essential skills: digital photography in available light
Visual communication
Photographic stories are the visual communication of personal experience, as such each story is
potentially unique and is the ideal vehicle for personal expression. To communicate coherently
and honestly the photographer must connect with what is happening. To connect the photographer
should research, observe carefully, ask questions and clarify the photographer’s personal
understanding of what is happening. Unless the photographer intends to make the communication
ambiguous it is important to establish a point of view or have an ‘angle’ for the story. This can
be achieved by acknowledging feelings or emotions experienced whilst observing and recording
the subject matter. All images communicate and most photographers aim to retain control of this
communication. Photography can be used as a powerful tool for persuasion and propaganda and
the communication of content should always be the primary consideration of the photographer.
Choosing a subject
The most popular subject for the photographic story has always been the ‘human condition’. This
is communicated through experience-based discovery. The aim is to select one individual or group
of individuals and relate their story or life experience to the viewer. The story may relate the
experience of a brief or extended period of time.
Finding a story, gaining permission to take images and connecting with the individuals once
permission has been granted are some of the essential skills required to produce a successful
story. Tracking down a story often requires curiosity, perseverance, motivation and patience. These
skills are required by the majority of professional photojournalists who are freelance. Freelance
photographers fi nd, document and sell their own stories.
Kim Noakes