5 Rules Of Visual Storytelling For Photographers
You have your unique perspective and view as a visual storyteller and photographer. No one has the same eye or history as you. How you capture something may be entirely different from how I see something, which means there is always room for a new eye in the field. I’ve found that these five rules are the foundation of good storytelling in photography.
5 Rules of Visual Storytelling
Authenticity
Authenticity is a buzzword these days. Be authentic. State your truth. I think it can be an overused word in today’s filtered, photoshopped world. Still, in relation to visual storytelling in photography, it’s the essence of what makes it feel real and relatable. We can inherently know and feel when something doesn’t feel authentic. If you are a sensitive person, you can smell it a mile off. Authenticity in visual storytelling is about capturing and sharing a story or subject in its truest sense — natural, unscripted, believable, genuine, and convincing moments. Styling a scene or subject to “feel authentic” can verge on the border of contrivance.
Context
Like a written story, context is needed to set the stage and allow the narrative to unfold. What’s happening? Where is this? Who is this? What is going on? The more context we can provide through subtle or direct cues in our photography and styling, the easier it is for the viewer to relate and piece together the story we want to share. Without adequate context, the story can become lost and muddled, losing the natural storyline flow.
Balance emotion and composition
While it’s important to remember the traditional photography “rules” of composition, such as the rule of thirds or negative space, your visual story or photography will have so much more richness and depth if you cultivate emotion. Balancing the technical aspects of taking a well-composed photo while evoking emotions creates a compelling and more impactful visual story.
Align your voice with your story
Your voice as a photographer, a human, and a creative soul should come through your story or photograph. What is your message? Your values? Your way of seeing the world? What makes you, you as a photographer? Visual storytelling is as much about sharing a story as it is about the person telling it. It says so much about who you are, your aesthetic, and your perspective.
Engage and observe
Whether you’re shooting a landscape or a person, engage with your subject. Put the camera down and take a minute to let your subject warm or open up to you. Even in landscape photography, you can engage with the scene. Be still, reflect, see, listen, and watch. When we engage and observe before clicking the shutter button at rapid fire, we can see the beauty in the in-between moments, the subtleties, and the real essence of the subject.
No matter where you are on your photography journey, keep showing up and sharing what you love. The more you feel and lean into what you enjoy shooting, the more you will chisel away at your style and hone your eye.
If you'd like further support and clarity in your work, I’m booking free 30-minute discovery calls to see if my 5-session mentorship program suits you.
Find a time below to register your spot - I’d love to chat with you, wherever you are on your journey.
Alanna
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