The where of photography: 6 tips for using locations to help you tell a story

Location plays a big part of most photography sessions as a backdrop that might add interest, color or texture. On the other hand, when we focus on storytelling in our photography, we probably think of capturing the right moment by focusing mostly on our subject. But intentional use of a photography location can help create beautiful and visually compelling stories of exploration and adventure and can help you document some of the most memorable moments for your family.

Here are a few elements to consider if you want your photography location to be part of your storytelling.

1. Choose your aperture setting intentionally.

If you want to let the location speak, this usually means keeping more of the environment in focus. But, it’s not necessary to use apertures typical for landscape photography such as f/16. You might still want to bring out your subject and use f/2.8 – f/3.5. Or, if your subject is at a distance from you and you are using a wider angle lens, the environment will be quite clear with a wider aperture anyway. Take some time to think about the story you want to tell with your image and your photography location before setting your aperture.

2. Use the rule of thirds and other strong compositional tools, like framing and leading lines.

Trying to show both your subject and the photography location is a lot and can lead to a chaotic image. Following compositional rules helps to point to your subject as the main focus of the picture and yet, it leaves space in the photograph to show the context of the story. For example, creating strong leading lines in your frame can draw the eye directly to your main point of focus.

3. Consider occasional use of center composition to highlight symmetry.

Center composition is less balanced than the rule of thirds and provokes immediate attention to the subject. If you use central composition with a busy, cluttered background, your intention will be less clear and it is harder for the viewer to read the story you are trying to tell. But center composition has its role and can add variety to your photos. I feel it works best if you are trying to emphasize symmetrical elements in a location or in uncluttered environments with similar elements on both sides of your subject. If that’s your intention, remember to shoot wide and leave enough space on both sides instead of filling in the frame with your subject.

Center composition might also help to tell the story of connection between two subjects. If they are in a similar pose, this is also a form of symmetry that mirrors the symmetry of the location.

4. Use light to draw attention to some of the elements and to help the story of the mood of a particular place.

This doesn’t mean always looking for pretty light but instead shooting in different lighting conditions that create interest. Within your chosen photography location, look for pockets of light or angles where the sun is coming into the story. You can use this light to highlight a subject, create emotion or draw attention to an element of the frame.

5. Use multiple planes to layer your photos.

Including clear foreground and background that relate to each other helps set the context and adds depth to the story – the layers in the photograph work like layers in a story by adding more dimension and meaning to what is happening. You can also use micro composing to help you capture dimension and tell the full story.

6. Show your subject relating and engaging with the photography location.

This relationship is one of the strongest storytelling elements you can use to highlight your photography location. In childhood photography, in particular, showing your subject interacting with their environment conveys the story of a child in the big world or the story of a little explorer. It also works if your children, like mine, don’t like being bothered by looking into the camera. In storytelling photography, the photography location should not be accidental. A pretty background will create a reference point to why the subject is engaged in a certain activity.

What photography locations do you love?

I love using my location as a storytelling element in my photos. What are your favorite photography locations? Do you take your camera on all of your adventures, or seek out interesting places to tell stories? If you’re taking your kiddos along on your travels, here’s an article from Kirsty Larmour on how to capture your world with kids in tow. And here are some tips from Lauren Sanderson on how to choose a great photography location. Have fun exploring!