Too much negative space?

[Geoff]

Hey there peoples.
It's been some time since I've posted an image, so here's one from a recent family shoot.
I quite like this shot but was wondering if you thought there was too much negative space on the right?

I don't think there is but value the opinion of the folks on here.

Cheers.



and another B&W cropped in much closer, which I think I prefer..hmmm?

[chrisk]

the negative space isn't the issue, the issue is that the baby is close to the edge of the frame on the left. imho, it doesnt work cos of that.

[Geoff M]

Geoff, I think the negative space is OK, but you also need some extra space on the LHS. I also find the adult finger a distraction in this image.

Nice conversion in the B&W and IMHO is the better of the two images presented here. What is lacking in this image though is direct eye contact, I am guessing you had somebody trying to attract the babies attention behind and above you?

[Geoff M]

the negative space isn't the issue, the issue is that the baby is close to the edge of the frame on the left. imho, it doesnt work cos of that.

 LOL.....you beat me to it Chris, I must have been typing just as you posted!

[Geoff]

Thanks guys, great feedback.
I don't think it ruins the shot that there's not as much space on the left hand side, getting eye contact with a child this age is as you probably realise a real challenge.

I did not have an assistant with me on this shoot, which I often do..so I was trying to do the attention getting as well as the shooting.

Again, appreciate the comments

[surenj]

Also another question is whether the negative space adds to the image.

I reckon just crop to 4X6 while giving the baby head a little more breathing space (You will have the content aware fill for this one)

[chrisk]

geoff as a family portrait i agree its a nice shot that would find its place in a photo album.

in the context of it being a sellable shot to a paying client i dont think it would work. i actually do think its too close to the edge which makes the shot feel cramped and has a "just missed it" feel. it is also an issue cos if it is to be enlarged the matte fitted around the image will further cramp it if not cut into the head completely. a rule of thumb i have found is you need at least an inch off the sides and bottom and i prefer to give myself more like 2 or 3 just for breathing space. no one much minds the top of heads being cut off so long as it looks intentional, but the sides and bottom of faces is a no-no. the finger is also a miss and must be cloned out.

yes its hard, yes its a challenge, yes it doesn't always come off. but that's why you get paid over someone else wielding a dslr. set your bar high. just my honest 2c.