how to capture emotion in your scenes
In the midst of a crazy week over here we managed to publish another episode of The Mood Podcast, and our guests were Lilia Siemens and Kai Schiffers, aka 'Lilia and Kai'.
In our conversation, they gave us a peek into their creative process, highlighting the essential techniques that bring emotion into their work. From carefully chosen angles to colour grading and subtle movements, they’ve nailed the art of making visuals come alive. Here’s how they do it—and how you can, too.
"Movement is so important. Different angles and details—that’s what brings emotion to a shot."
As they transitioned from corporate jobs to the creative field, Lilia and Kai took on the challenge of learning photography and videography on the go, equipped only with a single camera and a passion for storytelling. Over time, they realized that the secret to capturing emotion lies in details, which now form the core of their visual language, helping them tell richer narratives in every frame.
Many creative people struggle with infusing genuine emotion into their visuals. Shots might feel flat or generic, lacking that 'spark' that attracts curiosity and intrigue from a viewer. Without a solid understanding of the tools that create emotional impact, it’s easy for photos and videos to fall short of their storytelling potential.
So here's what Lilia and Kai do when it comes to approaching capturing emotions, and it involves 3 main elements:
Incorporate Movement: Movement adds life to visuals, creating a sense of presence and energy. If you like video, try using a gimbal or moving the camera slowly to enhance the dynamism of a scene. And if you're a photographer, play with skewed horizons, dynamic compositions, slower shutter speeds, and if you have people in it then poses and expressions.
Use Close-Up Details: Focusing on small details, like the texture of a fabric or the gentle expression on someone’s face, allows you to convey intimacy and depth, drawing viewers into the moment.
Play with Light and Angle: Soft, natural lighting—especially during golden hours—can help you create a dreamlike atmosphere. Experimenting with different angles can also introduce fresh perspectives and create more visually compelling compositions. Combine these with moody and ethereal edits and colour grading and you can enhance an emotive look even more.
This approach of 'learning by doing' has helped Lilia and Kai develop a distinct aesthetic that viewers recognize and connect with. Experimenting and failing was a big part of the journey to mastering these techniques. After all, the more you practice capturing subtle moments, the better your eye will become at finding and framing them.
So, go do it try...
'Nuff said.
Don’t forget to watch/listen to the full episode with Lilia and Kai for more insights on all of this and much more. Their story is definitely one to listen to.
Happy Shooting,
