Telling a story
Some of the most powerful photographs are the ones that tell an entire story in a single frame. These are the photographs that make me stop and think, that have made an indelible impression in my mind. I can’t imagine a day when I see one of the photographs below and don’t stop to appreciate them.
On the other hand, not all photographs need to be stories of their own—some are made to play an important part in a greater whole. Some of my favorite photographic works unfold over the course of dozens of images. Robert Adams is one of those photographers whose stories develop slowly, and get deeper with repeated viewing.
Perfect Times, Perfect Places is a good example of a book that doesn’t wow you with single images (not that there aren’t plenty of standouts), but rather blinds you with simplicity and subtlety. This book has hooked me, and I can view it again and again without ever getting tired of it.
As the focus of my own work evolves over time, certain stories emerge, but I guess I never thought about crafting the story as a conscious part of what I was doing. Now that I’m more aware of the importance that story plays, especially in a series as opposed to in single images, I wonder how I will use that in my own photography.
Related: A review of The New West, a new edition of Robert Adams’ 1974 book, at 5B4.
March 20, 2008