Documentary photography is a genre of photography that aims to tell a story through images. It captures real-life situations and events as they unfold.
To achieve this style of photography, it's important to immerse yourself in the subject matter and truly observe what is happening around you.
Capture candid moments (not posed ones) and try to remain as unobtrusive as possible so as not to disrupt the scene. Ultimately, you are telling a story with each photo that is taken. Try to capture a variety of images that tell a complete story of the subject matter you are documenting.
Here are a few tips for achieving great documentary photos:
Be Patient
Documentary photography requires a lot of patience. Sometimes you may have to wait for the perfect moment to present itself, so be prepared to wait and keep your camera at the ready.
Use a Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing a scene and giving viewers a sense of the environment. They also allow you to get closer to your subjects without being intrusive.
Capture Candid Moments:
The best documentary photos are candid moments that capture the essence of the subject matter. Try to avoid posed shots and instead focus on capturing people in their natural state.
Include the Environment:
Capture the environment as it relates to the subject matter, and use it to add depth and meaning to your photos, this is great to enhance storytelling. This can include capturing details such as the lighting, weather conditions, and any objects or elements that contribute to the story you are telling.
Composition:
Remember to pay attention to the composition. Be sure to watch how the light falls and shadows rest on your subjects and overall photo.
As always, if you have any questions, just post a comment below! Now go grab your camera and get to work!
