Welcome to the 211th insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode, we spotlight the world of ‘narrative’ photography, breaking down the importance of a single frame, a photo’s unspoken lore, and the potential of a captured moment.
Narrative photography can be defined as the act of documenting a story through a lens. Found at the root of many critically acclaimed stills, this genre of documentation works to illustrate a story devoid of speech. Giving way to the age-old saying “a photo is worth a thousand words”, this incredibly complex genre combines a mix of framing, timing and situational atmosphere to connect with the viewers authentically and clearly. Oftentimes, narrative photography is released with hopes of conveying a predetermined message but ultimately leaves one to perceive the image on their terms.
To demonstrate this unique form of storytelling, we can imagine a photo of a spiralling plane, or a child and marker sitting next to a doodled wall. Lacking context in any respect, we’d promptly infer the frozen moments share an attribute of tragedy, in lives lost or a harsh scolding and fresh coat of paint. Through inference, we’re able to fill in the gaps of unstated lore and inevitably bear the weight of such an event despite being completely removed from the situation by any measure of time.
However, perhaps the most powerful aspect of narration-centric photography is the ability to conceal and reveal. Capturing only what one deems worthy of illustrating, a narrative can be quickly distorted with simple framing techniques and post-production editing. Leading an audience to side with a false agenda or at worse act upon misinformation, it can also prompt many to become more skeptical of genuine photographs in fear of being manipulated.
For instance, a recent photo surfaced of the United States Pentagon billowing with black smoke, causing the S&P 500 to briefly plummet. While presumably A.I generated, we can visualize the ability of an image both in emotional, physical and financial settings.
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