Comments on: What makes a photo tell a story?

By: Joshywashington

Joshywashington — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:09:00 +0000

I get sense of movement from this picture, I don’t know the story but I feel like I am dropped straight into a scene where the characters have paused to take a drag off their cigarettes. I love it because I know that she will exhale and likely say something.
The picture gives me the expectation of her exhale and whatever dare swims on the surface of her eyes.

Great piece.

By: David Miller

David Miller — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:49:50 +0000

It’s true. I can’t figure out which movie though.

You’re right about studying film as a means of learning composition.

I wrote a piece about studying it as a means of ‘noticing’ for writing as well:

http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-write-better-by-excercising-your-observation-skills/

By: David Miller

David Miller — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:47:24 +0000

Thanks Jonathan.

Anything about this picture in particular?

By: Jonathan | EnlightenYourDay.com

Jonathan | EnlightenYourDay.com — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:54:21 +0000

I love the idea behind your post. I find myself falling in love with photography thanks to social media site like stumbleupon. The amount of breath taking photos is amazing

Thanks for sharing a little insight

Jonathan

By: TimR

TimR — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:55:04 +0000

The link to the photo indicates it’s a still from a movie, which brings up an approach I have to photography: study some filmmaking/cinematography, even if just a couple of books. All the basics of lighting, composition and editing can help you shoot in more of a storytelling style. Stills just boil it all down to an even more basic dramatic unit.

By: Lola

Lola — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:50:53 +0000

Thanks for the props David. Still learning as I go.

One of the best advice I ever got regarding travel photography came from National Geographic’s Jim Richardson during a seminar I attended….”what makes a travel photo perfect isn’t one that’s technically perfect, but one that actually evokes some kind of emotion and instantly transports you there.”

You can see more of Jim’s work here – http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photographers/photographer-jim-richardson.html