Thursday, November 5, 2009

Photographing for Emotional Impact

Really good photographs not only present a technically fine image to the viewer, but they should have emotional impact. I have included in this blog three images shot within minutes of each other of the same subject, each designed and processed for a different emotional impact.

The first image is designed to covey the joy of a walk down a country road on a fall day. Lets look at some of the factors that create that impact:
  1. Hi key image (somewhat) - highlights are allowed to blow out and the majority of the tones are on the lighter end of the scale. This creates an airy uplifting feeling.
  2. Vertical lines - the vertical lines of the tree have positive impact (as compared to horizontal ones).
  3. Diagonals - diagonal lines create energy and a sense of movement. The trees are at a slight diagonal in this image.
  4. Vertical framing - a vertical frame like any vertical lines in the image reinforces the positive feel.
The second image has a more subdued, moody and mysterious feel. Analysing this image:
  1. Low key image - most of the image is to the dark side - creating moodiness.
  2. Horizontal frame - horizontal lines or framing can make an image more subdued and tranquil.
  3. Post processed to emphasize the fog - fog adds mystery.
  4. Monochromatic - eliminating the bright fall colors again creates a more subdued retrospective image.
  5. Curved road - a path or road that disappears around a bend creates a sense of mystery. "What lies ahead?"

The third image conveys different emotions (shot again at the same time as the others). What do you feel when you look at it?