LEAVE SOME SPACE

LEAVING large areas of blank space or simple patterns around the subject enables the viewer to spend more time contemplating the whole image. The easiest approach to take to achieve this is to shoot the subject against a blank background, such as white, black or a single colour. But a simple pattern or softly varied background can work just as well, on the condition that these areas complement the main subject, rather than overpower it. Then the viewer will feel that looking at these areas adds to the experience, rather than takes away from it.

Outside of the studio or a controlled situation, this balance can be hard to achieve because you will need to work hard to find a background that both adds to the image, but doesn’t distract attention away from the subject.