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09/08/2007 12:22:12 PM · #1 |
Does It Tell A Story?
I recently made a large sign that says that and attached it to the wall beside my desk. For years I've heard things like "photographers should be storytellers" but never really took that advice to heart; I didn't think about what that means. Lately I have been thinking a lot about storytelling and how I can apply that aspect to my portrait work. In order to push my work to the next level I think it is important to not just record a moment, but to say something about the subjects, their environment and their personalities - story telling!
Do your portraits tell a story?
BTW - I googled about a zillion website examples that I wanted to post along with this thread, but decided not to. I believe its important for each person to find their own inspiration - so please, do some research and get inspired. :)
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09/08/2007 12:33:41 PM · #2 |
| that is exactly why i don't have a studio, per se...the world is my studio. i prefer shooting people where they are, as they are, and whenever possible, with whatever light is available (knowing that sometimes, this is just impossible). |
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09/08/2007 12:51:24 PM · #3 |
"As a way of beginning, one might compare the art of photography to the act of pointing. All of us, even the best-mannered of us, occasionally point, and it must be true that some of us point to more interesting facts, events, circumstances, and configurations than others"
-John Szarkowski
Images are taken for so many various reasons. Some don't tell any story, some do but the above quote is a guideline that I have in my mind when I go out these days. |
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09/08/2007 12:52:19 PM · #4 |
You've probably already checked out  jblaylockrayner's portfolio, but here it is again for anybody who hasn't.
He does awesome environmental portraits!
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09/08/2007 12:54:51 PM · #5 |
There was a videographer at a wedding I shot a couple of weeks ago. We spent the first hour or so doing what I wanted to do, with him getting video of my shots. Then, I told him I was done with what I wanted and asked if there was anything he wanted.
Then ... he proceeded to set up several scenarios, all with obvious "action" in them (something that video craves, as static shots just don't look so good in video). And so, while he was working, I was busy shooting stills of his "scripted action".
I came away with a new found interest in "scripting out" my own shots! Rather than simply taking a picture, I suddenly wanted my picture(s) to tell a story.
Yesterday I shot another wedding. And after I was done getting the shots I wanted, I "went for it". I scripted out my own little series of shots. Photographically, I think they aren't my best work. But I *love* the story that they tell. And the series was a superb ending to the slide show presentation that I ran at the reception last night.
So yeah... I think I'm only just beginning to open my eyes. It's probably true of any photography, but with weddings especially .. it needs to tell a story!
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09/08/2007 12:55:28 PM · #6 |
Cindi, saw your thread and it is an interesting thought to tell a story in a captured image. A little side note to perhaps incorporate into portraits : Symbology. I don't remember where I read it, but many painters (1500's and up) would incorporate objects or symbols into their portrait paintings to say something symbolically about their subject.
One thing was to use the symbology of flowers and plants to 'tell' something about the person and his/her attributes/personality. The symbology of flowers & plants was also used by spies and by lovers to send coded/secret messages
Floral Symbology
Message edited by author 2007-09-08 13:34:43. |
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09/08/2007 01:18:51 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Skip:
that is exactly why i don't have a studio, per se...the world is my studio. i prefer shooting people where they are, as they are, and whenever possible, with whatever light is available (knowing that sometimes, this is just impossible). |
Skip, I think PJ work and environmental portraits lend themselves naturally to storytelling, eventhough some still only record the scene in those situations. But studio work, imo, makes storytelling a bit more difficult - requires more thought and preparation to personalize the image. Rather than show up and make choices based on the location you're given, you need to talk more with the client before the session so that you can prepare a space just for them. I look forward to my next client session with this new driver in my mind. (Actually, I did a session with myself yesterday while noodling on storytelling in the studio). :)
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09/08/2007 01:47:41 PM · #8 |
:D
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