Photography and storytelling

A photograph captures one moment, but it can suggest much more. Hands kneading dough, an empty chair or a busy market can each hint at what came before and what might happen next.

Every photo is a choice. The photographer decides what to include, what to leave out and when to press the button. Those choices shape the story a viewer sees.

Framing is what sits inside the edges of the picture. Move closer to cut out clutter. Try imagining the frame split into thirds, and place your main subject along one of those lines rather than in the centre.

Light changes the mood. Soft light near a window, or early and late in the day, is often gentle and warm. Harsh midday sun can make strong shadows. Try standing with the light behind you or to one side.

A photo essay is a small set of pictures that tell a story together. It might follow a dish from market to table, or show a garden through the seasons. Mix wide shots of a place with close-ups of details.

Captions add what the picture cannot show. A good caption is short and accurate: what, where and when. Only name people in a caption if they have agreed.

Always ask before you photograph someone. Explain what the photo is for and where it might be seen. Being in a class, group or event does not mean a person has agreed to be photographed.

Some people may not want their photo taken for personal, cultural, religious or safety reasons. They don’t need to explain. Ask a parent or carer before photographing children. If someone says no, respect it and put the camera away.

Agreeing to have a photo taken is not the same as agreeing to share it. Posting online, printing or showing a photo in public needs separate permission. Once an image is online, it can be copied and hard to remove.

People can change their mind. If someone later asks for a photo to be taken down or deleted, do it as soon as you can. When you’re unsure, don’t share, or choose a photo in which no one can be recognised.