What are some storytelling photography techniques to create a cohesive narrative?

1 Choose a theme

A theme is the main idea or message that you want to convey with your story. It can be a concept, a mood, a value, or a question. For example, you can choose a theme like family, adventure, happiness, or identity. A theme helps you to focus your story and connect with your audience on an emotional level. To choose a theme, think about what you want to say with your photos, what inspires you, and what resonates with your target audience.

2 Plan your shots

Once you have a theme, you need to plan your shots to create a logical and engaging sequence. You can use a storyboard, a sketch, or a list to outline your shots and plan the composition, lighting, and angles. You can also think about the types of shots you want to include, such as wide shots, close-ups, details, and action shots. These can help you to establish the setting, introduce the characters, show the conflict, and resolve the story.

3 Use the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a compositional technique that divides the frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. The idea is to place the main elements of your photo along these lines or at their intersections. This creates a balanced and dynamic composition that guides the viewer's eye and emphasizes the focal point. The rule of thirds can also help you to create a sense of depth, movement, and tension in your story.

4 Capture emotions

Emotions are the heart and soul of storytelling. They make your photos more relatable, expressive, and impactful. To capture emotions in your lifestyle photography, you need to observe and interact with your subjects, whether they are people, animals, or objects. You can use different techniques to elicit emotions, such as asking questions, telling jokes, playing music, or using props. You can also use facial expressions, body language, gestures, and colors to convey emotions in your photos.

5 Show, don't tell

Show, don't tell is a storytelling principle that means using visual elements to imply or suggest something rather than stating it explicitly. For example, instead of telling the viewer that it is raining, you can show them the raindrops on the window, the wet clothes, or the umbrella. Showing, rather than telling, allows you to create more intrigue, suspense, and curiosity in your story. It also encourages the viewer to use their imagination and interpret the story in their own way.

6 Edit for consistency

Editing is the final step in your storytelling process. It allows you to enhance your photos and create a consistent style and tone for your story. You can use editing tools to adjust the exposure, contrast, color, sharpness, and other aspects of your photos. You can also use filters, presets, or overlays to create a specific mood or atmosphere for your story. Editing for consistency helps you to unify your photos and create a smooth and coherent narrative.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?