Photography Thailand Forum

[rdphotog]

Hi Guys,

As I continue to 'develop' as a photographer ( I use that term loosely:)) I am placing more emphasis on photo storytelling rather than individual 'postcard' images.

I am familiar with the  'Life Formula' for Photo Essays  (see below) but would like to know others approach when they begin a new project or a story. Is the Life Formula still relevant or is there a new method? Or do you just take the best images that you can take and hope that you can string them together later :)

Here's the Life formula for the photo essay for reference:

Introductory or overall: usually a wide angle or aerial shot that establishes the scene.

Medium: Focuses in on one element, like a person’s face or an intricate detail of a building.

Close-up: Zeroes in on one element, like a person’s hands or an intricate detail of a building.

Portrait: Usually either a dramatic, tight head shot or a person in his or her environmental setting.

Interaction: People conversing or in action.

Signature: Summarizes the situation getting all the key story-telling elements in one photo often called the decisive moment.

Sequence: A how-to, before and after, or a series with a beginning, middle, and end (the sequence gives the essay a sense of action).

Clincher: A closer that would end the story


Any thoughts ?

R

[epixx]

Any thoughts ?

R

Yes. Good photos usually don't follow formulas, but formulas sometimes resemble good photos. If you have a story to tell, and take good photos, you'll make a good photo essay.