HOW TO CAPTURE EMOTION IN PHOTOGRAPHY

AN MPB GUIDE

Whether it’s to tell a story, set the scene or remember a fond feeling, one of the most important opportunities in portrait and documentary photography is to capture raw emotion.

As photographers, we are often in the room for special moments, or we bring to the table an idea that is closely linked to the study of human emotion. It is important that we honour these moments and concepts with the best techniques. From laughter and joy to contemplation and sadness, emotions can make a striking impression and relatability for viewers. Keep reading to learn how to hone in on emotion and help change the way we see the world.

Ask questions and connect with your subjects

In order to best tell a story fueled by authentic emotion, and properly decide on things like the environment, kit and compositions, get to know your subjects. Speak to them in a one-on-one manner, get details of their stories that they feel comfortable sharing, and use these small details to paint your work.

For instance, if they go on their balcony often to contemplate, perhaps place them there at a time that the light hits it just right to amplify their facial expressions of contemplation.

Photo documentarians must use their empathy to display it. Let your observations take your photographs to a deeper level where their individuality shines, they are in full focus, and they have control over the narrative that you facilitate.

Your photos will be more well-informed and responsible, and you’ll have more context for the artistic choices you make.

Allowing the subjects to get comfortable also might let them open up to you and your presence on-location, so that more candid moments will happen in a natural way. Emotion isn’t always shared easily.

Let the light lead the way

Light matters so much in communicating the right mood, so it is no surprise that lighting should be a priority in shooting emotional photography. If there is a sole subject, their entire face should be well-lit. If you are capturing many emotions of a crowd or group, the lighting should be even.

Whether it is in high contrast to reach a dramatic result, like using a spotlight or sun shining through trees, or even lighting, to evoke softness and to bring attention to details and skin texture, remember that light plays a huge role in the message. Backlighting, in most cases, doesn’t give us enough detail to convey emotion. Work with the light instead.

Be intentional with your kit

In a sea of kit options, emotional photography is best executed with some of the sharpest on the market that allows for detail, isolation of subject and background, and speed to be able to shoot on continuous modes without too much lag.

Classic portrait lens choices like Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM and Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D, or even a zoom like fashion photography-favourite 24-70mm would work perfectly well. But a focal length too far away might make the viewer feel detached from the subject unless it is a portrait tight in on the face.

Try a wide angle, and physically move closer in to get a documentary feel. Choose a camera body that is perhaps lighter weight to move around easier with. Change up gear, always, to explore possibilities and what feels right. Right now, we are loving Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART, Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R and mirrorless favourites Sony A7 III, Canon EOS R and Fujifilm X100V

Figure out your vision and follow it through

Have a story in mind or a visual plan before entering emotional environments, like protests or family events, to make sure that you don’t have to think as much on the fly about concepts.

When it’s time to execute, make sure to be ready and focus on observing. And, as always, don’t be afraid to move around to get the compositions you envisioned.

Take in the environment

Use the environment to tell a story as well. If you are working with someone’s living space, or a space that coincides with the emotional narrative, be sure to incorporate pieces of the environment in interesting compositional ways that aid the subject, not take away from them.

Shoot in continuous or burst mode, and just keep going

One of the virtues of photographers is patience—keeping our eyes open and observing for the perfect moment. But when that moment comes, you have to be ready to take in the wide range of emotions present that may never be repeated.

Be sure to set your camera on continuous mode, available on most contemporary digital systems.

Even though you’ll have more to cull through later, it’ll be worth it. Some of the best emotional scenes are in the in-between moments. Start shooting earlier, and right after a pose, where they might relax a bit. Just keep shooting.

Are you thinking about upgrading? Sell or trade in your camera kit.