A Few Tips to Be a Successful Documentary Photographer

Documentary photography is one of the most thought-provoking and unusual photography styles known. Documentary photography is an art of capturing noteworthy events and experiences that have historical, cultural, social, or political significance. Most of the time, documentary photographers are compared to photojournalists; however, it is not necessary to be a professional to entail a visual story using a camera. 

The honesty with which a photographer tells the story determines the quality of the documentary photograph. Equipped with the right lenses, tools, and by following a few simple tips and techniques, one can learn to focus thoughtfully on a subject with the lens and disclose an entire world with a click! 

Do you wish to be a successful documentary photographer in Mumbai? Then the following tips can be helpful!

Tips to be a Successful Documentary Photographer

• Research on the subject to be captured –

Thorough research on the subject you have chosen to capture is essential to crafting a documentary out of it. This is probably one of the most challenging and tricky phases of the process. Regardless of how well you are acquainted with the subject, it would help if you spend quality time researching and asking questions as it will determine the way you want to portray your subject to the world.

• Seek inspiration and pick a style –

Inspiration is the key to successful photography. After knowing the subject that you are going to capture, the next thing that you need to consider is the way you want to capture it! If you wish to use natural light or flash, need wide shots or long ones, prefer colored finish or black and white, and likewise. Moreover, to take inspirations for picking your style, you should look at the famous documentarians, or browse entries from several photography contests that relate to your theme.

• Be prepared and embrace the storyteller within you –

Choose the gear you would like to use and the suitable shooting place. Once you are fully equipped with all the equipment and tools, and chosen the location of the shoot, embrace the storyteller within you. The story should revolve around the truth that relates specifically to your subject.

• Have interaction with your subject –

If your subject matter is focused on people, then make interactions with your subject and build a relationship with them so that they feel at ease and comfortable around you. This will help you in capturing the images that will be the strong reflection of your subject.

• Wait for the Right Moment –

Do not just hustle with your photographic skills. Wait for the things to reveal and progress at their own pace and look out for the crucial moments being vigilant. Use various shots to craft the most impressive documentary out of your subject and the situation.

• A Simple Post Processing –

Keep the processing of the photography thoughtful yet straightforward. Thoughtful framing and composition create powerful impacts than that of unnecessary processing!

• Impactful Presentation –

Documentary photography is all about presentation. Always opt for tricky and puzzling images to keep your audiences captivated throughout. Never include images just because they look good! Images that are a meaningful matter the most when it comes to documentary photography.

Conclusion:

Ashesh Shah at Ashesh Shah Photography is a specialized documentary photographer in Mumbai with powerful story-telling abilities, combined with conceptual eye.