Finn Beales - The Photography Storytelling Workshop:

I decide to research Finn Beales book as it has an emphasis on storytelling through photography. This connects to my own work in a deep way and following Beales' words has impacted my method of shooting and sequencing. 

Within the first page of Beales' book, there is a foreword written by Alex Stroll, in which he says when describing Beales' methods, "His method for building a narrative using the three impactful prompts: 1. Character, 2. Location, 3, Event - has encouraged me to rethink my own approach to my photographic projects." 

In the introduction it says, "What makes them remember an image or a photographer's work? In my mind, it's the stories they tell. He then goes on to explain how stories are the real 'influencers'. Stories go back to fairy tales, legends, religious texts and political campaigns. All of which are completely different however, have one constant theme, they all tell a story. Either fictional, real or manipulated reality. 

Beales states that the aim of his book is to help the reader create lasting photographs. 

Beales' book is, in my opinion, a must read book for established photographers, aspiring photographers and people who just have a general interest in the industry of photography. This is due to the way in which the book is written. It is written in such a way that it is easy for the reader the understand and be engaged throughout the book. By simply explaining the main aspects of photography such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO. 

In the chapter titled, 'Meeting your subjects', Beales writes about finding a common ground with your subjects. By getting to know your subject and make them feel comfortable around you, not just as a photographer but as a human being. The majority of the time, taking someone's portrait, especially someone that you have just met, can be considered intimidating. From the perspective of the photographer, this may not feel that intimidating as you will be familiar with the creative process. I addition to this, the photographer would more than likely have been a subject themselves, for fellow photographers. Whether it is in an educational manner, such as a photography course or socialising with other photographers. 

This is an aspect that I have heavily incorporated into my practice, primarily when shooting portraits of veterans. Not only the portraits I have produced with the veterans but also with the environmental portraits I have created for the self directed module. 

RELATE TO YOUR SUBJECT: 

• "Having your photograph taken can be relatively intimidating, and it's understandable why many people freeze up as soon as the camera comes into view. If you're looking for natural imagery, you want your subjects to feel as comfortable as possible. It's good practice to find something in common with your model, so you can connect on a relatable, human level first and not solely as photographer and subject."

This quote suggests my previous point of the photographer needing to build up trust with their subjects before attempting to document their portrayal. Find a level of comfortability that breaks open the dynamic of photographer and subject. It is just two people talking and learning about each other, an ultimately finding an understanding between the photographer and subject. 

DITCH THE CAMERA: 

"Leave your camera in the car when you meet for the first time. Don't faze your subject from the outset by waving a big DSLR around. Once you're comfortable with each other, you can introduce the camera and begin discussing the shoot."

The above quote refers to the idea of not bringing your camera when first meeting with you, this is to make the first meeting less intimidating and will make the eventual shoot more comfortable for both parties. 

There is various other interesting techniques, methods and theories contained within this book that prove useful. I have used the book to enhance my process for shooting portraits. This has helped my recent portraits and will continue to. I intend to use Beales' book as a reference when continuing to develop my communication and networking skills with clients. 

References: 

Read and Simmons (2017) Photographers and Research, The Role of Research in Contemporary Photographic Practice. Taylor and Francis, New York