30+ Beautiful Examples of Negative Space in Portrait Photography

Negative space is a powerful compositional tool in portrait photography. By using negative space effectively, photographers can create stunning and dynamic images that draw the viewer’s attention to the subject of the photo. In this article, we’ll showcase over 30 examples of negative space in portrait photography across different genres, including architecture, black and white, dark backgrounds, clear skies, sunset, skies and clouds, silhouette, edge of the world, and natural scenery.

Negative Space with Architecture

Architecture can be a great backdrop for portrait photography, and when used with negative space, it can create stunning images. One example is a photo of a couple standing in front of a modern skyscraper. The negative space around the couple highlights their presence and creates a sense of grandeur in the image. Another example is a portrait of a model posing in front of a historic building, with the negative space accentuating the building’s intricate details.

Photo by Afonso Godinho (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Casa da Música in Porto Portugal
Photo by Yin and Yang Studio (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at SF City Hall in San Francisco, CA USA
Photo by Jeroen Savelkouls (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Waalbrug in Nijmegen The Netherlands

Black and White Negative Space Photos

Black and white negative space photos can evoke a sense of mystery and mood. One example is a portrait of a person standing in a tunnel, with the negative space emphasizing the tunnel’s leading lines. Another example is a portrait of a person sitting on a bench, with the negative space around them creating a sense of solitude.

Photo by Laurentiu Nica (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at in Romania
Photo by Nat Orce (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Val d’Orcia in Tuscany Italy
Photo by Nat Orce (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Point Reyes in Bay Area, California USA
Photo by Tove Lundquist (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Vånevik in Oskarshamn Sweden
Photo by Natasha Lamalle (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Meridian Hill Park in Washington DC USA

Negative Space with Dark Backgrounds

Negative space with dark backgrounds can create a dramatic and intense effect. One example is a portrait of a person with dark clouds in the background, with the negative space around them enhancing the ominous atmosphere. Another example is a portrait of a person with a black background, with the negative space emphasizing the subject’s expression and emotion.

Photo by Courtland Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Barcelo, Aruba in Aruba, Caribbean Aruba
Photo by Magda Moiola (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lago di Pusiano in Lecco Italy
Photo by Mauricio Urena (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at El Castillo Country Club in San Rafael, Heredia Costa Rica

Negative Space with Clear Skies

Clear skies provide an excellent opportunity to use negative space in portrait photography. One example is a portrait of a person standing in an open field with a clear blue sky in the background, with the negative space around the person highlighting their presence. Another example is a portrait of a person standing on a beach with a vast ocean in the background, with the negative space creating a sense of serenity.
Photo by Kristin Cheatwood (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Little Mulberry Park in Dacula, GA USA
Photo by Kivus and Camera (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina United States
Photo by Larsen Photo Co (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Arapaho National Forest in Colorado USA

Negative Space in Sunset

Negative space in sunset photography can create stunning and warm images. One example is a portrait of a person standing in front of a vibrant orange and pink sky, with the negative space around them accentuating their silhouette. Another example is a portrait of a person standing on a beach with a fiery sunset in the background, with the negative space enhancing the warm colors of the sky.

Photo by JCM Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Myrtle Beach, SC in Myrtle Beach, SC United States
Photo by Andy Sidders Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Coombe Hill in Buckinghamshire England
Photo by 4 Eyes Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Horseshoe Canyon in Alberta Canada
Photo by Andreas Pollok (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at BUrg Ravensburg in Sulzheim Germany
Photo by Lazzat Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Royal Crest Room in St. Cloud, FL USA

Negative Space with Skies and Clouds

Skies and clouds can provide a unique opportunity to use negative space in portrait photography. One example is a portrait of a person standing in front of a dramatic stormy sky, with the negative space around them emphasizing the contrast between the subject and the sky. Another example is a portrait of a person standing in front of a fluffy white cloud, with the negative space creating a sense of lightness and joy.
Photo by Jessie and Dallin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Sleepy Ridge in Orem, UT USA
Photo by Jindrich Nejedly (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Brno in Brno Czech Republic
Photo by Michelle Arlotta (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Bear Brook Valley in New Jersey United States
Photo by In Love and Adventure (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Public Lands, Colorado in Breckenridge, Colorado USA
Photo by Katinov Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Salt Flats Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah United States

Negative Space with Silhouette

Negative space with silhouette photography can create striking and powerful images. One example is a portrait of a person standing in front of a bright orange sunset, with the negative space around them creating a striking silhouette. Another example is a portrait of a person standing on a bridge with a city skyline in the background, with the negative space accentuating the subject’s shape.

Photo by Dan Dalstra (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at White Sands National Monument in Alamogordo, New Mexico USA
Photo by Creando Fotos (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at in San Antonio, Texas USA
Photo by SMJ Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at White Cliffs of Conoy in Marietta, PA USA

Negative Space at the Edge of the World

Negative space at the edge of the world can create a sense of vastness and awe. One example is a portrait of a person standing on a mountain peak with a vast landscape in the background, with the negative space emphasizing the subject’s smallness in comparison. Another example is a portrait of a person standing on the edge of a cliff with an endless ocean in the background, with the negative space creating a sense of danger and thrill.
Photo by Sean Thurston (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia USA
Photo by Shane Trotter (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lake Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada United States
Photo by Zack Bradley (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Black Balsam Knob – Blue Ridge Parkway in Canton, North Carolina United States

Negative Space in Natural Scenery

Lastly, negative space in natural scenery can create a sense of peace and harmony. One example is a portrait of a person standing in front of a serene lake, with the negative space around them creating a sense of tranquility. Another example is a portrait of a person standing in a field of flowers, with the negative space emphasizing the beauty of nature.
Photo by Lets Make a Memory (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lancaster in Lancaster, CA USA
Photo by Vow of the Wild (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah USA
Photo by Geoff Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Railway Museum of Atenas in Alajuela, Atenas Costa Rica

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of negative space in portrait photography can create powerful and captivating images. By using negative space in creative ways, such as with architecture, black and white photos, dark backgrounds, clear skies, sunsets, skies and clouds, silhouettes, at the edge of the world, and in natural scenery, photographers can create images that are both beautiful and memorable. The key to using negative space effectively is to balance it with the subject, allowing them to stand out and be the focal point of the image.