Many photographers want to capture emotion with their images, but how do you actually do this? Read on to find out more. We have put together a few useful tips and some impressive examples.
A picture says more than a 1,000 words, and many photos tell a story. This story is conveyed through the subject, setting and context, but you can also feel the image through the emotion captured.
Many photographers want to capture emotion in their images. Take, for example, press, portrait and documentary photographers. Each of these photographers' pictures tells a story of its own. This is how a press photographer captures newsworthy moments. Often these are highly charged, emotional moments. A good example is a photo reportage of a war zone or natural disaster. Consider too, a wedding photographer. This photographer usually stays in the background of the wedding, to capture the raw and emotional moments, such as a tear from the bride or a smile from a grandparent. Even sport photographers capture emotions. They often seek the perfect picture to convey the emotions of a match, such as a picture of a disappointed athlete or an image of cheering crowds.
Although many photos evoke emotions in the viewer, it needn't be directly visible in the photo. An image of violent urban riots can evoke anger, fear or sadness. A close-up of two wedding rings with a beautiful bouquet quickly makes one smile. This is because you can empathise with the particular scenario. Perhaps you recall your own wedding, or you can imagine the fear the riots would instil. This is also a way of capturing emotion. This is more passive, as you put the emotion with the viewer rather than showing it directly in your photo. The documented situation captures one's emotions.
To convey emotion in your photo, you will have to show the emotion of the moment. A photo where emotion is clearly visible often clearly depicts the subject's face. The expression on someone's face can tell a story, and it is up to the photographer to capture this at exactly the right moment. Another person's naked emotion can touch the viewer and in turn make them empathise and feel the same way.
That's all very well, but how do you photograph emotions? We have some tips to share!
Tip 1: Stay in the background
By staying in the background, you do not impinge on the emotion. Yet you need to stay as close as possible, to naturally capture the emotion at play. Work with zoom or telephoto lenses, and shoot everything from a distance. You can also use compact, unobtrusive equipment, to make you less conspicuous whilst you capture emotion up-close.
Tip 2: Find the right moment
When you want to capture emotion, you must find the key moment. To do so, seek out a situation that tells something about the event, but adds something extra. That's how you keep your images interesting.
Tip 3: Stage nothing
It is crucial that nothing is staged in the image. After all, an emotive image tells the real story of real people. Also, photograph with respect and dignity for the people you capture.
Tip 4: Choose the right gear
We recommend using bright lenses with a short focal length. This way, you will be properly prepared for all lighting conditions, and will avoid distracting noise. The short focal length allows you to really be among the people or action. That way, you can make the viewer feel like they were also present and feel the emotion of the moment.
Tip 5: Create a series of photos
In some instances, it can be crucial to highlight the subjects from multiple angles. Creating (small) series of photos works well for this. Together, the photos in a series tell a bigger story so that all the emotions are properly conveyed.
Tip 6: Use a silent shutter
When photographing emotional people, use the silent shutter on your camera, if at all possible. This makes you less conspicuous, so people won't get distracted by the sound of the shutter. They then stay in the moment for longer, giving you more time to look for the perfect moment that tells the story.
Tip 7: Choose the right perspective
When you want to capture emotion, it is best to shoot just below eye level. This draws the viewer's gaze to the subject's face, and distracting elements in the background fall away.
Have you taken a beautiful emotive photo? If so, share your work with us, to feature on our Instagram account. Just use the hashtag #KameraExpress or tag Kamera Express in your message. Don't forget to follow us for extra inspiration!
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