Photographic Storytelling Checklist

Copyright Scott Bourne 2009 - All Rights Reserved

I talk about making images that tell a story. It’s all very ethereal – so here’s something practical that might help. It’s NOT exhaustive – it’s merely a starting point and one that I hope will help you get busy making photos that tell a story.

1. What is it you want to say with your camera? Try to think about this BEFORE you go on location. What are your goals? What message do you want to send? Once you have this, move on.

2. What is the subject of your photo? What are you trying to illustrate? What do you want us to see in your image?

3. What is MOST important in your photograph? Why is it important? Chances are that the more accurately and adequately you can answer this question, the better your images will be.

4. What is it in the scene you want to photograph that moves you? If you can articulate this, you are on the right track.

5. What compositional elements can you use to draw the viewer into the picture? Is it framing, iteration, repetition, converging lines, shapes, colors, etc.?

6. Have you looked up, down and all around? Is there a better shot just outside your field of view?

7. Employ EDFAT – Entire – Details – Focal Length – Angle – Time. Try shooting the scene as if it were a Kevin Costner western. Big sweeping views, detailed views over different focal lengths and times of day.

8. How does light impact your story? Is the light interesting, and deep or is it flat and lifeless? Which helps or hurts the story you want?

9. Have you scanned the background for distractions?

10. Have you eliminated anything from the frame that doesn’t help convey the message you want to send?

There are lots of things to consider when you want to tell a story with your camera, but this basic list should get you started in the right direction. Remember – don’t just take pictures, make pictures!

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