The Power of Storytelling in Photography: How to Make Your Images Speak

[@providencephotographydfw]

Storytelling is a powerful tool in photography-what’s a story you’ve captured through your lens? Share your thoughts or even a favorite photo story in the comments! I’d love to hear how you’re applying these ideas in your own work.

[@yveskeroack1612]

Wow! This is by far the best video on photography storytelling I’ve encountered, very complete, professional and inspirational. Liked, subscribed and looking forward for more quality content. Cheers from Montreal! 😊

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I’m thrilled to hear that you found the video inspiring and valuable. Your feedback means a lot and motivates me to continue creating high-quality content. Cheers to you in Montreal, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

[@cliffetzelphoto]

As a full time photojournalist, documentary and street photographer for over 35 years, I can attest to everything addressed in the video as being spot on. Now that I'm firmly into my 60's, I find less is more, reducing my baseline shooting kit to a couple of "ancient" Fuji X-E2's with fast 23, 35 and 56 mm lenses (35mm, 50mm and 85mm FF). Looking at the works of William Albert Allard and Alex Webb has been instrumental in how I see the world through my cameras. You are 100% correct that you don't need to travel to any exotic location to capture decisive moments. Bring that same level to photographing families, weddings, etc. Don't call yourself a storytelling photographer if you need to direct your subjects, let the moments unfold and learn how to anticipate those moments. That brings authenticity to the images captured. Too many these days think they need to direct their subjects to impart so called captured moments when all they are doing is creating a false reality. It's not the quantity of images you produce, it's the quality. Having worked as a photo editor, it's rare these days for me to be stopped in my tracks and look at an image. To paraphrase the great photojournalist David Burnett: "Today there are dump trucks backing up offloading bad to mediocre images on social media for likes (whatever a like is worth)." If you can't provide context to your images, they are no better than the rest of the barrage of luke warm images online.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you! Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and experienced perspective. Your ability to distill decades of work into these principles of simplicity, authenticity, and patience is something I deeply respect. The way you approach photography as a craft, rather than a numbers game, is a reminder of the discipline and dedication required to create truly meaningful work. I have a lot to learn from the insights you’ve shared here, and your reflections on capturing genuine moments, rather than staging them, are particularly striking. It’s a privilege to hear from someone with your depth of experience.

[@Photographic_Love]

Finally someone who makes sense. You have my like and subscription. Thanks for teaching us 👍

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you! And welcome aboard. Thank you for watching!

[@thomasd6592]

Best presentation of story telling I've come across.

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@thomasd6592 Thank you for the kind words! I’m humbled and inspired to keep improving. Your support is greatly appreciated!

[@kwnuthatch]

Wow - very clear explanation - thanks!

[@providencephotographydfw]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@joseerazevedo]

Thanks for putting together several concepts in one video - and with great storytelling! By the way, you have a very nice voice also! All the best!

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the content and found the concepts helpful. Appreciate the compliment on my voice as well. All the best to you too!

[@amberhawke]

What as wonderful video! I have so long been into documenting inanimate subjects like flowers, and I try to do some abstract photography, but am not sure the quality is there to present to others. I do wish that there were more examples, as I tend to learn better by seeing what others have done. I will take to heart the lessons offered in this video, at least a few, as there were quite a few points made and I'm not sure that I will retain all of them. Thank you again.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your journey! Don’t worry too much about presenting your work to others just yet-every artist goes through phases of learning and refining. I completely understand your wish for more examples, visual references can be a powerful way to learn. I’ll definitely keep that in mind for future content. Wishing you all the best as you continue creating, and I’m so glad this video offered some helpful insights for your photography journey!

[@migsveephoto]

Wow this video is great all around. I’m so glad I clicked on it :)

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@1600star1]

Excellent video. Refreshing to hear someone talk about things other than mechanics.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you!! Glad you found value in the content. Thanks for watching.

[@waltaptacy9151]

OUTSTANDING!! Your content is very enlightening and your delivery was IMPECCABLE! I’ve been shooting for 60 years as a hobbyist and until recently the bulk of my photography has been landscapes, seascapes, and macro; basically, the “still life” genre. But now, at 72, I have shifted my emphasis to people and pets, primarily to capture their facial expressions. My mission is to “capture the moment”. I believe that the pictures of today are “moments in time” and as the years pass those “moments in time” will become “moments of grace”. Thank you for your inspiration. Walt

[@providencephotographydfw]

Walt, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your journey as a photographer. Your perspective on ‘moments in time’ evolving into ‘moments of grace’ is beautifully said and resonates deeply. I’m honored that my video could play a small role in inspiring someone with such a rich history in photography. Wishing you many more powerful and graceful moments through your work!

