One compositional style in photography is called the negative space. It is that large empty area that surrounds a subject. The subject itself is the positive space. The concept of the negative space is widely used in the arts (drawing, sculpture), architecture and design. You may have noticed that advertising images have wide empty spaces beside or around the main subject. This is to allow text and other elements to be positioned there. In photography, these empty areas do not diminish interest. They even add up or build interest in the subject because, in the first place, the subject is the only focus of the viewer. The proper use of negative space provides a different atmosphere to an image. It gives emphasis to the subject of the photograph. The article Understanding and Using “Negative Space” In Photography will help you get a good idea in creating effective compositions. The rule of thumb is too much negative space may overpower the subject, while less of it may make the subject too dominant.
The negative space