How to Build a Photograph That Tells a Story

Creating a photograph that tells a story goes beyond capturing a subject—it’s about carefully constructing a visual narrative. Personally, this is one of most fun parts of photography! The elements within the frame, from props to lighting, must come together to evoke an emotion or communicate a message. Here’s how to build a scene that resonates, making your image not just visually appealing, but meaningful.

Backgrounds: Setting the Scene and Atmosphere

The background of your photograph sets the atmosphere and contributes significantly to the mood of the scene. What’s behind your subject can communicate whether the setting is peaceful, chaotic, intimate, or outgoing.

• Quiet Scene – If you’re capturing a serene, peaceful moment, think about minimalistic or soft backgrounds. A soft-focus neutral-toned background, like a blurred landscape or a simple indoor space with muted colors, can convey tranquility. A lone subject with a blurred background of nature can evoke feelings of calmness and serenity.
• Busy Scene – For more dynamic scenes, consider adding more elements in the background, such as bustling streets, crowded spaces, or vibrant colors. If the background feels busy or chaotic, it can tell a story of energy, urgency, or complexity. Consider how the movement or lack of movement in the scene contributes to the narrative.
• Negative Space – Using negative space in the background allows the subject to feel more isolated or emphasized. A vast, empty sky or simple, open background can convey feelings of solitude or vastness. The empty space gives the subject room to “breathe” and directs the viewer’s attention directly to the focal point. It also can evoke loneliness or a sense of freedom, depending on the context of the scene.
• Significance of the Location – The location can be a character in the story. For example, if you’re photographing a couple in a café, the cozy, intimate setting could speak to the emotional depth of the relationship. On the flip side, a couple in a isolated hospital room might indicate negativity, struggle, or tension. The context of where you shoot is a powerful narrative tool.
• What’s Else in Frame? – Don’t just focus on your subject. The objects around your subject can also add layers to the story. For instance, a neglected object in the background, like a broken chair or scattered papers, can subtly suggest a narrative of disorder or turmoil. If nature is included, you might want to reflect themes of growth, decay, or change through the season, weather, or landscape.

Lighting: Creating Mood and Focus

Lighting can dramatically affect the mood of your photograph and guide the viewer’s attention. The way light interacts with your subject and the surrounding environment can set the tone of your story.

• Is the Light Level Appropriate? – Is the lighting leveled with the type of scene you’re creating? If you’re shooting a portrait meant to convey warmth and calm, you’ll want soft, flattering light. However, if you’re shooting an action-packed scene or a tense moment, you may opt for more dramatic, high-contrast lighting that intensifies the mood. A properly leveled light ensures that your subject is highlighted in a way that enhances the narrative you’re trying to communicate.
• Soft Light – To create an intimate, peaceful scene, use soft lighting. A softbox, natural light from a window, or even overcast skies can diffuse the light and reduce harsh shadows. This type of lighting works well in portraits and still life photography, where softness is key.
• Hard Light – For dramatic or edgy scenes, hard light with strong shadows can add tension. You can create this effect with direct sunlight or a spotlight. Hard lighting can evoke mystery, conflict, or intensity, Which is perfect for dramatic portraits or scenes where you want to emphasize the contrast between light and shadow.

Props: Enhancing the Story and Adding Symbolism

Props can serve as powerful storytelling tools in photography, adding depth, meaning, and symbolism. However, they should never feel out of place or extra. It’s important to consider whether the props support the narrative or whether they detract from it. A prop should always have a clear purpose and contribute meaningfully to the scene.

• Do the Props Make Sense for the Scene? – Each prop should feel natural in its setting. Are they authentic to the environment or theme you’re creating? A cup of coffee on a table may be perfect for an intimate portrait shot in a cozy café, but it may feel odd if placed in a wild, adventurous landscape. The props should match the mood and context of the scene you are trying to portray.
• Do the Props Help Tell the Story? – The props should enhance the narrative. For example, a crumpled letter in a scene could symbolize heartfelt emotions, unspoken words, or unfinished business. Make sure your props aren’t just filling the frame but are actively working to communicate the deeper story.
• Are Props Used in a Humanly Manner? – Props should feel like they’re part of the scene and relevant to the subject. For example, if you’re photographing a writer at work, have them use a pen or open notebook in a way that’s true to life. Don’t let props feel like they’re just staged or forced into the frame, tell the subject to use these in a manner that is normal to them. Think about how your subject interacts with the object and whether that interaction makes sense in the context of the story you’re creating.
• Implied Symbolism – Props can also serve as implied symbolism. Sometimes, the prop you choose doesn’t need to be literal. For example, a single red rose in a scene could symbolize romance, passion, or even sacrifice, without explicitly stating it. This is your opportunity to layer symbolism into your images. For example, a weathered book could symbolize wisdom, history, or memory, and a key can represent access, control, or unlocking potential. Think about how you can subtly enhance your message through the props you choose and how they are framed within the shot.

The background, lighting, and props are all essential components in setting the mood, defining the story, and creating a compelling visual narrative in your photographs. Thoughtfully considering how each element influences the overall image will help you craft scenes that feel intentional, rich in meaning, and emotionally resonant with your audience. Every detail matters in guiding the viewer’s perception and amplifying the impact of your work.

What props have you used in your own photography that carried deeper meaning or symbolism? Comment below!