Storytelling through Photography...tips

Helpful Tips

Check out these tips from documentary photographer, Colin Boyd Shafer, who just finished a year-long project called Cosmopolis, in which he photographed someone from every country in the world who now calls Toronto home.

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It is important to keep in mind that you are not just taking a photograph for this contest; you are

telling a story. This means that you should give a lot of thought to both the photograph and the

200-word caption.

DO YOU WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH A PERSON?

Tip #1:

Spend time listening. The viewer will appreciate a photo that shows that you really had a

connection with the subject in the photo. It will also ensure that you are respecting the person in the photograph and telling their story accurately. Avoid stopping a stranger on the street,

snapping their photo quickly and leaving. Spend time with the person you are photographing.

Caption: Here is a portrait of Eli. He is a 90-year-old guitar teacher who came to Canada from

Austria to escape the Holocaust. Eli and I needed to spend a lot of time talking in his living

room, and getting comfortable with each other. After that we decided to go upstairs and take the picture in the studio where he teaches guitar.

Tip #2:

Take the person’s portrait in a creative way that expresses their personality and story. It may

help to include a little bit of the surrounding environment in the photograph to give context.

Caption: Soupie was born in Laos. When she first arrived in Canada she remembers seeing the Toronto Maple Leafs, but not knowing what they were. Now she is a huge fan.

*Notice that I took this portrait through the window. The reflection adds value to the image, and

symbolizes the fact that she is reflecting on her past. Also, the Maple Leafs jersey connects the

viewer with Soupie’s love for the team.

Tip #3:

Be concise in your storytelling. What are the most important details? Make sure your caption

has importance and meaning. Avoid repetition!

DO YOU WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH AN OBJECT?

Tip #4:

Consider photographing an object that is connected to the past. In this case, once again,

listening is key. Make sure you understand what you are photographing by listening to the

person who values that object and knows its story.

Tip #5:

If an object is meant to represent something else, make sure you are clear about this in the

description.

Caption: Dawt was born in Chin State, Myanmar, and she explained how the evergreen trees

here in Canada remind her of the green mountains where she is from.

DO YOU WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH A PLACE?

Tip #6:

If you are not personally connected to the place, talk to someone who is. Getting their story may help you understand the place and tell a better story.

You may consider the following places: a park where you or a family member remember visiting

when you first arrived in Canada; a favourite place to eat; or a type of food that brings back

memories, or connects you to your culture.

The most important thing is to have fun! Tell a story that you think is important, and that feeling

will be surely felt by the judges.