Reminder to take sketchbooks home over break!
Isaac Cordal miniature figure photography
Narrative vocabulary to consider
1. Narrative: A story or account of events.
2. Cinematic: Relating to motion pictures; having qualities of a film.
3. Suspense: A state of mental uncertainty or excitement.
4. Mystery: Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
5. Whimsical: Playfully quaint or fanciful.
6. Fairy-tale: A story involving magical and imaginary beings and lands.
7. Issue-based: Focused on social, political, or environmental issues.
8. Miniature: A very small and detailed representation.
9. Storyline: The plot or narrative of a story.
10. Collaboration: Working together with others to create something.
11. Composition: The arrangement of elements within a photograph.
12. Lighting: The use of light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere.
13. Perspective: The angle or viewpoint from which the photo is taken.
14. Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
15. Context: The circumstances or setting surrounding an event or idea.
Narrative Mind Map Example
Passed down, recited
Fairy tales
Children’s stories
Folklore, urban legends
Written work
Novels
Fiction
nonfiction
Film and tv
Genres (historical, horror, comedy, action adventure, sci-fi
Whose narrative?
Individual story
Human collective, cultural, society, clan, family
Creation and destruction
Hero’s journey
Historical account
Main character, hero, Villon, etc.
This photographer's work are excellent examples of this theme. They combine cinematic overtones and storytelling.
Narrative photography techniques to consider
1. Staging: Setting up a scene with props, lighting, and subjects to create a specific narrative.
· Application: Like Gregory Crewdson, you can create elaborate scenes that tell a story, using lighting and composition to enhance the mood.
1. Lighting: Using light to create mood and atmosphere.
· Application: Experiment with different lighting setups to create suspense, mystery, or whimsy. For example, dramatic lighting can add tension, while soft, diffused light can create a dreamy, fairy-tale feel.
2. Perspective: Choosing an angle or viewpoint that enhances the narrative.
· Application: Shoot from unusual angles or perspectives to add interest and context to the story. For example, a low angle can make subjects appear larger and more imposing.
Cinematic effect Photoshop edit tutorial
Short Photoshop tutorial for lighting
More techniques to consider
3. Symbolism: Incorporating symbols that add deeper meaning to the image.
· Application: Use objects, colours, or settings that symbolize broader themes or ideas. For instance, a broken toy could symbolize lost innocence.
4. Depth of Field: Controlling what is in focus to guide the viewer’s attention.
· Application: Use a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject and blur the background, drawing attention to key elements of the story.
5. Composition: Arranging elements within the frame to support the narrative.
· Application: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to direct the viewer’s eye and enhance the story being told.
Even more techniques to consider
6. Miniature Photography: Using small figures or objects to create a narrative.
· Application: Like Isaac Cordal, you can use miniature figures to create scenes that comment on social or political issues.
7. Action Shots: Capturing movement to add dynamism to the narrative.
· Application: Like Mitchel Wu, you can capture action shots that tell a story, such as toys in motion or characters interacting.
8. Post-Processing: Editing images to enhance the narrative.
· Application: Use photo editing software to adjust colours, add effects, or composite multiple images to create a cohesive story.
9. Contextual Backgrounds: Choosing backgrounds that add context to the narrative.
· Application: Select settings that enhance the story, such as a forest for a fairy-tale theme or an urban environment for a social commentary.
Evelyn Bencicova and Bella Kotak's photograph entitled Fresh Eyes