negative space
/ˌneɡətɪv ˈspeɪs/
the empty area around a subject, used as a compositional element
negative space in a sentence
“Let negative space do the talking: one swimmer, a page of sea.”
Origin of negative space
Latin negativus denying + spatium room, extent
Related Words
rule of thirds
placing subjects on the lines of a three-by-three grid rather than dead center
golden hour
the soft, warm light just after sunrise or before sunset
backlit
lit from behind, so the subject rims with light
silhouette
a subject rendered as a dark shape against light
tenebrism
dramatic darkness with subjects spotlit out of black
sfumato
edges melted into smoky, gradual transitions