I like that we always learn through LAPC challenges. This week, Patti has taught me the difference between negative and empty space. She challenges us to post images where the empty space draws the viewer’s eyes to the subject, conveys a mood, or creates a more dramatic scene. I’m not sure my images are moody or dramatic, but they bring me joy and serenity.

First, let’s look at how plain blue sky creates an empty space that accentuates the birds I captured. I do tend to crop in, almost too much, but the idea is still there.

The same goes for water. Sandhill Cranes are usually mid-way in fields and difficult to photograph with my maxed out 300 mm reach. But these were in nice blue water. Did I get lucky? The blue empty space helped create enough of a contrast, helping to sharpen the cranes.

I like landscapes. As a compositional tool, I try to find something that will lead the viewer through the image. The grass area, pulls you into the trees, creating a pathway through the image.

Man can copy nature by building roads or pathways that take you across rivers on bridges. Cement provides the empty space that draws us in.

Back to nature, this family is enjoying some empty space at the river’s edge provided by this sandy beach.

A field and blue-sky accent these wind turbines. It also helps that the field has crop lines that lead your eyes into the picture.

My last picture is a sunset that is dominated by a sky leading us down to the setting sun. We then follow through to the reflection in the water.

Thank you, Patti, for teaching us a very useful compositional technique. When you respond to this challenge, please remember to link to Patti’s original post and use the Len’s-Artists tag in the reader. I enjoyed seeing all your ups and downs as you responded to guest host James’ post. He taught us another great tool. Next week, it’s Amy will be leading the challenge with “Unique.”

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info. 

39 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #277: Empty Spaces”

  11. What a wonderful collection, Anne. Your bird images are spectacular. So are the sunset and the wind turbines. I also appreciate your feedback on empty space vs. negative space. So helpful. Thank you!!

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  13. Yes I love learning more about photography through these challenges too, and I hadn’t previously considered that negative space and empty space weren’t quite the same! You have some lovely examples but the wind turbines shot is my absolute favourite!

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  15. Outstanding post, Anne. I love the way you walked us into your photos and detailed how and why you chose them. The grass leading the viewer through the trees is a favorite. In fact, it appears to take us to a bench or a picnic table in the distance. The sunset is spectacular, and the simplicity of the wind turbines is a stellar example of empty space. Yes… I think we always learn with the challenges. Great post, great variations, Anne.

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