Feb. 11-17 Using Positive/Negative Space to Emphasize Shape
Space in a picture is made up of two areas- positive and negative. The positive area is that which the subject occupies and the negative is the space created between, around, under or through the subject matter. When those areas work together we say a picture is balanced. It doesn’t necessarily mean those areas are equal in size, but they are proportionate to each other. Black and white photography makes the positive and negative aspects of space even more apparent because black and white are naturally opposite from one another. The positive and negative space of your photo is even stronger when one single object is the subject of your picture. This week choose one single subject to study in depth. It can be something indoors or outdoors, inanimate or living, big or small…it’s your choice. Choose something you can imagine taking 7 pictures of so that you don’t run out of ideas mid-week. For example you might not be able to imagine 7 ways to take a picture of a doorknob but you might be able to come up with 7 portraits of your pet.
The photographic genre of minimalism is tailor-made for using positive and negative space within a photo. Minimalism is a style employed by many 20th Century artists, using a minimum amount of components such as color, shape, line and texture to emphasize the subject matter. If you’d like some tips or to see some examples check out: https://digital-photography-school.com/minimalist-photography-4-tips-to-keep-it-simple-with-a-maximum-impact/. You may want to employ this technique in your photos this week.
Feb. 14 The OPTIONAL “flash of red”. For those of you who enjoy a little pop of color every now and then, here’s your day to insert some in your month of black and white photos. By using selective coloring add the color of the day (red) to part of your picture. When the month is complete it looks pretty eye-catching! Need a tutorial on selective coloring? Here are several ways to accomplish it using Picmonkey. If you are an ace member you get this processing site for free.
If you aren’t an ace member you can still accomplish SC by using Ribbet, a free on-line photo processing sight if you don’t have one of your own in your computer. You can find instructions for using Ribbet here: http://365project.org/olivetreeann/themes-and-comp/2013-01-23.
Tag your photos flashofred2019 and feel free to post your favorite photo of the previous week in the discussion thread below.
The monthly theme run by Ross Scrivna @scrivna is also featuring black and white this month. The tag is theme-blackwhite. Why tag your shots for both?
@olivetreeann hi Ann I was wondering why I wasn’t getting these up dates in my notifications and see my name isn’t on your list. I am doing this theme again and it would be helpful to get your notes. Thanks.
@olivetreeann thank you for all the information. When you say the same subject in the negative space work this coming week, subject could be a genre? For example, I could choose a pillow. It doesn’t have to be the same pillow every day, but it does have to be a pillow. I just want to be sure I understand. Thanks again and in advance!
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Hi Ann. so sorry I have missed this for the first time in 5 years! Moving over to England has been hectic and I've completely lost track of the days. Sigh...
Never mind. Please can you tag me in the next few weeks, just so I can have a read of the info. Thanks Ann
@pandorasecho Upload your photo to your project on 365. Then in the column on the right hand side of the page under "Photo Details" select "Edit photo with Picmonkey". 365 will pop your photo over to Picmonkey. Edit to your satisfaction and then "save". Picmonkey will send your edited photo back to 365.
@arnica17 I never hold anyone to following my "exercises" exactly. If you prefer not to do one single subject that's ok. Don't worry about it- this should be fun and not a chore so do what works best for you.
@elatedpixie I was thinking of the same object but I really like your take on it- go for it! And beautiful shot!
@dibzgreasley Wow Debs- moving in and of itself is tough enough even when it's across town- but from country to country that's an even bigger challenge. I will add you to the list and hope that your moving goes smoothly and life settles down quickly once you're in your new home.
@30pics4jackiesdiamond Thanks Jackie! I'm glad you're enjoying it this year. I felt the same way about black and white at first- thinking that color was so much easier. But I've really grown to love black and white and feel I've only touched the tip of the iceberg as far as what I can express with it. What a great photo to feature!
Thank you Ann for all the information and guidance at each stage of the challenge I did have a go last year but tended to fizzle out before the month ended ! But this year with more positive attitude and determination and with your guidance through each stage I find myself more observant an enjoy the challenges . The use of one subject for the coming week is rather daunting BUT I am sure will come to terms with it ( ideas in my head already !! ) Thank you Ann :)
@beryl That's great Beryl! I get so happy when someone tells me they're benefiting from the weekly info. I love watching your confidence grow and progress in your craft- it's the best part of this challenge for me!
The problem with choosing a single subject is wanting it to work with:
* the flash of red,
* the Dogwood challenge of story telling, a love story and
* Get Pushed
all on a single shot a day
I could take easily take seven pictures of a fork, my guitar, a silver locket or a red tulip, but wanting to complete the other challenges makes any of those more challenging. And it feels like cheating to use the artist mannequin.
@shannejw@kali66 Do what works for you- it is not mandatory to follow FOR exactly! I want it to be fun for people; not a chore. So don't worry about a single subject if it's going to be too difficult.
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I'm posting a few samples for you below.
These should give you a basic idea of different ways positive and negative can be used in a picture.
Hi Ann. so sorry I have missed this for the first time in 5 years! Moving over to England has been hectic and I've completely lost track of the days. Sigh...
Never mind. Please can you tag me in the next few weeks, just so I can have a read of the info. Thanks Ann
@arnica17 I never hold anyone to following my "exercises" exactly. If you prefer not to do one single subject that's ok. Don't worry about it- this should be fun and not a chore so do what works best for you.
@elatedpixie I was thinking of the same object but I really like your take on it- go for it! And beautiful shot!
@dibzgreasley Wow Debs- moving in and of itself is tough enough even when it's across town- but from country to country that's an even bigger challenge. I will add you to the list and hope that your moving goes smoothly and life settles down quickly once you're in your new home.
And for this week I'll be concentrating on the one subject.
Thank you Ann, I am enjoying FoR so much more in this my third year!
One day I hope to take one as good as this by Mel @m2016
@beryl That's great Beryl! I get so happy when someone tells me they're benefiting from the weekly info. I love watching your confidence grow and progress in your craft- it's the best part of this challenge for me!
* the flash of red,
* the Dogwood challenge of story telling, a love story and
* Get Pushed
all on a single shot a day
I could take easily take seven pictures of a fork, my guitar, a silver locket or a red tulip, but wanting to complete the other challenges makes any of those more challenging. And it feels like cheating to use the artist mannequin.
@koalagardens Glad to hear that! Nice shot!
I love the way the light comes through the sheers in my bedroom- and especially the way the blinds make patterns on them in the late afternoon.