Your personal perspective and experiences can be a powerful storytelling strategy. But there are ways to do it right (and wrong). Here are my top 3 tips for what to keep in mind when photographing a story that’s your own personal narrative so that your story is engaging and effective (rather than an eye-roller).
How (and why!) to turn the camera on yourself in a photo story
What is a Personal Narrative Photo Story?
A personal narrative photo story is a visual tale where you, the photographer, are the protagonist. It’s not about therapy sessions or delving deep into childhood memories (unless that’s part of your conservation message), but rather about using your personal experiences to highlight broader conservation issues. These stories can offer a unique, relatable angle that invites your audience to connect with the topic on a deeper level.
Why Use Personal Narratives?
Personal narratives can be a fantastic way to bring attention to conservation topics. They make the issues more relatable and engaging by anchoring them in personal experience. However, the key is to ensure that your story isn’t just about you. Instead, it should invite your audience to understand and relate to the broader message you’re conveying.
The Importance of Relatability
When telling your story, it’s essential to make it relatable to your audience. The goal is to avoid making it feel like a diary entry that only you and a few others might find interesting. Instead, aim to create a narrative that anyone can understand and connect with. This involves considering your audience’s perspective and ensuring that your story resonates with them.
Tips for Creating Effective Personal Narrative Photo Stories
Here are three tips to help you craft personal narratives that are compelling and impactful:
1. Be the Anchor, Not the Star
You might be the main character in your story, but you’re not the star. Think of yourself as the anchor that grounds the story, guiding your audience through the narrative. The focus should be on the bigger picture, the broader conservation issue you’re highlighting, with your experiences serving as the entry point.
For example, consider the acclaimed documentary My Octopus Teacher. The filmmaker’s personal journey of forming a bond with an octopus is deeply moving and relatable. While it’s his story, it’s not about him being the star; it’s about the broader message of our connection with nature and the impact it can have on our lives.
2. Build Images for the Audience as Much as for Yourself
When creating images for your personal narrative, remember that they need to resonate with your audience. It’s easy to get caught up in documenting your experience, but the images should also convey emotions and tell a story that others can connect with.
Take, for instance, Morgan Heim’s photo essay for ABA Magazine during COVID. She documented her experience of finding solace in birdwatching while stuck at home. The images she created, including self-portraits with her dog, conveyed the isolation and quiet moments of joy she found in her backyard. These images weren’t just about her experience; they invited the audience to feel and understand what she was going through.
3. Get Help with Editing
Personal narratives are inherently close to your heart, which can make it challenging to be objective about your work. Getting help with editing from others can provide valuable perspective and ensure that your story is impactful and relatable.
Having someone else review your images can highlight what might be missing or what might not be as powerful as you think. They can offer insights into which images best convey your story to an audience that wasn’t there to experience it with you. This collaborative process can refine your narrative and make it stronger.
Examples of Personal Narrative Photo Stories
Penguin Bloom
One of the best examples of a personal narrative photo story is Penguin Bloom. This story about an injured magpie adopted by a family is not just about the bird’s recovery but also about the profound impact it had on the family, particularly on a member who was paralyzed. The images are beautifully crafted, conveying deep emotions and the bond formed between the bird and the family. This story went beyond a simple tale of animal rescue, illustrating a powerful narrative of healing and connection.
Morgan Heim’s COVID-19 Photo Essay
Morgan Heim’s photo essay during COVID is another excellent example. Her self-portraits and images of birds in her yard told a story of finding peace and connection with nature during a difficult time. The images were not just about her experience but conveyed a broader sense of finding solace in nature that many could relate to during the pandemic.
Jules’ Raptor Rehab Center Story
In a recent article for the New York Times’ World Through a Lens series, one of my students, Jules, created a story about a raptor rehab center. While his personal narrative was embedded in the text, he wasn’t in any of the images. The photos told the story of the rehab center and its importance, while his text provided the personal connection and insight into the work being done.
Conclusion
Creating personal narrative photo stories can be a powerful way to engage your audience and highlight important conservation issues. By being the anchor of your story, crafting images that resonate with your audience, and getting help with editing, you can create narratives that are both personal and universally relatable.
Remember, personal narratives are not about making yourself the star, but about using your experiences to connect others to a bigger picture. Whether it’s through text or photos, your goal is to invite your audience into your story and make them care about the issues you’re passionate about.
So, grab your camera and start crafting your personal narrative photo story. Share your unique perspective and invite others to see the world through your eyes. Happy storytelling!
