Storytelling Photography
So you want to tell a story through photos. Maybe yours, or someone else's. Where do you begin?
If you will, take a minute to think about the things you put on display, cherish, share, think about and build your life around. The places you spend your time, the people you spend your time with.
Ultimately, those are the relationships and things that you value (whether you realize it or not) and they're part of you and your family's unique history, bond, or heritage.
If you're working for someone else, maybe consider having a conversation and asking them to share about what they're passionate about and value. Only then will you be able to tell their story in a meaningful way.
But for now, here are some examples of storytelling through photos that might get your creative juices flowing and give you some ideas for telling a story with your own photos so that you know where to begin:
A Family Mission
Firefighting plays a significant role in the life of this beautiful family, and I was so excited at the prospect of incorporating dad's fireman gear!
Mom also chose this downtown location that has a beautiful reclaimed wall, which was so fitting!
Dad is the firefighter, but I also recognize the sacrifice their family makes as a whole to support his role in our community.
it was such an honor to photograph them and tell a bit of their story with these sweet photos.
An Heirloom
When I arrived for a recent in-home newborn session and saw this crib in the family living room I asked whether it held sentimental meaning or family history. Boy did it ever!
They told me that it had been built by someone in the family a few generations back and passed down from family to family and sibling to sibling. I knew we had to photograph baby in it, and leave it to me to spot the hanging plants they had in their beautiful log cabin, also.
A Generational Hobby
It's no secret that I am a houseplant enthusiast. So this one's for me.
I have houseplants for my personal enjoyment and satisfaction so the plants I purchase I get because I think they're beautiful, not necessarily because they're rare or collectible.
But some are especially meaningful because they hold sentimental value, and those are the ones that I incorporate the most in my personal photos. These sessions are special and combine three of my loves: family, plants, and photography! For these photos of my own little guy, I included some of my favorites given to me by my Grandma that passed away last year. She adored her grandbabies!
A Sentimental Location
Some dear friends of mine were moving out of state and in discussing the location possibilities for family photos it was decided that they'd be taken somewhere they'd spent a lot of time as a family. This park was a family favorite and also somewhere we'd met up at for play dates with our kids. It was a bittersweet session for me being just days before they left, but I know they'll treasure the photos all the more for where they were taken!
A Beloved Pet
These two were born months apart, and "Carrots" is his first pet. The photos of them together will always be extra special! To have been friends since birth and grow up together is so sweet.
A New Beginning
Ashleigh wanted to depict the new adventure she was beginning as she graduated high school and pursued her new life and career goals. She incorporated props that symbolized the journey ahead, and can you say model?! So gorgeous! In other photos they included a family quilt, or a favorite instrument. She had so many great ideas for storytelling with props in her senior photos!
A Heritage
Mekdes chose an Ethiopian styled wardrobe for her session as a way to honor her heritage and beautiful home country. It was a meaningful way to incorporate her heritage and tell a part of her story!
A Heritage
Mekdes chose an Ethiopian styled wardrobe for her session as a way to honor her heritage and beautiful home country. It was a meaningful way to incorporate her heritage and tell a part of her story!
When it comes to storytelling photography, the possibilities are endless.
There are as many unique stories on this planet as there are people. I love to hear the stories of each individual, family, or couple that I meet. We all have a story, and I want to help you find your voice in telling yours. Whether you're a firefighter family, beginning a passionate career, or recently met the love of your life, your story has purpose and meaning. Let's tell it!
