Stories Instead of Snapshots

Written by Heather Kuchma

​In March 2016, Peter delighted the membership with an absolutely stunning slideshow featuring images from his two-week adventure to New Zealand in Spring 2015. His goal for the trip was to be open to any opportunity and to experience the joy of photography to the fullest. For anyone who missed his presentation or would like to see it again, Peter has posted a copy of the slideshow on the Peter Carroll Photography Facebook page, March 11, 2016, https://www.facebook.com/PeterCarrollPhoto/. Well worth checking out!

From the first time I encountered Peter’s work, I have been  inclined to refer to him as an artist first and photographer second.
 
He shared how telling a story through an image includes the same elements as a successfully written story—the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when and why). In other words, each work requires elements, such as a character, plot, setting, emotions, conflict and theme. Creators can determine what it is that they want to say by the type of story they chose to create. For example:

• Is it one of people and place?
• How do people use an area, get into the rhythm of a place and get in tune with the melody of the people?
• Is it a story of a place versus a story about a place?
• Is the story of a political or social nature?

Once you have determined the type of story you wish to create, how do you go about telling it? How do you bring ‘you’ to your work?

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​For Peter research is key and observation is also essential.

• Is there a better time to come back to the area?
• What makes you say “wow”?
• Are you able to approach the subject, and create a connection?
• What type of emotion do you want to evoke?

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Once you have decided on the plan to tell your story, then focus on the technical elements, such as point of view, lens choice, f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, filters, direction and composition. He also mentioned some of the best stories are open ended; they leave it up to the viewer to ask the questions. 
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​Peter mentioned his preference is to follow the KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle. Post-processing effects should not be the reason for the image, but they should rather be used as a support piece. This was illustrated by a George Lucas quote, “A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing.”
 
Peter concluded his presentation by suggesting that a personal project is a great way to grow one’s skills as a photographer. A must read is Photography and the Art of Seeing by Freeman Patterson. Guy Tal and Joe McNally are his ‘go to’ photographers for inspiration; and LensWork Podcasts have been a constant wealth of information (http://daily.lenswork.com/podcast/).
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© Peter Carroll