February Tip

Visual Story Telling
(from the Mt. Rainier workshop curriculum)

When we read a book, we all read the same words, but each of us creates a unique vision of the story. With a photograph, we all visually see the same image, but each of us creates a unique story out of that vision.

Intentionally creating a visual story can be done in a number of ways. Three of my favorites include Structure, Association, and Evocation.

Structure takes the eye on a visual journey. The viewer’s gaze traverses the image guided by its structure. The eye wanders, discovering as it goes.

In the field, let your eye wander the scene before you reach for the camera. In the back of your mind note where you are looking and what interests you. With practice you will notice the pattern your gaze takes. Imagine how that would look in a composition. Then pick up the camera and see how it ‘sees’ the view. You are well on your way to photographing a story of that place.