A few years ago, on a completely random rainy afternoon, I opened a dusty old travel magazine hidden somewhere in my closet. As I leisurely turned its pages, a sudden feeling of astonishment passed over me. I was looking at a picture of a man with a weathered face sitting under a tree, surrounded by children. His expression was full of stories, and even though I didn’t know him, the image spoke to me about storytelling through photography.
At that point, everything came together for me, and I understood what a picture is really capable of. I recognised how it can bridge distances and evoke emotions in ways that are not possible with words. It was the first time I truly experienced the power of images, stories told through photos. That memory has stayed with me ever since.
That experience taught me that powerful storytelling through photography doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with intention and thoughtful planning. If you’re planning your next shoot, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
1. Plan Your Story Before You Shoot
Every good story starts with an idea, and photography is no different. Before picking up your camera, think about the story you want to tell. What emotions do you want to evoke? What message do you hope to convey?
Planning doesn’t involve simply choosing a subject—it’s about understanding it. Researching your topic can uncover layers you might otherwise miss. For example, if you’re documenting a community event, understanding the cultural context can help you capture moments that truly matter.
Before picking up your camera, think about the story you want to tell.
Shooting in Aarey Milk Colony taught us – at Simit Bhagat Studios – just how important preparation really is. The experience was unforgettable, filled with surprises we hadn’t planned for. The location, tucked around Sanjay Gandhi National Park, was stunning. But the rain brought shifting light that made every shot unpredictable. Just as we’d find the perfect angle, the overcast sky would swallow the light or water would drip from the metal roof onto our lens. Despite endless wiping and adjusting, it felt like the rain had its own plans. Yet, in the chaos, there was something magical about working in such a wild, untamed setting—a reminder that nature always has the final say.
Preparation is key. Explore your location beforehand to understand its lighting, weather and timing. This knowledge will help you schedule shoots more effectively.
2. Decide Between Single Images or Series
Some stories can be told in a single frame, while others need many images to unfold fully. A single photograph can be incredibly powerful, like the iconic Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry or the famous image of Arshad Khan, the Pakistani tea seller, captured by photographer Jiah Ali. But a photo series lets you dive deeper, weaving a more comprehensive narrative.
If you choose to create a series, think about the sequence. Your opening image should captivate the viewer and spark curiosity about the next photo. Your final shot should leave a lasting impression, making the audience feel connected to the story.
Imagine flipping through a photo essay about a fisherman’s life—the first image might show the vast sea at sunrise, serene and soothing. The last image might capture him at the day’s end, his silhouette framed by the setting sun, contrasting shadows with the golden hues of dusk.
Your opening image should captivate the viewer and spark curiosity about the next photo.
We were photographing fishermen pulling in their nets at sunset few years back. It felt like chasing perfection in motion. The golden light stretched across the water, casting their silhouettes against the shimmering sea. As the sun dipped lower, the light kept changing, and our Founder – Simit Bhagat – was constantly adjusting his camera, trying to freeze the right moment. Standing ankle-deep in wet sand, he finally managed a shot. It’s a reminder of how fleeting beauty can be, but also how rewarding it is to hold onto it, even for a second.
Carefully determine whether you want to take single shots or create a series to tell your story effectively.
3. Focus on Emotion
Humans are deeply emotional beings. The substance of an image will always matter more than technical expertise. You don’t always need to photograph people. In today’s busy world, people have little time to experience the beauty that the world offers. Landscapes or abstract visuals can help people escape and reconnect with nature.
The substance of an image will always matter more than technical expertise.
One night, Simit was out photographing two Manipuri boys. It was a night shot, and it wasn’t easy. They were laughing non-stop, darting in and out of the frame like fireflies. Every time he thought he had the perfect shot lined up, they’d shift or burst out laughing again. The low light didn’t make it easier; everything was a blur. At one point, he almost gave up. But then, for just a second, they paused, caught in a streetlight’s glow, their faces lit up with mischief. He clicked, hoping for the best. Later, when I saw the shot, it wasn’t perfect—but it was them. Real. Alive. And worth every struggle.
4. Use Different Photography Styles
Think of a movie where every scene looks identical to the previous one—you’d quickly lose interest. Photography works the same way. Without variety, your audience will be bored and leave.
In a storytelling through photography project, use creativity and avoid being ‘one-dimensional’. Include wide shots for context, medium shots to highlight key aspects, and portraits to personalise the story. Try different types of photos: landscapes, abstracts, action shots and detail-focused images for a fuller narrative.
Without variety, your audience will be bored and leave.
While documenting the tribal lifestyle in Gadchiroli, we realised that the story wasn’t just about the people—it was in the details too. We filmed locals, their faces full of character and wisdom, but focused on their world too. Tiny clay gods on shelves, vibrant patterns on handmade clothes and weathered windows of homes—all these details enriched the story. One afternoon, we captured a lively cockfight, the air thick with shouts and cheers. Later, we photographed a serene old temple bathed in evening light. It was these little things that brought their story to life.
5. Be Original
With billions of photos shared daily, standing out can feel daunting. But originality isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about bringing your perspective to the table. Creating an original scenario to entertain viewers is challenging. Yet, striving for uniqueness is a rewarding way to stand out.
While shooting in the slums of Delhi, we made it a point to talk to the people we were photographing. Just small talk—about their lives, where they came from, how long they’d been there. It wasn’t anything too serious, but it mattered. You could see them relax, their shoulders drop and their smiles become more genuine. It’s like the camera became less of a barrier and more of a friend. The shots we took afterwards? They had so much more life in them—unposed, real and full of stories you could feel, not just see. Those conversations made all the difference.
Why Storytelling through Photography Matters
Flipping through that old magazine years ago, the photograph of that man with a weathered face surrounded by children changed how I viewed the world. That single image, alive with untold stories, showed me the magic of storytelling through photography—a power that has guided me ever since.
Every photograph has a story to tell. Whether it’s a fleeting moment on the street or a carefully curated photo essay, the stories we create can transcend language, culture and time.
So, pick up your camera and start telling your stories. Just as that photograph touched me years ago, your work could inspire, connect and leave a lasting impact on someone else’s life.
