This week we provided feedback on all the submissions for the Spaced Out challenge which is the 2nd challenge of our Emerge course, boy did we have some great images to look at!

The negative space in an image can help to emphasise and balance the main subject, giving the subject room to breathe and preventing the image from feeling cluttered.

The intentional use of large areas of negative space to command attention is dynamic and can evoke an emotional response.

It brings a greater level of connection to the subject if there is little else to draw your attention in the composition.

Leaving empty space in the frame just for the sake of it being there is not what this challenge is about and doing that will rarely make a strong image - there must be a reason for the space.

Congratulations to all the photographers who made the top 10!

Which of these image is your favourite?

 We provide video feedback on all images submitted for the challenge, and from there, we select our Top 20 and Top 10. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 images for this challenge!

Carol Mudra | Apawture Studios

This is a very soft image, yet the dog has a strong and powerful pose. The subtleties of the light are really beautiful and the negative space is used to great effect.

Laurie Vermiere | Brody's Tale

What a gorgeous expression in the face and body. The soft background gives enough detail to understand what the location is, but is not busy or distracting so it fits in the Spaced Out challenge very nicely.

Liz Dranow | TimePunk Pet Photography  

Adorable posing of this pup, the light is lovely and there's plenty of negative space that serves to emphasise the subject. 

Beatrix Szekelyi | Beatrix Szekelyi

This is a striking image that is quite subtle but has lots to enjoy. The colour palette is gorgeous, pose and expression stunning and the framing elements of texture and colour are very well seen and crafted.

Tania Mackie | Tania Mackie Photography

You can't help but feel this image! The windswept dog, paws sinking into the wet sand, stormy light and dark clouds all add up to a wonderful story and mood in this image. 

Jo Lyons | Jo Lyons Photography

What a beautiful image with gorgeous detail in the texture of the fur, and the subtle texture in the backdrop is exquisite. The negative space has been well utilised here.

Christina Hale | Wild Wonders Photography

As far as silhouettes go, this one is pretty perfect, the shape and outline of the dog is wonderful. The moody light and stunning sky are evocative and yet still maintain the feeling of space required for the Spaced Out challenge.

Polona Železnikar 

The crop on this is quite different and plays to this images strength. The slight look up of the dog and the rainbow. All while allowing the negative space to shine.

Jackie Searies | Photos By Jackie.S

Beautiful soft pastel tones, gorgeous posing of the horse, and fantastic use of negative space. What's not to love?!

Carol Wolfram

Dramatic light, stormy skies, beautiful posing. The ear flapping in the wind adds feeling and emotion to this image and the negative space is expertly used.

Emerge is the intermediate 6-month interactive challenge-based dog photography course in our Unleashed Challenges series, focusing on helping you to expand your shooting shot list and learn valuable new skills.

Emerge is open to students who have previously completed the first course in the series, Embark.

Want to be the first to hear when Embark opens for enrolment each year? Register your interest here.