A few years back, one of my sisters insisted that I was a story photographer, as opposed to a landscape, portrait, etc., photographer. To be honest, I hadn’t really thought about it much. Since I was (and am) a hobbyist, I thought I was exploring all sorts of photographic venues. She agreed that I was exploring, but held fast to the idea that I explored with a storyteller’s eye. Which, in some ways, isn’t that surprising because I have studied story a great deal in other mediums (like painting and writing). Still, the idea of story photographer was a bit new to me and I wound up really liking it.

It’s true that I love how photographs tell stories — how they can explore themes, moods, relationships, and action visually. While I love how words and photographs together can create a more complete understanding of something than either might alone, there is something about each medium alone that I like, too. When there’s enough of a clue to create the story without stating everything, the image has a way of connecting with an audience — as they fill in the story’s remainder with their own experiences — in a way that is personally memorable and meaningful.

I’m honored (and grateful) that my sister recognized this quality in my photographs. And, I’ve become a bit of a student, studying more and more about visual story. Meanwhile, I’m practicing every chance I get, exploring this venue of self-expression through my lens.

If this concept interests you, as well, you may enjoy the following links:

• The Big Picture is a beautiful collection of “news stories in photographs” and is great inspiration for story photographers.
• Telling Stories With Photos is an interesting article from Digital Photography School about the elements of a story within the frame.
• Tell a story in 5 frames is one of my favorite groups on Flickr — Jutine Hoegh’s jumping girl is great!
• PhotoFocus’ Photographic Storytelling Checklist by Scott Bourne is a good place to start when it comes to capturing stories with intention of doing so.
• Kodak’s Let Your Pictures Tell a Story describes the different sorts of stories you might set out to capture.