How to create emotionally meaningful photos? My current thinking ....

Creating technically flawless images is much easier than creating emotionally meaningful photos. But I feel I should at least try. And it all starts by analyzing the work of others who are further than I am. Let me show you some of what I have learned.
Here are the links to the work of others shown in this video. Thank you for permitting me to use your marvelous work as my inspiration and example!
Per Forsström; / chdtk1lob3s
Frederic Carrayol; / c5gfupwiuhu
Eva Chupikova; / c56mbdsifwu
Krister Andersson; / bqvlqsbhyhu
Tommi Järvensivu; / c7_s3xxodsg
Erkin Gözdereliler; / c6jwrpaiwi5
Gustav Gräll; / cnvodllh-fy
Studio Aura; / c8n6p_av5y-
Tom Klein; / c8bsvlnaklf

[@josephwatts925]

Struggling. I struggle with rules. I have enough rules and demands from my camera. The camera. The emotion box. When I was photographing, which I have strayed away from for a time, I would at moments immerse myself in emotion; twice. Once, considering an image and secondly, viewing that image through the lens. If I retained any warmth from that I would comply with the rules and options of my camera and expose the film. The results of that could be very uplifting or a continuation of struggling. A little snick of life. I always enjoy your presentations. I hope the very best for you and your wife in your travels and Gods grace.

[@qizhang5042]

In any form of art, the premise of a touching work is that the creator needs to be touched first. Then, it is the art of injecting their feeling into the artwork.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Probably true. In most cases.

[@qizhang5042]

@@ShootOnFilm One exemption I can think of is scientific photography, like the pics taken by James Webb. Absolutely no emotions ;-)

[@pgmisha]

Hooray, the philosopher is back! I think once you have mastered the technical aspects somewhat and put the work that has influenced you into the back of your mind, to reach emotional content, you need to dive deep into yourself and consider what is truly important to you and pursue that relentlessly. In the keenly observed particular lies authenticity, and there lies the universal and emotional (that is meaningful) content.

[@karkanrey1463]

Your black and white photos are very moving to me. I really don’t think you should worry about your ability to capture emotion.

[@mortenthesbl5535]

this hits the nail on the head for me! thanks! One other thing for me is: Dont try to make a turn a bad photo into a "good" photo in post.

[@BeePee1503]

I have an engineering background and I overly focus on the technical aspects of photography. I know that my work is cold, lacking in emotion and full of gimmicks (double exposure, long exposure, filters etc). I think the casual photos of my family are my best work. It is hard to create something that doesn’t seem contrived. I do like your boat pictures because they look beautiful and you seem to enjoy your boat very much which comes through in your work. All the best with the break and looking forward to your next episode.

[@lupindeweir]

Sooo the decisive moment is when the viewer recognizes a moment meaningful to themselves. That does clear it up a bit. Thanks. Have a Great summer and see you soon!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yeah, I think so. I think Ansel Adams once said that there are always two people in a photograph: the photographer and the viewer.

[@MarcoRoepers]

Oh that last picture of the flowers! with Chamerion angustifolium and Filipendula ulmaria. Thats my project. black and white pictures of wilde plants and flowers. Create something useful in black and white of what is so colorfull

[@davidottman9501]

Many people have offered the advice that an image should tell a story to be compelling. However, most offer little advice on how to do that. You're the exception, thanks Ari! This is a good kind of homework. Enjoy your vacation.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks. See you after a while!

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Sounds great and I love the 5 rules. I’m going to use them. ❤

[@ejorbe]

I was surprised to see Anna Lapwood, the woman with the sparkly jacket in the pictures! I don’t follow her channel, but I do enjoy her videos, whenever I watch them. The emotions are subjective, but I have also wondered how to create an emotion. The car pictures almost always bring an emotion, because the pictures brings the memory of a smell, and then a sound and lastly a smile. Same with landscapes, but landscapes I can sometimes feel the heat or the cold, which gives me a different emotion, or would the better word be sensation? Have a happy summer break and look forward to watching your videos when you return! Thanks for a great video!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks!! See you soon again!

[@paullacotta5645]

Thank you Ari for thoughtful presentation. I’m always happy to see Cookie, too.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thank you too!

[@ruudmaas2480]

Good thoughts. Have a happy holiday.

[@scattin-g9b]

I was recently really touched by the work of your fellow countryman Pentti Sammallahti. Still figuring out why. So much going on, on different stages in his pictures. I think, his sense of humour a bit like yours, but that's maybe a finish thing.

