Composition in photography is about what is left out of the frame as much as what is inside the frame. Negative space — an empty, un-busy area of the image — can be an essential tool for portrait and wedding photographers. When properly used, negative space in photographs helps the subject to stand out among the background without overpowering the main focus of the image. This week, we’re featuring five photographers who expertly use negative space to create powerful photographs. Find inspiration from Marcin and Dorota Karpowicz, Natalia Antequera, Sachin Khona, Jamie Iskra, and Lize Leach.

Marcin and Dorota Karpowicz, BDFK Photography

For elopement photographers Marcin and Dorota Karpowicz of BDFK Photography, negative space is a key compositional strategy that helps ensure the beautiful backdrop of Banff National Park doesn’t overpower the couple. For this elopement, the photographers and couple hiked in the Kananaskis District Area for sunrise where the cloud inversion added to the stunning location. Both the morning light and the white clouds in the background help the couple stand out among the dramatic landscape.

Marcin and Dorota advise photographers to adjust their composition so that the couple is surrounded by negative space, such as clouds, water, or sky, so that they stand out among a busy landscape.

“We focus mostly on the environment. Because the clients travel long distances to arrive in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the photos should show the environment — the beauty of the mountains — as much as possible. Therefore, we rarely use focal lenses. We shoot wide. The mountain environment is very complex. Therefore, you are looking for negative space to show the couple more clearly without losing the environment. In this particular photo, Mother Nature helps us because she created the negative space by forming the cloud inversion, so the couple stands out and is clearly visible. Most of the complexity of the environment has been covered by clouds, which create the negative space.”

Natalia Antequera, Lia Photo Stories

Inspired by the contrast between the couple’s emotions and the beauty of nature, Natalia Antequera of Lia Photo Stories created this powerful image. The photographer said she wanted to capture the feeling of the immense glacier making them feel small in the face of nature’s majesty. She captured the shot with the Sony A7 VI and a Sony 70-200mm f4.

“Negative space in photographs is a powerful tool to emphasize your subject and evoke emotion,” she says. “My advice to new photographers is to look for environments that naturally provide a vast backdrop, like open skies, water, or landscapes. Use this space to draw attention to your subject and create a sense of scale. The key is to balance your composition so that the negative space complements the subject rather than overpowering it.”

Sachin Khona, Sachin Khona Photographer

Sachin Khona (@sachinkhona) loves to incorporate his subjects into the environment. For this particular shoot, the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver served as a dramatic backdrop for a wide image. The black and white edit prevents the couple from being lost in all the greenery, instead drawing the eye immediately to the white dress and white cuff sleeves. Placing the couple off towards the edge of the frame allows the contrast and negative space to help lead the eye. He captured the shot with the Nikon D750 and a 24mm f1.8 lens.

“Think like a landscape photographer,” Khona recommends. “Use a wide lens and study other landscape photographers. Then simply add the couple where it makes most sense and provides the scene with harmony. Look for clean backgrounds and apply the rule of thirds if in doubt.”

Jane Iskra, ISKRA Photography

The black rock and its reflection creates negative space that allows the couple to stand out among the Icelandic landscape in this shot by Jane Iskra of ISKRA Photography. The photographer was inspired by the contrast between the dark rocks and the couple’s all-white outfits. She followed the mood of the scene to a minimalist composition, focusing on the couple’s connection during this anniversary shoot. She took the shot with the Canon R6 and the Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L lens.

“Negative space in photographs helps create focus and balance in a photograph. When looking for it, seek out wide, open areas like the sky, water, or plains. Use negative space thoughtfully to guide the viewer’s eye toward your subject without overwhelming them with too much detail.”

Lize Leach, Boundless Hearts Photo

The pool and tile create both shapes and negative space to highlight the couple in this aerial photograph by Lize Leach of Boundless Hearts Photo. She captured the shot during a styled shoot for a luxury equestrian-style wedding venue, but saw an opportunity to use the AirBnB space to create something unique. She piloted the DJI Mavic Mini 2 for this shot.

“Negative space is the quiet that lets the story unfold,” Leach says. “For new photographers, my advice is to embrace the simplicity that negative space offers. Instead of trying to fill every inch of the frame, allow your subject to breathe. Look for moments where the absence of detail enhances the emotion, where the space around your subject draws the eye to what truly matters. When composing, step back and ask yourself: ‘What am I trying to say?’ Let the negative space answer that question for you. Remember, it’s not about what’s in the frame but also what’s left out. That subtle balance can turn a good photo into a powerful narrative.”

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