The Art of
Telling Stories Through
Photography
Today, creating images is one of the easiest processes in the world. You can capture images with a camera, phone, or even on a computer. What once used to be a “difficult” and “dangerous” process is now one of the simplest (Heckmann). Now, we are so bombarded with images that it’s easy to scroll past thousands of images without really seeing them, or even knowing if they are real. Visual storytelling is what separates a simple picture from a meaningful one. It’s not just about capturing what something looks like, but what it feels like.
Why Visual Storytelling Matters
We’re surrounded by visuals every day, from social media posts to even billboards. Nearly “14 billion images are shared daily on social media” (Broz). That's more than anyone can comprehend in their entire life. But not every image tells a story. The ones that do are the ones that stick with you. They show emotion, tell a moment, and help people connect. As a photographer myself, I try and not just capture an image, but the feeling that comes with it.
How to Capture a Story in Your Photos
You don’t need a perfect setup to tell a great story through photos. In fact, I’ve found that the best shots often happen when you stop trying to control everything and just let the moment unfold. One of my favorite parts of photography actually happens before even turning on the camera. Sometimes, the concept behind a photo is even more fascinating than the final image. When you start with an idea, take the time to develop it, and bring it to life, the process becomes so much more meaningful and often makes the results feel more intentional and powerful than just snapping a random photo.
Simple Tips for Telling Stories Through Photos
Have a plan, but don’t force it. Moodboards and ideas are great, but be open to what happens naturally
My inspiration
Final photo
You don’t need a fancy camera to tell a story through photography. With the development of the smartphone, you have a perfectly good camera to use in your pocket
Shot on Iphone (Apple)
Shoot candid moments. Sometimes the small “flaws” are what make a photo feel real.
With this photo, I was looking at places to shoot while she was looking at shells in the water. Although I initially planned for a very up close photo, this was my favorite of them all
IN the end, it’s about emotion
Storytelling through photography is all about connection and emotion. Capturing moments that evoke emotions will always leave a lasting impression. It’s important to remember that telling stories through photography doesn’t mean your photos need to be perfect. It’s about creating emotion through feeling, flaws and all. A story can be told through expression, clothes, setting, and even lighting. And a lot of the time, the story can change from viewer to viewer, making it that much more impactful.
Works Cited
Apple. “Apple Unveils the Best Photos from the Shot on IPhone Macro Challenge.” Apple Newsroom, 13 Apr. 2022, www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/04/apple-unveils-the-best-photos-from-the-shot-on-iphone-macro-challenge/.
Broz, Matic. “How Many Photos Are There? 50+ Photos Statistics (2022).” Photutorial.com, 17 Feb. 2022, photutorial.com/photos-statistics/.
Heckmann, Chris. “When Was Photography Invented — a Quick History Lesson.” StudioBinder, 1 May 2022, www.studiobinder.com/blog/when-was-photography-invented/.