How to use Rule of Space in Photography?

We have heard of compositional rules like Rules of third, Rules of Golden ratio, and several other compositional rules, but have you ever heard of the rule of space in Photography?

Possibly not, but it’s a very important rule to learn.

Many times, we do wonder about our subject and where should we place them in the frame. This dilemma is where the rules of space come into play. With this rule, you will learn how to place an element in your photographs.

The Rule of Space in Photography

If we have to define the rule of space in photography, then it’s the act of adding visual elements in such a way that the objects look moving, looking, or pointing towards a certain direction that catches the attention of the viewers.

Still didn’t get it? In simple words, it’s the art of placing or managing the visual elements in the photographs.

To help you with the definition, let’s look at the following examples.

Just look at the dog enjoying the beautiful golden hour. But if you look at the image details, the main object of the photograph which is a dog is placed on the left side of the frame. Likewise, if the dog is looking at the right side of the frame.

Now, look at the photograph again, where do your eyes wander? At first, you look at the dog, then you look at the right side of the frame and then the magical golden hour that has been set in the background.

Well, that’s how the rule of space works. It’s the arrangement of the visual elements that catch the eyes of the viewers in such a way that it makes them wonder what’s on the other side.

Let’s look at the next example.

The dog is quite fascinated with the environment. He has seen something magical from which he can’t draw his eyes off. I do wonder what’s he looking at.

The dog is placed on the right-hand side positioned in such a way that his head, the center point of the image, catches the attention of the viewers.

That’s how the human mind works, it wanders back and forth. And knowing this important lesson gives the photographer immense power to compose strong and powerful photographs.

So, how to use it in your photographs?

Well, there are many approaches to it. We will discuss some of them here. Without further delay, let’s jump into the ways you can use the rule of space in your photography.

By giving a sense of motion or action to your photographs

Rule of Space best works, when your photograph has some kind of motion in it. Such images not only give motion feeling but it also gives different feelings and emotions.

For instance, let’s look at the following images.

The boy is just entering the frame and the silhouette is amazing. The image makes viewers wonder what will have happened next, whether he will move forward or not and it does make people wonder what’s on the right side of the frame.

Now, let’s look at the other image.

The image gives the feeling of returning home after the good time of surfing and wandering on the beach. The motion and direction the objects are moving to give the end feeling to the viewers.

All the action and motion of this photograph is about to end. There’s no excitement in the photographs. The photographs give a happy ending feeling where every action and its purpose has been fulfilled.

By combining the rule of space with other compositional rules

No matter how you click the images, there will always be some kind of compositional rules attach to it. Compositional rules like the rule of thirds and rule of balance are the basics of capturing strong compositional images.

You can take the rule of space as the rules that help you know where to place your subject in an image and to lead the viewer’s eye in the direction you want it to go.

Let’s take an example.

The above image follows the rule of thirds; however, it lacks the rule of balance. Moreover, the pictures draw the attention of viewers because of the rule of space.

The viewer’s eye will stick at the women, then follow her eyes into the open space of the surroundings. There’s nothing in the background, which causes the human mind to wonder, what she is doing out there, and what caught her eyes?

The rule of space penetrates the human mind to fill the remaining space with their imagination and hence makes the image more appealing, strong, and powerful.

By telling stories through your frame

One of the most powerful uses of space in photography is to tell stories through your frame.

Look at the below image, the space between the main object (boatman) and the lake tells the story of the boatman heading towards his destination. The journey seems to belong, but the boatman is determined.

Now imagine the boatman reaching to the end of the frame, does that change the story?

Ambir Tolang via Neptos

By leading the eyes of the viewer

The powerful photographs can capture the eyes of viewers and direct it all over the image. Let’s take the reference to the below image.

The first thing that captures the eyes of the viewers is the boy. The eyes will scan all his body, its movement, and try to analyze the viewpoint or direction that he sees through his eyes. Then, the viewer’s eyes will go towards the end of the bridge and finally to the environment.

Rozway Regmi via Neptos

This is how you control the eyes of the viewers. As a photographer, this approach will help to create powerful, strong, and stunning images.

The proper use of this rule will enhance the power of storytelling through the lens. Try experimenting with your imagination and let us know how you feel it.