I recently finished teaching two workshops at the Santa Fe Workshops. I emphasize in my classes that everything has to matter in an image.
I am trained as a magazine photographer to get it right in the frame. As a personal challenge I do not crop my images after the fact. I find that if I just take a step or two forward, maybe left or right, I can tighten the frame and eliminate clutter. Or, if I just move the camera ever so slightly I can perfect the composition.
And, often negative space has as much impact as a person or an object. However, you have to delicately balance the weight of the space with the weight of the subject. It is a balancing act and the tension is critical.
It is as simple as having clean space around subjects, like this:
© nevada wier Myanmar. Chindwin River. Fog.
or space with texture and color
© nevada wier India. Gujurat. Washing.
or a big wad of space and color
© nevada wier Mongolia. Gobi Desert. Sunset. Camel.
You have to eliminate everything that doesn’t matter so that what is left does matter.
And, sometimes what matters is the beauty of emptiness.
Nevada Wier Photography 
15 comments
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September 1, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Robert
I was quite fascinated with your commentary about taking a step or two forward. I haven’t heard that since my college days in the early ’70s. My photography instructor insisted we only use primes for our assignments. Back then, zooms were in their infancy, and not as sharp as they are now, and he insisted we get to know intimately the characteristics of our lenses. On handing out our assignments, he always reminded us to take two steps closer, and then another one. I never continued with photography as a potential career as I wasn’t born with the eye, and never developed one until later in life, but I never forgot his message. I’ve been a fan of your photography for years, and I’m enjoying and learning from your blog. Thank you for sharing.
September 1, 2009 at 8:08 pm
nevada wier
I think the biggest thing that people can do to improve their photography is to learn how to move. I certainly agree with your instructor! And, as an aside, a career in photography is less about having “an eye” than having an “eye for business”.
July 31, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Paul Grecian
Very effective argument. The images are wonderful.
July 30, 2009 at 6:56 am
Luiz Ramos
I agree.
Thanks for share knowledge.
July 29, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Ray Nack
Thanks for the tip,so true and over looked..
July 29, 2009 at 5:12 pm
JOHN MIKKELSEN
I THINK THESE ARE 4-5 PICTURES. YOU HAVE A GIFT FOR THINKING AND PHOTOGRAPHING OUTSIDE THE BOX. YOU ARE A GREAT ROLE MODEL.
July 28, 2009 at 10:51 pm
rosi c
Hi Nevada, I just loved the images, they make me want to be in those places. You can feel the intensity of the moment.
Thanks for your tips.
July 28, 2009 at 11:04 pm
nevada wier
Hey Rosi. Thanks so much! nv
July 28, 2009 at 8:45 pm
rosi c
I love the images, just to see them, make you wish to be there.
Thanks for your great tips.
July 28, 2009 at 1:46 pm
nevada wier
Thanks Jeremy: I have thought about changing it. So thanks for the feedback. nv
July 28, 2009 at 8:56 am
jeremy woodhouse
Love the content of the blog. I have always been a fan of yours. Great images. One comment – the black background and the reversed type are pretty illegible. Perhaps you should make the main copy column white just a thought.
July 30, 2009 at 7:54 pm
nevada wier
thanks for the push Jeremy. i changed it and I think it looks better!
July 27, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Jeffrey Chapman
That first shot is hauntingly poetic.
July 27, 2009 at 2:03 pm
john lund
Nevada,
What awesome pictures! I totally agree with your post and want to add that for those of us who are shooting for stock, leaving that space enhances the saleability of an image by giving an Art Director or Advertiser room for copy (sacrilege that that may be).
July 27, 2009 at 2:06 pm
nevada wier
Absolutely, and I would also add: Shoot verticals. You will get more covers (I always forget to do this!). nevada