Space

Space in a composition refers to areas of the picture where there is no specific focal point. Space is often used to balance or highlight the main subject and it therefore frequently plays an important role but in a more subtle or indirect way.

At least four types of space exist in composition:

• Separation space.
• Negative space.
• Future space.
• Interaction space.

The shot of the old tram in the town of Soller (Majorca, Spain) is a good example of future space.

Tram in Soller, Majorca (Copyright Rasmus Ursem)

Consciously used compositional tools:

• Future space — the tram has room to move to in the left side of the picture.
• Framing — palm tree to the left provides a bit of framing.
• Motion blur — gives a sense of movement.

Improvements:

• One second later the two slightly distracting people would have been behind the tram and the electrical thingy on the top would have been clear of the palm trees.

Separation space

Separation space refers to the narrow band of space that helps the viewer separate the subject from the background. This space typically either has a color or a contrast difference that make the subject stand out. This color or contrast…