Street Photography: Narrative and Intention
Year 10 Photography Exploring visual storytelling through candid moments Understanding the photographer's purpose
What is Narrative in Photography?
The story that a photograph tells Visual elements that suggest what happened before, during, and after the moment How composition, lighting, and subject placement create meaning The viewer's role in interpreting the story
Understanding Photographer's Intention
The purpose behind taking the photograph What the photographer wants to communicate Emotional response they aim to create Social commentary or personal expression Technical choices that support the message
Fan Ho: Master of Urban Poetry
Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Decisive Moment
Visual Analysis Challenge
In groups of 4-5, select one photograph Create a narrative: What happened before, during, and after? Discuss the photographer's possible intention Prepare a 2-minute group presentation Use the analysis worksheet for support
How do visual elements create narrative?
Consider lighting and shadows Think about subject positioning Notice background and context clues Observe gestures and expressions What story do these elements tell together?
Key Takeaways
Narrative and intention are fundamental to powerful street photography Photographers make deliberate choices to tell stories The same image can have multiple interpretations Visual elements work together to create meaning Next lesson: Creating your own narrative photographs