How to tell a story through your photography

A great photo can be appealing to look at, but it can also be more than that. The best photos tell a story by sparking an emotion or sharing a message.

For example, a photo of a desk covered in clutter and haphazardly strewn papers can tell the story of a disorganized person living a chaotic lifestyle. It can make the viewer feel stressed and wonder who owns the desk or how it got that way. For some, it may even feel relatable.

Now, picture a restaurant with wooden tables, chairs, and floors. The walls have exposed brick and string lights hang from the ceiling to give off soft lighting. A wood burning stove can be seen in the background. The tables are covered in mismatched dishes with crusty loaves of bread, pizzas with charred crust, and lots and lots of pasta. A photo of this scene tells the story of a cozy, rustic Italian restaurant where you can load up on carbs.

By understanding how you can create a story through the photos you take, you will capture stronger images and become a better visual storyteller. Here are a few tips to get you there.

1. Photograph a subject that interests you

Whether it’s nature, food, architecture, or something else, capturing a subject you care about can help you compose a better photo. When you photograph something you’re interested in, you’ll be more inclined to explore a scene for different shots.

2. Think about the story you want to tell before you click the shutter

Going to a location or event you think will make for great photographs? Create a shot list beforehand to help define your story’s message. Write down the different things you hope to capture so that you don’t forget once you get there. Thinking about the story you want to tell beforehand will help you determine what to capture when you arrive on the scene.

You may also want to take a peek on Google Maps to see what has been photographed at that location before. Seek out new angles to tell your own story about a well-known location or subject.

3. Capture a mood

An emotion can be created by utilizing different elements such as weather, shapes, color, and light. These elements can create an emotional connection with the person viewing your photo.

In the image below, the fog and warm color of the sunrise help to make you feel a sense of calmness and tranquility.

4. Use a variety of camera angles

Shoot a photo series that follows a narrative format, with a beginning, middle, and end.

For example, when you go to a new cafe to have a cup of coffee, photograph your experience as it unfolds. Capture the exterior when you arrive, take a photo of the interior, and then photograph your coffee—all from different angles. Sharing the photo together on Google Maps will help to tell a story about your experience to others looking at your photos.

5. Add human action

Including people in your frame can spark an emotional connection between the viewer and what’s happening in the photo. This connection can draw a viewer into the scene, and make them want to know more.

In the photo below, the addition of people in the scene adds a sense of movement, and shows us more about the experience of rowing boats on a river in Vietnam.

6. Wait for the right moment

Be patient and ready to capture a fleeting moment. In the photo below, the shutter was clicked just as the train came into the frame, resulting in a photograph that shows a contrast between machine and nature. The composition shows a sense of movement. By anticipating a moment, you can successfully tell a story through the photos you take.

How do you utilize storytelling in your photography? Share your photos and tell us what story you tried to convey in the comments below.

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@Christina-NYC very technical and informative.

I always following your techniques and hopefully its increasing day by day…

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Thank you @Christina-NYC

for your perfect post.

I absolutely agree with you ,from nice photo we can create the best story.

If the person has a good imagination -he or she can write amazing story.

I think your post is very important for local guides who create posts without any description.

Thank you for excellent photos.

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I would like to share my photo @Christina-NYC

This photo was taken by me in the Museum of flax and birch bark in the city of Kostroma.,on it you can see how the craftswoman in the national Russian sundress teaches how to create products from birch bark.This unique craft is passed down from generation to generation.Mistress weaves sandals–vintage shoes from birch bark.Nearby are the objects of everyday life in ancient times.You yourself can try to make these sandals.Some birch bark products can be purchased too.

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Hi @Christina-NYC Thank you for sharing these techniques… It will help me to click great photos.

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@Christina-NYC your post is like a moving movie with strong narrations. I like how to pass the information at every stage.

Thanks for sharing guide.

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Thanks for start a interest Topic , my first choice natural places then food and historical place . now there i share 3 pic hope you like this @Christina-NYC

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Hi @Christina-NYC thanks for sharing the super useful photography tools. I’ll consider all these tricks while capturing my photos.

I want to share a photo which i captured in #36photowalk i hope you’ll like it :slight_smile:

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Thank you for this information

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Hi @Christina-NYC thank you for sharing this helpful post with us on connect. It is really very interesting and really admirable pictures.

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Its a cool post. Another tip, is always clean your camera lens before taking a picture. It’s an obvious one but also very important.

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Thanks for the useful information

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Good read and learning tips. Thanks! I try to do these all but am certainly not a pro. I’ve used tip #6 a few times before. Just a couple pics of the Light Rail in Minneapolis; one is waiting for 2 trains to arrive to a newer downtown stadium, and another to showcase the Light Rail window reflection in a cool lunch place.

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@Christina-NYC Thanks for the guides. I love sharing photos in my every review of the places because sometimes some places or moments can’t be expressed through words but lovely pictures. A picture can tell a story more profoundly and it creates thinking ability to know and feel the places or moments more deeply.

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Story telling through photography is truly an art that must be mastered. Thanks for letting us into this secrets. Kudos

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Very helpful information @Christina-NYC

Thank you for sharing with us.

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@Christina-NYC @Cristana, Amazing photo

Not all photos tell the story,

Some photos with angle, timing, background and experience tell the story.

Thank you

@

KRISHNA

KRISHNA

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Thank you @Christina-NYC your tips are very informative.

Having a concept gives me great time.

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Nice share,thank you.

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Interesting post @Christina-NYC most helpful tips for us,thank you for sharing with us.

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