[@rajeshjantilal]

Great Video and super content...Agree 100%...

[@providencephotographydfw]

Much appreciated! Thank you for watching

[@AntoineSteen-f5l]

Hello, Alvin. You tell a fascinating story. Even though I have been photographing for almost 35 years, I have learned something from this. I can do something with this and will certainly do something with it. Thank you for sharing this video. Warm greetings from the Netherlands.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for such a thoughtful message. It’s incredibly humbling to know that even with your 35 years of experience, you found something valuable in the video. The fact that it inspired you to take action means a great deal to me. Wishing you all the best as you explore what’s next in your photography journey. Warm greetings from Texas!

[@balancedalpha]

This was a fantastic video! Very well produced, articulated and presented. Truly, all of the information was so valuable and comprehensive. Well done, sir!

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for the kind words and feedback. I’m really glad that the content provided value. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share this!

[@kevinholton731]

Great content. You just got a new subscriber. Keep it up.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for subscribing! I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@gregzank5135]

That actually clarified the storytelling part of photography. Thank you.

[@providencephotographydfw]

You’re most welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@andrewphillips9261]

This was exceptional.....loved the video and its content.....l will be back for more.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video and found it valuable. Looking forward to having you back for more content!

[@alanwainwright79]

A very cool informative video. Your style is compelling and draws you in. Some great points are highlighted here and are certainly a source of inspiration. In my case 2025 is my year to embark on creating a zine or photobook of the area where I live and I thank you for pushing me closer to that goal. Cheers.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for the kind words. It means a lot to know the video had that kind of impact. 2025 sounds like the perfect time to bring that vision to life. Best of luck as you move forward-I’m sure it will be a rewarding experience!

[@travisbrown2459]

What a great video Alvin! I’m not far from you over in south Fort Worth. I scanned your channel and am definitely going to watch all of your videos over the next few days! Glad you showed up in my feed somehow! I wish you the best in 2025!

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@travisbrown2459 Thanks for the support Travis! It’s great to connect with someone local. Glad the videos caught your attention and I hope you continue to find value in them. Wishing you an incredible 2025!

[@vickennedy3923]

love your content, I hope to hear more from your Chanel. very inspiring!!

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@vickennedy3923 Thank you sir!! Much appreciated. There’s definitely more on the way. Thanks for the support.

[@ChrisBrogan]

Great reminders here. Story is the way through. I very much appreciate your point of view here. It gave me a lot to think about. That third myth really makes sense to me. I can remember to make a series or sequence. That's great as a reminder. Thank you!

[@providencephotographydfw]

I'm glad the video inspired you to think about your photography in a new way. I believe a strong story can elevate any image! Thank you for watching!

[@robhamilton8993]

Love your topic “Storytelling”. Over the years I’ve kinda lost track a bit of this type photography. Have a couple older images from Philly when I did try to get the storytelling in my photos I’d love to share with you. I’ll have to share this video with my local camera club. Thanks

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thanks so much for your support! Storytelling through photography can be such a rewarding challenge, and it’s great to hear you’ve experimented with it in your work. I’d love to see those images from Philly-you can share them with me through social media or a link if that works for you. I hope the video encourages you to dive back into storytelling with your photography, and I really appreciate you sharing it with your camera club!

[@wallybornmann8336]

I love this video - thank you so much for sharing. Be well.

[@providencephotographydfw]

You’re very welcome - thanks for watching!

[@jarvellward1597]

Great Video Bro, keep them coming, I can see this channel i high places very soon. Thanks

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thanks you. Glad to hear you're enjoying the content!

[@sithivmuniandy8817]

Thank you for the tips. Brilliant.

[@providencephotographydfw]

You’re most welcome! I’m glad you found them helpful.

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

Alvin, you have one very smoooooooooth voice. Great to listen to.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you! I appreciate you saying that! I hope the content provided value. Have a great day.

[@dreamer_33]

Great video on photography storytelling, cant wait to start my own. Happy New Year!

[@providencephotographydfw]

Happy New Year to you too! I’m excited for you to start telling your own stories!

[@dwade_fpv]

Thank you. Youve earned a new subscriber

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@dwade_fpv Much appreciated! Glad to have you on board

[@naimqushairi1268]

These tips are really helpful! I'm a photography student and the points that are being made here is crystal clear. Thank you for sharing these tips!

[@providencephotographydfw]

Not a problem at all. Glad to hear you found the tips helpful and clear. It’s great to see your dedication to improving your craft. Do you have any other topics you’d like to see covered?

