Visual Storytelling
Whether you are a photographer, videographer, or both, I think we all can agree that oftentimes we get so fixated on the technical aspects of our work, which is definitely important, but when that seems to be the main focus, we can miss out on the bigger picture. As I look back on my journey as a capture creator, I have reflected on moments where I squandered the opportunities I had to make more compelling content because my mind was more focused on “doing everything right” from a mechanical perspective than being present to the story that was unfolding and working around that space. I think that most of us can identify with the performance mentality as being one of the main culprits that can hinder us in our creative work, no matter what field or genre we find ourselves in. When I look back on my life, I see this stand out as possibly the greatest detriment to my growth; and that is why I wanted to bring this out to the light with the hopes of possibly helping you in your journey as well.
When we keep our focus on this side of our work, especially when we are on location either for a client or for our own content, we miss out on an essential piece, and that is visual storytelling. Honing our skills, increasing our knowledge, and understanding techniques are all vital, but in my personal opinion, that is the work that needs to be done ahead of time, not when you are in the midst of bringing your work to life. Visual storytelling is foundational in this line of work, and if we can open our mind, and even our heart to the bigger picture and truth of what is playing out before our eyes, our cameras and gear will eventually just become an extension of the story we are not only telling, but bringing to life. That is what makes what we do so thrilling to be a part of.
There are a few different aspects of visual storytelling that I would like to highlight in this blog that I hope might help you bring your own work to life in a new and refreshing way.
Speaking without words
Have you ever watched a silent film? If not, I would highly recommend that you check out City Lights (a Charlie Chaplin film), The Passion of Joan of Arc, or if you are looking for documentaries, South and The Epic of Everest would be a great place to get acquainted with them. When you watch these, keep an eye out for the perspectives, the length of the shots, the compositions, and the main theme of each frame. See if you can draw some creative insight into what you think the main message is for some of the scenes. We as humans are unique creatures and we often speak just as loudly with our words as we do without them. The same goes for the world around us. Whether you believe that this earth was made by an infinite Creator or came about my sheer happenstance, take some time to observe and take in the world around you. Whether you are on a sandy beach watching the tides roll in and out with waves breaking with immense power, standing atop a mountain summit with a wind so strong you could almost lean all of your weight into it, or floating down a quiet river soaking in the beauty of the golden hour as the last light of the sun warms the woodland around you; I think you will find that the landscapes around you and the heavens above speak a message without words that is unmatched. Use that to your advantage and creatively leverage it into your work
If your main focus is solely on photography, remember the modern-day proverb that has been around for years, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” One of the main advantages photographs have over video content is that it holds captive that one image, that one composition that you envisioned in your mind and puts it on a freeze-frame display for all to see, and most importantly to dwell and linger on. This is one of the greatest benefits that photographs have, especially for those who appreciate the art. Find the things or areas in nature that speak to you, then, aim to photograph them with the vision and heart to let them speak through your pictures. This is one of the most effective ways to bring a story to life through stunning visuals.
Stay in the moment
One of the greatest challenges I have found in life is to keep myself in the moment, to not get ahead of myself. In recent years I have found myself turning into more of a forward thinker which has definitely had its benefits, but it has also had some significant drawbacks when I don’t reel it back in and allow my mind and soul to be present in the moment. In this kind of creative work, I have realized that it is more important to let my mind remain fixed on the present to observe everything that is taking place around me, otherwise, I will most likely miss what needs to be captured.
I’ll give you this scenario as an example. How many times have you found yourself in the middle of doing a task that you know you need to give your full and undivided attention to, something like precise cutting with a table saw in woodworking, but your mind drifted to what needed to happen later that day, and then you either botched that present project, or completely forgot what you were doing with it. This is one of the most difficult things to master in this life, but when you train yourself to be fully invested in your present work and not your future work, you will be better for it in the end.
As this relates to visual storytelling… Time is a precious commodity that we never get to take back, so take full use of it and invest yourself in the present story you are there to document. Place yourself in the place that you need to be with your camera to capture those vital snapshots, film scenes, and golden moments that no one else could. Your clients, fans, and yourself included, will be thankful that you did.
Move with what moves you
We currently live in a world where our senses are inundated with constant media, some of it great, some of it overstimulating. Our senses are constantly being bombarded with mostly energetically hyped up, short pieces of content. While some of this is great for advertisements and marketing that fits a certain genre and vibe that someone is trying to go for, it is not necessarily moving in any way. While it may grab the attention of some, it typically will just be a flash in the pan with no real substance or story that needs to be told.
Some of the things that have moved me the most from a cinematic perspective have been quieter more intimate moments, where the heart, mind, and soul have a chance to actually slow down together and enjoy something that refreshes me. All that to say, when you are documenting an event, a location, or maybe just a family moment, pay attention to how you are feeling in the moment, and lock in to what is moving you. Those are the visuals that you will have archived and saved for years to come and you will be able to look at them again and again.
Tell your story
The human soul is a miraculous thing, and there is something almost mysterious about seeing a photo or video that brings back feelings of nostalgia and joy that nothing else ever could. That is the power of visual storytelling. So next time you are out doing camera work, I hope these few insights will help you in your storytelling. We get one life, and sometimes, just one chance to show the world the things we want to say, and sometimes those moments come where no words are audibly spoken, but what we see and display through the lens speaks with a clarity no words could match.
