A lot of landscape photography tends to be maximal, using intricate collections of elements in the frame to create lush balances that convey the grandeur of scenes at least partially through their sheer overwhelming nature. Of course, that is not the only way to approach the craft, however. Embracing negative space can help provide more balance in your images. This great video tutorial features an experienced landscape photographer discussing negative space and how to apply it to photos.
Coming to you from Alister Benn of Expressive Photography, this insightful video tutorial discusses the use of negative space in landscape photography. I am a big fan of the use of negative space. We often think very additively in landscape photography, and this can lead to very complex photos. However, aiming for simpler, more direct images can often give your subject more impact, and one of the most straightforward ways to do this is to focus on creating negative space around your subject that gives it a little space to breathe. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Benn.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out "Photographing The World 1: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing with Elia Locardi."
To me, negative space is like the space between the notes in music. Ask any music major or true artist and they will tell you that the most powerful part of the song, the most dynamic, comes in the space between the notes. If feels very similar to me with negative space in photography. Seeing all the powerful 'empty' before you find that 'positive' image.
With all due respect, but this video does NOT teach you "how to use negative space in landscape photography", and it doesn't "discuss the use of it". What it does is discuss the term "negative space". It's a very good video, but it doesn't do what it is advertised to do