos for some time now, only recently have I discovered the rich treasure trove of your older work. Brilliant lessons, thanks and blessings from London.

[@Eyesofpeso]

10 years ago amazing video quality, & amazing content!

[@RohanGillett]

I saw figure to ground relationships on another channel recently, which got me interested in it. Your explanation was the icing on the cake. And it was good to hear about negative space. Some of the examples you let us see, were pretty incredible (especially that Arnold Newman picture). If you ever have the time/inclination I would love to see a new version of this topic. These older videos are very well-worth watching probably don't get into top area of many recommended watching lists anymore which is very sad.

[@cinevit]

Such a great resource of photographic knowledge. Thanks for sharing it. Even I knew some of these concepts, this is really refreshing for me.