Why emotions are key to better photography

Evoking strong emotions are the key to better photos. In fact, if you feel like something is missing, even when it all looks right, it’s that emotional touch that you’re looking for. Words activate the logical parts of our brain. However, images, (such as photographs), first light up the emotional centers in our brain.

Think about fast food commercials. You don’t need that burger. Plus you know it’s going to be really nasty in real life anyhow. But, you were emotionally triggered by the image of it, or possibly repulsed if you’re vegan.

Alternatively, you can look at the above photo. The young woman in the middle does not look happy. In fact she seemed very annoyed by the street closures that caused her bus to be rerouted. Plus, it was hot. And, there were teenage boys blocking up the sidewalk. You might not know all of those things. However, you can feel her emotions. Also, if you’ve ever been annoyed (and I’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t) then you can connect with her even without knowing why she was upset.

Making Emotional Photos

So if making our photos more emotional improves them how do we make our photos more emotional?

Emotional Subjects

The first way to make our photos more emotionally impactful is to photograph more emotional subjects. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to engage in and exploit misery. In fact it’s just the opposite – you need to find the emotion in your subject.

One way to do this is to capture your subject mid-gesture. For example, if you’re photographing a person, make sure they’re body-language is in step with what you want the photo to say.

Candid Photography

Another way to ensure you’re capturing high emotions is to capture candids. Once the subject is aware of you they typically become aware of themselves. At least, when it comes to people. That said, this also can apply to animals who might raise their guard if they know you’re there.

The Emotion of Light

The way we light our photos has a massive impact on people’s emotions. If you want your photos to appear happy and joyful make them bright and colorful. On the other hand, if you want them to be moody and/or mysterious, make them mostly dark or at least include a lot of dark areas.

The Psychology of Color

Color Theory is complicated. However, you’re probably aware of phrases that equate color with emotions. For example, “feeling blue” or being “green with envy” or “red with rage.” You can further drive home your emotional point by using colors typically associated with that emotion.

Why You Want A Strong Emotional Reaction

Evoking strong emotions are the key to great photos. People remember emotions. They remember how they felt in a situation even if they forget most of the facts. Therefore, creating an emotional connection makes your photos last longer in the minds of the viewer.

How emotions create better photos

Emotions help the viewer feel invested in the story. This is key if you want to sell something. Too, it’s key if you want someone to feel empathetic, lustful, angry, or any other way about your photo. A great story is also meant to be retold. This means your viewers will want to show or tell others about your work.

Connecting with your viewer in a memorable way is key to engagement, this is especially true today. After all, people see thousands of images constantly. Therefore, to make them stop, you’ve got to make them feel and that is why emotions are the key to great photos.

Pittsburgh Headshot Photographer Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography I’m full time professional event and portrait photographer Don Orkoskey. Since 2007 I’ve owned WDO Photography. Additionally, I teach photography in partnership with a number of amazing organizations in and around Pittsburgh as well as offering my own group photography classes and individual photography lessons. I teach classes for both adults and children and lead free nature photography meetups each month. I also write a monthly newsletter full of great information and maintain a list of free photography resources to help you learn photography.

Understanding emotions is one step on the path to becoming a professional photographer. For more tips on how to become a photographer be sure to subscribe to my newsletter.