How To Tell A Story With Your Photographs | Beyond The Basics | Photo Forum

We all strive to sculpt a lasting image – a shot so powerful that it entrances viewers forcing them to have a close affinity with the photograph. But what makes a lasting photograph? What makes a photograph truly stand out? Is it merely a group of elements shot with skilled techniques?

No, a lasting image is holistic, it sends a strong message when it tells a thought-provoking, emotional story. So how do you do that? Next time you go out to shoot, consider incorporating some of the tips below into your photographic routine.

Talk to Yourself - Before you lift up your camera to shoot, ask yourself the following questions. What do you want to say? What emotions are you trying to capture? What is your ultimate message? When you go through a checklist like this, it makes it easier to know how to approach any situation.

Get Closer to Your Subject - Every face has the potential to tell a unique story and the power to reveal a person’s past or expose their deepest emotions. In portraiture, getting closer allows for an intimate view into your subject. You can unveil another person’s world for everyone else to see.

Background can tell a story of its own - Often your photographic story needs context (why do you think writers include introductions?). This is where clever backdrops come in. Backgrounds can add a sense of place to your image which is how they enhance your photographic story telling.

For instance, if you’re photographing the face of a rice farmer, including the terrace fields behind them will add depth to your narrative. At the same time, be aware of elements that can potentially distract from your message (like someone wearing a New York Yankees shirt in the middle of locals in native dress) and frame accordingly. Choose wisely, and your background can become another weapon in your visual arsenal.

Emotions engage - Emotions are powerful. Capturing authentic emotions is the key to stellar photographic storytelling. They reveal new perspectives and enable the photographer to convey the most engaging message of all.

Stay candid - Always allow room for spontaneity and the chance to capture surprising moments. By being unobtrusive, you can catch subjects behaving more naturally which will enable you to depict them in their truest light. When you see how people work and live, you can truly understand and more artfully capture their essence.

Take your time - The more time you spend with your subject, the more opportunities you have to better tell their story and the more possibilities you have to shoot. Remember, the more you shoot, the more likely you are to create a winner.

Capture the doing- Actions help generate a narrative. Go to where the action is – like local markets, sporting events, festivals and shoot the every day events and labors that define people. These allow endless opportunities to tell a good story.

Strong storytelling is part preparation, part perspiration, and all about getting to the essence of your subject. So, next time you set out to capture a moment, bring along these tips.