[@naimqushairi1268]

@@providencephotographydfw Maybe in the future, I would like to learn more about how we can use Framing method with more creativity! And how to combat shyness while doing street photography.

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@naimqushairi1268 Those are excellent topics to explore! I’ll definitely work on creating content to help with using framing more creatively and strategies to overcome shyness in street photography. Both are important skills that can really elevate your work. Thanks for letting me know what you’re looking to learn-I’ll do my best to address these in future videos!

[@tjftor]

... Amazing video , thank you .

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@tjftor I greatly appreciate it!! Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

[@joseuribe430]

well said!

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you 🙏🏾 !!

[@BillBooz]

Alvin, well done! Though I would have liked more examples, I very much enjoyed the points you make and your delivery. Going to definitely share this video with my photography friends! Thank you.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you! More examples are always a good idea, I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Thank you for watching.

[@briandurell]

Thank you for this clear presentation of photographic storytelling. So often I encounter videos that fail to deliver on what the title promises. You delivered! I just passed my 86th birthday and found it interesting that another commenter noted a shift from inanimate subject matter to photographing people. Exactly my experience in the last few years. I will be viewing your presentation many more times as I try to absorb the all of your message. Will be looking for more on your channel. You remind me of Alex Kilbee who also deals with photography, not gear reviews.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. It means a great deal to know the content left an impression. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share this-it’s deeply encouraging.

[@jamesspicewilliams8835]

Great job. Thank you so much Kind Sir.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for watching sir!

[@peterwilson4248]

16 minutes of thought-arousing, thought-providing surrounding major topics of photography storytelling. There were some very good key points touched on in this video regarding subject matter. I'm certain this video will gain more hits overtime. This is a clear and well-thought-out presentation on photography storytelling for professional-seeking or hobbyist novice photographers. Thanks for providing this valuable insight. And I hope 2025 be a great year for your KZbin viewership to grow hugely.

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you for your support and thoughtful comment. It means a lot to know the video is offering something of value for those diving deeper into photography. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum and creating even more engaging content this year. Wishing you a fantastic 2025 as well!”

[@chrisaugustin9181]

had to follow a black photographer w crazy production skills and a great explanation/script !

[@providencephotographydfw]

Much appreciated!! Glad you enjoyed the content and thank you for the support.

[@johnscratchley3288]

A great presentation, well explained,

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thank you! Glad you found the video helpful!

[@BenSou66]

👍👍

[@8notes_]

If this man taught me maths, I’d be great at it.

[@providencephotographydfw]

🤣 much appreciated!! Glad you enjoyed the content. Thanks for watching.

[@tommartin9731]

"Intention, not Perfection." Yes. Technical perfection is nice as a goal - something to work for - but always secondary to emotional impact. A perfect landscape might have immediate impact, but without the emotional appeal, something that moves a viewer to pause, feel, and consider, it is unsuccessful.

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@tommartin9731 I’m in total agreement 👍🏾!! Thank you for sharing your insight and thanks for watching.

[@GringoLoco]

Very good advice, thank you

[@providencephotographydfw]

Not a problem! Thanks for watching.

[@RobertFGardner]

I accidentally came across your channel. I’m hooked. I will watch and subscribe! Thanks for your perspective!

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thanks for checking it out! I hope you find the rest of the content helpful.

[@goranritterfeldt2608]

I am very glad that I found your channel. So thanks for this video and I will now find out more what you have delivered. Take care, Göran in Latvia

[@providencephotographydfw]

“Thank you, Göran! I’m so glad you found the channel and enjoyed the video. I hope you find the rest of the content just as valuable. Take care, and greetings to Latvia!”

[@clyntonmann1725]

nice video.... be mindful of the red text .

[@providencephotographydfw]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@memcrew1]

What was the issue with the red text? It seemed fine to me.

[@clyntonmann1725]

@@memcrew1 it some places it was hard to read

[@memcrew1]

@ oh, ok

[@aerozg]

Thank you Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson 😅

[@providencephotographydfw]

@@aerozg 😆 … much appreciated! Thank you for watching!!

[@aerozg]

@@providencephotographydfwi swear if you were talking about astronomy or astrophysics i could never tell the difference! 😊 Anyways, beautiful video, we need more content like this, not gear reviews. I just took delivery of an old Nikon FE2 film camera, and a 50mm pancake lens. I got some Portra 400 and Ilford HP5 and looking forward to going out and shooting. Haven't shot film in over 25 years. I can already feel it reigniting my passion for story telling through photography. Cheers!

[@providencephotographydfw]

@ that sounds awesome. I’ve yet to shot with film but I definitely have it on my to do list.