[@urbanimage]

Very thought-provoking topic.

[@aaronalbores3999]

After taking so many meaningless pictures over the years, i think i became very knowledgeable in things to avoid when taking photographs. I imposed myself a set of "rules" so strict that when i go to take pictures, i may take 3 or 4... Also, i finally can identify the magical moments, those that last a few seconds and are marvelous, full of meaning and serendipity, but at that moment i feel fear of being catched taking the photo, so i let those moments pass... Maybe i should allow myself to have a little bit more fun

[@petercooney9156]

Thanks for a great video. I did read somewhere that images that engage the viewer are those that need to be 'solved' (perhaps as to their meaning) and each of us reaches our own solution based on our lived experiences and memories. (Tooo heavy, man!) But ambiguity in an image is a big factor in the engagement IMO, and perhaps widens the range of possible 'solutions'. Your rules seem very helpful. Looking forward to your summers work.

[@jasongold6751]

I simply snap images without too much thought! If I see in my frame, something like I've seen before, I don't shoot! I capture moments, good, bad and sad. A great thought provoking dilema! Bravo!

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Thanks for the discussion and your thoughts. Great ideas for us all to consider. Enjoy your summer, be safe!

[@ShootOnFilm]

You too. See you soon!

[@johnleebold8894]

Hey Ari I see fire and I see rain..nice tune James Taylor … when the object becomes subjectivised by the observer there is an emotional response . Photographs that move me is when light and contrasts ( Colour or B&W ) alongside some unique composition often spontaneous capture of a moment or movements of moments ( longer exposure )I guess it’s the choice of the object you decide to capture and your personal orientation and feeling or perspective ? Enjoy your Summer ! Our mild winter is underway here in Western Australia. John

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks!! Enjoy the "winter" ;-)

[@fredrickhardyway]

A picture, not always, but sometimes, should tell a compelling story- the emotion to connect with the viewer!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Agreed!

[@PritamSingh-74]

Thank you for all your thoughts and videos. I appreciate them very much. Enjoy your break. Best wishes.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks!!

[@carbonejack]

Interesting way to look at things. Worthy of serious reflection.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks!

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Methinks the “rules” should act as guidelines which operate in the background of our consciousness. If a scene moves you when you see it then it’s probably worth taking the snap. I found emotion and mystery in some of your long exposure boat photos … with or without the rules! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the creative journey … and have a great holiday … can’t wait to see something else! 📷⛵️😄

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yeah. I know -- we should not go and analyze these things. But I cannot help myself :-) See you soon!

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Hi Ari, thanks for all your thoughtful videos. Have a great summer break!

[@ShootOnFilm]

You too!! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesmerecki3128]

Certainly, a meaningful video for me. Enjoy your break Ari! Best, James

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks. See you soon!

[@JRLorean]

This was interesting - thank you! Had to sub! 😊 I've been creating music/lyrics most of my life playing (or in my case singing) in different bands. Most of the time it was an endless strive for perfection. Every mistake was a failure. Trying to sound like Toto or Dream Theater (and always failing haha) Lately I've realised that perfect is boring and now I'm trying to rewire my brain. There has to be emotion, to make the listener - or even myself to shudder ("rysar-ögonblick" som jag kallar det) It's really hard to let go of the old mental state of perfection. I find it fascinating that you can actually hear some singers smile when they sing for example (without seeing them) I'm interested in photography but it was many years since i held a (real) camera. These ideas of yours made me curious, mayby I'll brush the dust off my camera and try to look at the world through a lense again.

[@reusedisland1904]

I encourage you to take the first step in this the visual media. You may discover it is the same path you have already walked, but now you will perceive it differently. More power to you.

[@tedcrosby9361]

This is the great challenge of photography. With painting it’s different, you start with a blank canvas, and a technique you can use to suit the situation. If photography is an art form then it makes sense to have a good knowledge of the principles of art and design, and apply these with your know how, and tools to communicate your message.

[@ShootOnFilm]

I totally agree. And a while ago tried to analyze this a bit more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJunkHybjsSZmtksi=jYABqQIjTb90_bel

[@mikaelwerner1]

Det var banne mig det bästa jag hört på länge, thank you Ari!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Oh, tusen tack!!!!

