Things You Should Know When Photographing Themes

A theme is a recurrent idea, which appears in a series of pictures. There is no limitation when choosing a theme. It can be something very practical (like a car brand) or something very abstract (like a color or a shape). A theme can be even a mood, a feeling, a journey, an event or a season. But, even if it’s easy to choose a theme, it isn’t easy to deliver a cohesive project.

Photography is not just about having beautiful images. Its primary purpose is to tell stories, describe moods and feelings, and share ideas. When composing a photograph, one should think about the message that will be transmitted. Who or what is your subject and what do you want the viewers to know about it? A good practice in this direction is doing thematic photography. Here are some tips to master thematic photography.

Know Your Subject

When you choose a theme for your photographs you have to learn as much as possible about that theme. If it is an object, learn its history and production methods. If it is part of nature, study its relations with the environment. If it is a feeling or a sensation, get to know it before you make it your subject. It’s important to consider all aspects and to know as much as possible about your subject. The same process applies to people, wildlife, architecture, and any other subject of interest. Studying the theme is essential especially when you have an imposed theme (e.g. to illustrate a magazine article).

You also need photographic knowledge. What light is available? What gear do you need? Does your project depend on weather, location or any special conditions? The good news is that you can choose a familiar theme, like kitchen tools. Still, you have to make it interesting. Sometimes is more important to know your subject well and have a good technique rather than using some exotic subject you know nothing about.

The Power of Diversity

Just because you focus on a theme does mean you have to limit your approach. Furthermore, diversity is your ally. Use different perspective, different angles, and different lenses. Include details and wide frames. Change the light, if possible. For example, some photographers take pictures of exactly the same place in different seasons. Others take pictures of the same people during their lifetime. There are photographers who follow the growth of a flower. There are also photographers who take pictures of the same color everywhere they find it. Doing thematic photography doesn’t mean to limit yourself to a strict format or composition.

Storytelling

Thematic photography has a narrative flow. Using connected subjects is just one aspect of this project. Other parts consist of how you exhibit the images and how you present them. They are equally important.

You may have noticed that every photography exhibition has a description. It isn’t very long, but it introduces the project to the viewers. It isn’t nor metaphoric, nor biographical, but a little of both. While writing the project’s statement you’ll have very clear in your mind what you want to convey. It will also make clear what images have to be presented and what images is better to be left out.

Present the images using a narrative flow. From wide angles to details, using a chronological order or an intuitive order, your images should follow a journey. Even if you have abstract themes, building a narrative flow is important. For example, the images from this article may have the flow of the rainbow’s colors. The theme name may be “A Beetle’s Trip on a Rainbow”.

Thematic photography is fun and inspiring. It is also very educational because it forces you to work in imposed conditions, which is something every professional photographer will do at some point.

In addition, thematic photography involves preparations, a lot of thinking and studying, and dedication. It’s like homework you are excited about.