In the vast universe of photography, there exists a cosmos called “Photo Series.” It transcends the confines of individual images; in fact, it’s a curated collection connected to reveal a visual narrative. Let’s explore the depths of photo series and take a closer look at some of my own work in this interesting genre.
Crafting The Narrative
Crafting a photo series is all about a purposeful curation. It’s an engaging visual journey that can present a themed carousel of images but also effectively communicates a story. A photography series is a powerful tool to raise awareness about social issues or push the boundaries by presenting thought-provoking perceptions. Each photo in the series plays a crucial role in completing the puzzle, contributing to the storytelling through a carefully curated exploration.
La Rue Sal
Defining intentions and drawing inspiration from the everyday life, but also other sources, is how I process my way to create series photography. La Rue Sal, or Sal’s Way, is a dance of thoughts and flashbacks; embracing a rebellion against conformity in the pursuit of authentic artistry.
The concept begins when I pictured myself losing sight of a bar crawl I was part of on a main strip (detaching from conformity). The narrative continues by realizing I was poisoned and exhausted, finding myself navigating a desolated and obscure alley (here I’m questioning the system that led me to such a state of unsatisfaction and emptiness).
In this desolate dark alley, I stumble upon a neglected security door. Summoning the last shreds of my energy, I stealthily slip through it, only to discover the absence of bouncers, an uncertain dress code, and an exposed backstage. The narrative, told through compelling images, depicts my clandestine entry into a club that symbolizes the matrix of consumerism. The photo series illustrates how I, Sal, transition from being a consumer to a creator, navigating a system that once suppressed my personality and creativity.
Crafting Your Own Photo Series
To enhance your storytelling and allow viewers to connect the dots, consider these steps:
- Choose a Subject: Whether it’s people, culture, or places, select a subject that resonates with your personality.
- Define Your Narrative: Whether telling a story, raising awareness, or emphasizing similarities, clarify the purpose.
- Benefit Engagement: Envision how your photo series will impact your audience.
- Find Inspiration: Let the world around you fuel your creativity.
- Create Coherence: Ensure your images connect and maintain consistency in style and presentation.
Technical Tips
Experimenting with different angles can add depth to your photography series. Different perspectives can change the mood of the scene.
- Eye-Level Angle: Effective and simple, capturing emotions and facial details.
- High Angle: Conveys vulnerability, making the subject appear smaller or weaker.
- Low Angle: Imbues strength and confidence, portraying the subject as powerful.
- Dutch Angle: Adds tension through a visually disorienting tilt.
- Experimentation: Try various angles to craft your own photo series.
Let Your Lens Tell Stories
We can conclude by saying that a photo series is way more than pixels and frames. It’s a way to bring concepts to life in a manner that can be more powerful than words. Adopting the idea that every click of the shutter can communicate something or unveil a story. This will put you in a position of desiring to embrace creativity, experimenting with the ultimate goal of the unseen.