[@Wpoolesf]

A worthy quest. I'm not sure there are any universal rules. I do think some subjects invite the viewer into a photo, among them trails and paths, windows and doors, empty chairs and benches, sofas and beds--these prompt the thought: I could be there, this is how it would feet. I have been rereading Geoff Dyer's "The Ongoing Moment, " in which he teases out universal themes across the history of (mostly) American photography. Not all gospel, but all interesting. Maybe a good summer read. Have a good break. Will look forward to your return.

[@danncorbit3623]

Technical ability: Herb Alpert's "Flight of the bumblebee". On trumpet, it is very impressive (I played trumpet for a few years and that piece played is hopelessly out of reach for me with that kind of technical content). Artistic ability: Herb Alpert's "Rise". Again, I did not study long enough or have enough talent to reproduce that kind of emotional range. For frequently photographed objects, we can photograph them differently and still get some impact. The lone tree is done to death, but what about in infrared? Maybe a super wide lens from a peculiar angle. Even so, sometimes, a simple lone tree in black and white can still grab me because of the touch of the photographer's hand. Like a Japanese arrangement of cherry blossoms in a vase: Done forever, but with the right artists still very moving. So I guess that all of your composition ideas are very good. But we should break them once in a while too. I grew up in the country. So an old barn with a rusty pickup truck can grab me in a nostalgic and powerful way. But I don't know if it would do the same thing for a city boy. Have a nice break. I already know we are going to like the photographs.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks --- yeah, out of many art forms (music, painting, etc), photography is probably the least demanding from the technical point of view. I know some may disagree, but learning to play an instrument rather well takes years. Learning to take photographs rather well significantly less. To master anything -- that takes a lifetime!

[@ddsdss256]

All artists struggle with the same things. My philosophy is that, if I find something interesting enough (audibly or visually) to be worthy of development as an art project, surely others will also. Ideally, my work will stimulate thought and/or emotion in the viewer/listener, but as you say, it's not on me to steer them toward any conclusions about what the work means--that's up to them (to quote Ansel, "There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer"). I also don't think that an obvious "subject" or "context" is always necessary--sometimes less is more (as the rests in music are as important as the notes, and nice Fire and Rain rendition--you can't go wrong with JT). I agree that too many people try to "blow you away" with technical brilliance or shock value. It takes a lot more "artistic integrity" to produce truly significant work, and that takes true vision and at least enough skill to produce an image devoid of distracting elements (like the flaws of which you speak--it's the same with music). BtW, I don't use Photoshop (or Lightroom--DxO for my digital work). I also believe that, although many things have been photographed many (so many) times, there still remains the potential to find subtle nuances that may have not been fully explored (at least in the "mainstream"). I hope I never give up trying to find new ways to express myself artistically and I certainly agree with your attitude--keep it fun! Enjoy your summer!

[@ShootOnFilm]

True- I just made the Ansel Adams quote in the comment I read right before yours. :-) It's SO true.

[@jimphilpott902]

Happy travels. Already looking forward to your return.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks. See you soon!

[@17xyz]

Have a nice summer Ari. Some interesting thought you have there. Personally I try to ask myself a question - especially in the darkroom making prints - is there a 'soul' in this picture? The 'soul' encompass at least some of your rules, but as you say - it is personal. The picture need to have a context that resonates with myself and my interests. On a general level I find it useful to reflect on Horats (Orazio) and what he writes in Ars Poetica regarding the purpose of poems (art) - in order to be good/proper poem it has to fulfill the following: Movere (be able to generate feelings with the respondent), Docere (teach something) and Delectare ( delight the respondent). I think this also sums up your rules.

[@ShootOnFilm]

A very good summary!!

[@tedphillips2951]

Enjoy your vacation!

[@williamshaffer9216]

Enjoy your Break! I will miss your weekly program.

[@ShootOnFilm]

I’ll be back soon 😊

[@jaypage8823]

Looking forward to seeing your summer holiday pictures when you return. Happy travels!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks -- later!

[@liveinaweorg]

Wishing you and your wife a fun break. See you when you get back. Thanks for everything, Ari.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@DRGBTL23]

Hi Ar! I just discovered your videos and photography. I like it. Cheers from NYC

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks. Much appreciated!

[@jeff8289]

Excellent topic. If I'm looking for raw emotion in a photograph, I go to the work of W. Eugene Smith. Especially his photographs of the Hiroshima victims. I think this also leads to the discussion of emotional photographs being stronger in black and white than color. You also talked about musical performances lacking emotion. For that I head to Benjamin's Britten's War Requiem. When I first heard it, I was in tears, in that I am of an age (Vietnam) where the government owns you and can send you off to war on a whim. Finally look to Siegfried Sassoon's war poem "Does It Matter?" That should send a tear, especially in today's world. There are emotional creations out there. Will I be able to achieve a creation wit that impact? Probably not. Just a thought.

