Your most powerful photographs are the ones that tell a story or invoke a strong memory. It’s not how you composed the photo, nor sharpness or perfect lighting, or even the camera you used.  You pause, and feel the emotion, remember the event or subject, and either smile (or cry) inside, or want to tell someone.

When we look at a photograph, we’re not just seeing a moment frozen in time; we’re experiencing it. Every photograph carries a message. It can whisper or shout. It can make us smile, bring a tear to our eyes, or stir a memory we thought we’d forgotten. That’s the magic of storytelling through photography.

It begins when something or someone catches your eye, drawing you closer.

I spotted a roadie slouched back in a worn chair outside the doors of the Asbury Park Convention Hall. He was grizzled, covered in tattoos and piercings, and in that instant, I saw an amazing photograph. I walked up to him and said, “You look so cool, can I take your picture?”

He fixed his eyes on me—sharp, dangerous—and said, ‘No.’

I started to reply, but he cut me off, firmer this time, saying, “I said NO!”

I turned and walked away, glancing back only to find him still watching me. In that moment, I was certain that if I’d ignored his answer, I’d have paid for it. I couldn’t help thinking that if I’d had tattoos, piercings, and a beat-up leather jacket of my own, maybe he would’ve said yes.

Sometimes, the best stories come from the photographs you never take.

If you decide to take the photo (not of the roadie, of course), composition helps direct the viewer’s eye and focus. Leading lines can guide them through the scene. Framing can draw them closer to the subject. Negative space can emphasize solitude, calm, or reflection.

Every creative composition and exposure choice you make helps shape your story.

Once again, I was in Central Park when the bright sun reflected off a man’s white hair, while he sat on the steps of the Grand Stairway at Bethesda Terrace. I took the picture right away, since in street photography, the scene can change in a heartbeat.

In street photography, there are moments when I feel compelled to meet my subject—to let them know I’ve captured a beautiful image of them and offer a free copy. At the time, I was sporting a ponytail myself, which made the decision even easier.

I approached an elderly man sitting with his wife and daughter and told them about the photo, describing how his silver ponytail shimmered in the sunlight. His face lit up with pride, while his wife and daughter shot me a look of mock exasperation. ‘Damn,’ they said, we’ve been trying to get him to cut his hair. Now look at what you’ve done!’ We all laughed as I walked away.

Stories can be bittersweet. I bought an expensive lens, for over $2000, and took it on a Winter Hike at Ringing Rocks in Pennsylvania. I climbed down to a snow-covered creek, which I knew ran through a rock-strewn valley. I used a previous hiker's boot prints and my tripod to test for solid ground.

I tested the snow-covered ground and, feeling confident, took a step—only to plunge straight into a narrow, icy creek. In an instant, I was standing in water up to my waist. The sun was bright and warm, so I never felt in real danger, but my hike was definitely over.

I decided to make the best of my unplanned vantage point and snapped a few photos. That’s when I discovered the damage—my $2,000 lens had been ruined by the water, along with my new Nikon Z6. Nikon repaired the camera under warranty, but informed me I’d voided the lens warranty. It was totaled, uninsured, and now just an expensive paperweight. This was the last picture taken with this wonderful lens before I took the plunge,

Final Thoughts
No matter what camera you are using, a wonderful photograph should tell our unique, interesting, emotional story. No two people see a moment the same way. Your perspective, the way you choose to capture it, is what makes a story unique. The best photographs don’t just show us what happened; they can help us feel it, again and again.

Look at a random photograph in your collection. What story is it telling you?

In our classes and workshops, we help you to tell your story with photography. Visit our latest Photography by Stephen Harris class and experiential workshop schedule.  

As I continue to read Ansel Adams's Autobiography; I wish I could have met the man.

His words continue to resonate strongly with my personal views of photography. For me, photography is conveying onto micro-chip (alas I miss film) that unique image that appears in my minds-eye. My images are often of interesting angles or lighting, rather then a depiction of a scene.

This, in my view, is the beauty and power of photography.

Gather five photographers to a location and the outcome will be five different unique perspectives. I see this occur in my photography workshops. It's amazing how we see things differently.

With photography; I  believe that it is the eye and mind - not the equipment that make the difference.

Ansel wrote:
"If I don't see an image in terms of the subject and it's creative potential, I no longer contest my instincts. I am certain that another photographer's eye might perceive wonders at the scene that evaded me."

I enjoy exploring the world with other photographers, often my students. Observing the images through their minds-eye. Their view of the same subject is different than my own. Not better - not worse - just different,  Exactly as Ansel himself commented. Exactly as it should be.