Cinematic storytelling in photography: crafting atmosphere through composition and colour
As a photographer, creating visual impactful stories is an aspect of the photographic journey that has really changed the way I view photography as a medium. How we plan, shoot and prepare for a job has significantly changed when it comes to “storytelling” as photographers. Crafting a “narrative” and taking images in series to convey a feeling, story or atmosphere has been crucial to deliver images and content to clients. Setting the mood or feel by choosing a fitting colour palette puts “the icing of the cake” in place. Portraying and crafting a "narrative" through composition and colour will make an impact no single image ever will.
When we look back at our photographic journey there has been “fases” along the way that was not always clear to us. Sometimes it is hard to focus on the right things when you walk down this path. There is a lot of advice on how to become a better photographer or how you should to earn money on you imagery. We are now in the process of realising how little being a good photographer has to do with the best camera or equipment ,and belive me coming from a very gear addict FOMO state in the past this has elevated our photographic journey by miles. It is not to say that the journey is in any way finished, but being able to photograph and deliver content in a more cohesive style is a “must” for anyone trying to make it in the commercial or lifestyle genres of photography. For us we fell in love with photography and content creation all over again when we saw our work as projects with “storytelling” in mind rather than individual images. And venturing outside on small and big adventures has become much more satisfying as a creatives. It is also clear to us that this journey will never have a clear ending and becoming a better photographer is a life long journey.
In this article we would like to focus on some thoughts and ideas on the compositional and colour grading aspect of photography and how this was a “milestone” in crafting better images for us. So venture along this short read about composition and color:-)
Crafting a visual narrative
Crafting a visual narrative or “story” is easier than you think. It doesn´t have to be a elaborative story. The plan for this short trip was to venture in the outside close to home and capture the essence or feeling in the area on a rainy day, combined with showcasing our old Skoda Yeti Adventure which has taken us on many trips around Norway. We wanted to showcase the car aesthetics in an environment the car was designed for and at the same time capture the “feeling” and “mood” of the trip and the area. Weather forecast for the day was rain, wind and occasional glimpse of sun. So this easy story line goes as follows: “ The story of two photographers braving the elements on a rainy day, experiencing the elements and enjoying the outside.” This simple narrative combined with showcasing of the car and “driving” elements was to support the commercial aspect of the shoot. In this way we presented images of the Skoda Yeti in a way that would have for more visual impact than a nice single image of the car.
We as people will forget a nice image, but we will not forget a “good” story. Think of a simple “storyline” or theme to your series of images and this will elevate your work and the chance for anyone to remember what they saw will be a great deal better.
Composition & Focal lengths
By alternating between wide shots, medium shots and close ups you can visually lead the viewer through your story. Choosing a fitting focal length with intent is a part of this process. Why use a 85mm over a 24mm and so on. There are a lot of options and there is no explicit rule you MUST follow, but for me it has been helpful to think about focal lengths as something I choose intentionally with the “story” in mind.
The Wide Shot (Dji Mavic 3 Pro 24mm)
We use establishing shots to tell the viewer “where we are”. This images typically puts the viewer in out “world” or scene. This kind of images often holdes a lot of visual information about the area, place or environment the “story” takes place. In this example we see a forest road lit only by the head lights of the car, this is a wide shot to place the viewer into the environment.
The Close Up Shot (Canon EF 85mm f1.8)
The Close Up Shots leads the viewer into the scene. Experiencing the details of the scene often leads to a more intimate contact with the story and enhance the feeling of being a part of it. Here the details of rain drops, dirt on the car and the letters “adventure” will lead to the feeling of the outdoor elements of rain or dirt. The 85mm focal length will also draw elements in the background a bit closer than a wide focal length. Here I used it on details of the car to give it a more two dimensional and flat look. This enhances the perception of an even surface. The “ADVENTURE" letters on the car would then appear to be more at the same distance from the camera as the door handle and therefore give it a more “flat” look. This made it easier to use the lines in the doors and windows as leading lines towards the subject of the image which is the letters.
Medium Close Up Shot (Canon EF 50mm f1.4)
The Medium Close Up shots I often like to use to convey human emotions. By choosing a large F-stop and blurring away the background the viewer can concentrate on the subject and “feel” what the subject is feeling.
Using Colour to support your “story”
For our road trip around Jonsvatnet, the moody, overcast weather provided a natural desaturated color scheme. We leaned into this by opting for cooler tones—blues, greens, and earthy browns—that complemented the rainy and misty environment. The muted palette helped emphasise the elements of dirt, fog, and rain, while also creating a cohesive look across the series of images. It´s often better to focus on a simpler colour scheme when you go for a “cinematic” look. By “Cinematic” I mean that it is a look that often is influenced by film or commercials where the colour grading is done with a intent to support a mood, story or specific look.
To contrast these cooler tones, We focused on the warm hues of the car’s headlights and the subtle warmth of the natural surroundings, such as the occasional glimpse of sunlight breaking through the clouds. This contrast not only added depth to the images but also highlighted the key subjects within the scene, directing the viewer’s attention where it was most needed.
When you’re working with colour, think about how it can enhance the story you’re trying to tell. Are you aiming for a sense of warmth and nostalgia? Or perhaps a cold, distant feel? The colour choices you make can either support or undermine the narrative, so it’s important to be deliberate. In this case, the cool, moody palette aligned with the story of two photographers braving the elements on a rainy day, adding that extra layer of emotion and cohesion to the final images.
The colour palette should support your vision
Color is a powerful tool in storytelling, often setting the mood and guiding the viewer’s emotions. It should be done in a way that doesn’t take focus away, but rather enhances the feel and vibe of your vision. In a more “cinematic” style of photography, color grading plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere and drawing the viewer deeper into the narrative. Just like composition, choosing the right color palette should be an intentional decision made with the story in mind.
When you’re working with color, think about how it can enhance the story you’re trying to tell. Are you aiming for a sense of warmth and nostalgia? Or perhaps a cold, distant feel? The color choices you make can either support or undermine the narrative, so it’s important to be deliberate.
Check out the whole project on Adobe Béhance by clicking this link