[@erikboon6549]

I had more or less the same struggle and it took away my joy in taking photos. Then I let loose all ambitions and just take photographs I like to take in the moment. Perhaps my photographs didn't improve but at least I regained joy in making them.

[@ShootOnFilm]

And that may be more important than anything else.

[@Selkirkwater]

Enjoy your break, Ari.

[@herbertwebb7215]

Ari, love your rules. I just returned from a 3 week trip to Europe and of course took those classic shots we have all seen. The inspiration I get from you is to look at these pictures and crop them with the new rules in mind. I see some great potential in this approach..thanks and have a great holiday….herb

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks. But don't take this too seriously!! See you in a bit :-)

[@unequal.estudio]

Interesting as always! Happy holidays and see you in the next video... Don't take too long :-)

[@jovandevijver9400]

Again, I AGREE!

[@ShootOnFilm]

:-)

[@stuartbaines2843]

Too many rules 😂 Last photo works 👍 The dog knows 🐕

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@stuartbaines2843 probably true!

[@pgmisha]

Have a great summer....

[@stephenm103]

Have been out if town on travels so missed this. Only caught part so far and looking forward to the rest. But a question emerges early on -“what causes you to conclude your work is without emotion?” Or that it somehow needs more emotion? Whose need are you trying to satisfy ?

[@stephenm103]

Finally had a quiet moment to watch this all the way through and certainly one of the more personally revealing and introspective videos I have seen, Ari. Thank you for sharing this. And look, I tend to agree with what I believe you are saying as I've often felt that your imagery while technically excellent also waxes cold (for me!) on an emotional plane. I am inferring that we share this perspective on your work but .... maybe there's more to your work than meets my eye. My sense is that you approach your work from with a highly structured and disciplined intention and design in mind ("I make Excel spreadsheets of everything"). The results are top notch in terms of exposure, focus, movement and texture. Emotion (specifically, YOUR personal feel of the subject matter) is nowhere on the "checklist". Tom Klein's picture illustrates this for me. The face and smile and joy this person is expressing - completely overshadows the architecture and surrounding environment many other photographers would have been distracted by, e.g., I see Ari outside in the evening sun capturing a shot of the flying buttresses in perfect light - while THIS shot is going on inside. This is a shot I shoot over and over and over again of people I care about and love or perhaps a human or living condition I care very much about. And, when I do - I dont stop and think about a checklist. I SEE a feeling or emotion (and on the margins lighting that is pretty good) and quickly take a shot. Klein's picture is undoubtedly a bit of a pose - my work would be more frequently "candid". My point is this - I encourage you to think less - feel your subject and situation more - when it "feels" right to you, when there is a moment worth capturing - shoot it. I encourage you to relegate the technical excellence to muscle memory you've practiced for so long but watch for the moments in life where there is joy, sorrow, humor, struggle, etc. I believe the rest will follow.

[@mike747436]

Images from a half-remembered dream....Have a great holiday Ari.

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@mike747436 :-). Thanks!!

[@33020Tischlbong]

have a good summer break

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@33020Tischlbong thanks!!

[@johnyoung1606]

I think that this conversation can be broken down to two parts, Art Photography, and Subjects We photograph .............. Hope You enjoy Your summer :) :) :)

[@ShootOnFilm]

I agree. This was a very subjective view -- and I'm not interested in subjects :-) And thanks, see you in a bit!

[@chriscard6544]

What stunned me when I travelled to Finland, people on finish TV had no emotion on their faces. I dont know if it explains something.

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@chriscard6544 :-). Am I the same way?

[@chriscard6544]

@@ShootOnFilm no, you are not, your photographs are more japanese, like sumi-e and on video you are funnier

[@garymc8956]

A riff is more effective than a fancy solo, just ask Keith Richards. Or like an intro to a J. Taylor song.

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@garymc8956 so true! And 5 strings is better than 6.

[@fernandovillava]

Maybe thinking outside our own box. It's difficult to express emotions in photography without shooting persons.

[@ShootOnFilm]

That is an interesting comment. I need to think a bit more, but I may disagree with you -- respectfully! 🙂

[@kenschwarz8057]

Shoot subjects, not objects! Have a nice trip.