Photographer Laura Sullivan explains how you can create a story with your images, in this article over at Digital Photography School.
It takes some self control not to share every single (beautiful) image from that wedding or fashion shoot you just had, but in the end it’s worth it. You’ll create a much more interesting view for your followers, and your social media accounts will look professional and well-curated.
Be Brutal
Think about this from the viewer’s perspective. They weren’t at the shoot. So how can you tell them the story in a concise way that shows off your best work? To do this, you have to be brutal. Cull like a maniac, and then cull some more.
Do not share the same scene, and the same pose five times in a row! The viewer’s eye will get bored and start to skip over. Your goal is for each new image to draw the eye, and surprise the viewer in some way.
Change Your Perspective
aim to tell your story from the perspective of someone who was peeking over your shoulder. A great example is a wedding day. You don’t start a wedding day with the big dramatic first kiss, right? Set your scene. Show the viewer your location. Introduce them to the setup, then move in close to get the detail shots.
Tell the Truth – Kind of
YOU are the artist, and YOU get to decide how you’re going to tell the truth! Let’s not squander that freedom! You’re an artist, and you can unfold a story in the most artistic way you deem worthy. Here’s what you do NOT have to do:
- Share images in the precise order you shot them.
- Share images from the scenes or poses that you wanted to try but didn’t quite work (and hey, good job trying new stuff!).
- Share images the client asked you to take that don’t totally represent your vision or your brand.
- Share images that don’t progress the story you want to tell.
Stay in the Flow
Step away from your computer, go for a walk, have a glass of wine, do you… and then come back to review what you’ve written, shared, and how it all comes together. Try to have fresh eyes.
Is anything too repetitive? Do your shots flow together? Do your black and white images land in places throughout the post that make sense? If you include captions, do they add or detract from the overall effect of your story? These little details can take a post from good to truly excellent, so make sure you give your post another look before you click “Publish.”
Read the full article over at Digital Photography School.
Source: Digital Photography School
