"Looking through the window" |
There’s a difference between photography and visual storytelling. To tell a true story is more difficult than to take a photograph.
Storytelling is about finding interesting subjects and telling their story in pictures.
Basic stories usually include 3 elements: introduction, plot (body) and conclusion.
To tell a story a photo should comprise of several elements: mood, emotions, ideas (or messages).
Stories (verbal, written) can be in different sizes. Some are short (short novels, tales), others are long (novels or even trilogies of novels). Thinking photographically, a short story might be one image; a long story can be the series of shots, from two shots arranged in a frame or collage through to dozen of shots arranged in an online or a printed album.
Here’s an example of a short story.
While going by train I saw the other train passing by and a boy with his grandpa near the window. I captured this boy and his grandpa through the windows of two trains. There’s the old Russian saying: “The first child is the last doll, the first grandson is the last child…” For me it’s the right quote for this story…
If you want to become better visual storyteller here are 5 things to think about when you’re taking photos:
*Find a subject you’re passionate about. It’s impossible to tell someone’s story if you are indifferent.
*Photographing people, pay attention to facial expressions.
*Use surroundings.
*Using light in a creative way can bring the essence to the whole scene.
*Frame your stories.
We’ll speak about long stories next time. Stay tuned :)
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