Visual Communication: ITAP Lecture 6

NARRATIVE & STRUCTURE

During our sixth ITAP lecture we covered the areas of Narrative and Structure. Animation and film were used as an example of this. However, I would like to explore this subject further and examine it in depth from the perspective of a photographer. Two principles I have chosen to write about are ‘Developing Stories’ and ‘Developing Characters’.

Developing Stories

Story is a set of events and a simple way to deliver a message across. Narrative is very important in photography as it helps to create a powerful image. The concept of telling a story can be about everything, personal, emotional or a physical journey. Each photographer has different values, observations and experiences in life, therefore the interpretations and essence of the same subject would be various from each perspective. Creators try to convey their own, individual and unique understanding of the image and connect with the audience. Meaningful pieces of art/photograph enable us to open the door to our imagination which allows the image tells us its story and engage and stimulate the hearts and minds of the recipient. Importance of the message can be in metaphorical, abstraction, documentary form and any other form created in our mind. It is not necessary to create a set of photographs or collage to tell a story. In photography it is possible to achieve this within one frame. In portraiture getting close to the person gives a more intimate view and makes the message more powerful. As an example I have attached photographs of the same person taken many years apart by Steve McCurry. It is the first image I have ever seen taken by this photographer and it inspired my passion towards this documentary.

Before taking the photo each photographer should ask themselves questions:

-Who is it for?

-What is my purpose or intention?

-What emotions do I want to capture?

-What is my message?

-How do I want to approach the composition?

-How do i achieve it technically and visually?

Developing Character

There are clear rules and definition of how to develop characters within a movie, it is either the ‘Hero’ or ‘Villain’. Unfortunately or fortunately we cannot apply the same rules in photography. However in both cases it is vital that characters show emotions which can relate to the viewer. When taking photographs they need to capture the emotional moment of the character. This will result in an emotional response from the audience who empathises with emotion. The aspects worth taking into consideration when developing our character are body language, facial expression, activity, location, background, people within the composition etc.