how photography can change us, for the better
Welcome to another edition of Moments of Mood! Thursdays are for little thought provocations from some epic guests I've been privileged to speak to on The MOOD Podcast.
And today, I want to share an enlightening conversation I had with the iconic photographer Platon. Our chat got me thinking about the profound influence photography holds in driving some kind of change, either internally or externally, large or small. Platon’s insights on capturing the essence of the human spirit reminded me of the true power of visual storytelling and its potential to make a real impact....
When I first started with photography, I worried so much about the technical aspects—perfect lighting, flawless composition, impeccable focus. I noticed that the photographers I admired, those whose work truly moved me, didn’t seem to stress about these technicalities. They had mastered the basics so thoroughly that they didn’t have to think about them anymore. This allowed them to focus on the deeper, emotional connections in their work.
And Platon exemplifies this approach beautifully, using his technical skills as a foundation to create powerful, human-centered imagery.
He emphasizes that the true power of photography lies in its ability to connect on a human level and drive impact and change if you're lucky.
Here’s how you can harness this power in your own work (and this is not exclusive to just portrait photography, it can be applied to all genres):
Focus on Human Connections:
Spend time with your subjects and/or location. Before you start shooting, spend time getting to know your subjects and/or surroundings. Break the ice, understand their stories, backgrounds, and emotions. I always factor in 50% of my project time into experiencing the company of the people I'm with. This rapport will truly reflect in your photographs, and will allow you to garner the trust that you need for them to be comfortable in front of the camera.
Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Talk to your subjects about their experiences, dreams, and challenges. These conversations can reveal powerful moments that you can capture through your lens.
Observe and Empathize: Pay close attention to the body language and emotions of your subjects. Empathize with their feelings and try to capture those raw, unfiltered moments.
Create a Comfortable Environment: Make your subjects feel at ease. A relaxed subject is more likely to open up and reveal their true selves, leading to more authentic and powerful images.
Tell THEIR Story: Use your photos to tell the story of your subjects. Highlight their strengths, struggles, and unique perspectives. This storytelling approach will create a deeper connection between your work and your audience.
Here are some resources to help you harness the transformative power of photography:
Listen to the Episode: For a deeper dive into Platon’s insights, listen to our full conversation on The MOOD Podcast here.
Books: 'Platon’s Republic' by Platon – a powerful collection of his most impactful photographs and the stories behind them.
Inspired by Platon’s story? Join the waitlist for my upcoming photography course where we’ll explore more about using photography to drive societal change. Visit my website to learn more, follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration, and join our community here to connect with fellow photographers and access exclusive resources.
Happy Shooting,
