When a picture has a lot of empty space, how does a pro use that space to show feelings like being alone or very small, instead of just leaving it empty?

A professional photographer intentionally uses what appears to be "empty space," which is technically termed negative space, as a powerful compositional tool to evoke specific emotions like being alone or very small. Negative space is the area surrounding and between the main subject, known as positive space, and it is actively used to define the subject while contributing significantly to the image's narrative and emotional impact. To convey smallness, a photographer deliberately frames a subject to be comparatively tiny within a vast expanse of negative space. This stark contrast in scale visually dwarfs the subject, emphasizing its physical insignificance against its expansive surroundings. For instance, a lone figure positioned in a wide landscape shot of a desert or an ocean appears inherently small due to the overwhelming volume of space surrounding them. To show feelings of being alone or isolation, negative space is employed to create a profound sense of detachment around the subject. By isolating a single subject within a large, uninterrupted area of negative space, the photographer visually separates it from everything else, suggesting an absence of connection, companionship, or other elements. This visual scarcity directly translates into feelings of loneliness or solitude, as the sheer amount of empty area implies a lack of presence beyond the subject. Furthermore, the inherent qualities of the negative space itself contribute to the emotional message. A uniform, muted, or cool-toned negative space—such as a featureless sky, a dark room, or a plain wall—can amplify feelings of starkness, emptiness, or melancholy, reinforcing the subject's emotional state. The placement and gaze of the subject within this negative space also play a critical role; a subject positioned far off-center or looking into the vastness can suggest contemplation, longing, or being lost, drawing the viewer's eye into the emptiness and deepening the perceived sense of solitude. Ultimately, professional use of negative space is a conscious decision to make these 'empty' areas active participants in communicating the image's intended emotional narrative, transforming them from mere background into essential storytelling elements.