The Narrative Matters.
Posted on 02. Mar, 2010 by admin in blog
Literary theory aside, a narrative is a story pieced together by words, music or pictures. Why a narrative matters, though, is harder to define.
I personally feel the narrative is the most important aspect of a photograph. If the photo does not tell some sort of story through mood, facial expression or background, then the photo has failed you (i.e., the business owner) in broadcasting your message or brand to potential clients or customers.
Your message and brand is your narrative, sure it’s hard to sum up a storytelling photograph in 140 characters – that is a good thing. A good storytelling image will keep the conversation flowing, because people can relate or will make some sort of connection to a piece of your narrative.
You’re not just advertising or marketing your brand, but you are telling your story through the narrative. The narrative does matter and photography is a vital and significant element that must be thoughtfully executed.
For example, let’s look at the atmospheric rise in photojournalistic wedding photography. The style is popular because the bride and groom want their story told. They understand that photography is an important part of the narrative.
It’s not popular because its cheap or easy, it’s popular because people are tired of being told what to see or feel when they look at an image. They want to look at the photograph and feel the flood of emotion. The photograph, in some cases, is the only slice of the story that pieces together the words, music and emotion from that specific narrative.
The narrative matters, so make your brand your own and see your vision through to the last pixel.
Cheers,
Nathan
Be Social and Connect
