rule of third versus negative space

[thegrump]

rule of third versus negative space, What is the definition of each or What is the difference.

[ricktas]

The rule of thirds (which is not a rule at all, but rather a guide) is based on dividing your view into a tic-tac-toe like grid and placing significant components of the scene on the lines of the grid, and in particular on the intersections of the lines.

Negative space is about space in the view that is not really the main focus of the image. It is the darkness surrounding a face in a dark shadowy portrait, it is the vastness of blue on a desert scene where the orange sand-dunes and spinifex are the subject. By itself, the negative space adds nothing really to the shot, but when looked at as a whole, the space creates 'atmosphere' and often intensifies the way the subject is seen, when the image is viewed as a whole. Negative space can be used to force the viewer to look at the subject more intently as it, in itself is not that interesting, so it makes the viewer focus more on what the photographer wants them too.

I would say the rule of thirds is easier to achieve, line things up on the imaginary tic-tac-toe grid and voila, rule of thirds achieved. Negative space can be harder to do well, cause too much or too little of it impacts the outcome, its very much about balance. Too much negative space and the subject becomes to minuscule in the scene. To little and the negative space, is not really negative space anymore.

Hope that helps. Mostly my opinion, rather than a specific definition.

[ameerat42]

Well:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=r...OaLM8gf_3oqYDQ
of which a digital dissertation is:
http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/
and a more general discussion is:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

And then for:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=r...negative+space
a good definition is:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negative_space

And for both, lots of other examples abound.

_{(--Which is interesting, because I thought it was something they made up for Star Trek)}

[Glenda]

Check out the photo manipulation thread - Tandeejay has posted a pelican photo which is a good example of negative space.

[thegrump]

Thanks Lplates....I am having trouble differentiating between them. This Pelican could also come under the rule of thirds, could it not. The only difference I can see is the the rule of thirds uses the tic tac toe layout, where in the negative space, the main subject is surrounded by nothing. Is the picture below rule of thirds or negative space or both.

DSC_3026axx.JPG

[Glenda]

I'd say the image above is both. In the pelican image the bird is slightly left of the rule of thirds so more like the lines drawn for the golden ratio.

[tandeejay]

Rule of thirds is about where the subject is placed. Negative space is about what is (or isn't) in the space left by the subject placement in the rule of thirds. or at least that is how I interpret the 2 guidelines. Basically they can complement each other. When I was cropping the pelican photo, I did not consider the rule of thirds. I just adjusted the crop until I thought the amount of negative space felt about right. Others may think I've left too much space or cropped too tight, but that's the subjective nature of our art form if your entering in a comp, find out what the judge likes and work to that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[thegrump]

Good, simple explanation. for a simpleton like me. Thanks tandeejay

[ameerat42]

TG. Here's a pictorial illustration of the phenomenon

Negative Space (A treatise for birds)...
NegSpace.jpg

[martycon]

Good question, well asked.