Photographers don’t just click images, they tell stories, express their feelings and create art using their lenses. Even if you give the same subject, same equipment and camera settings, to five different photographers, you will see five completely different photographs. Therefore, creating a photo journal will not only document images, but also tell you the story behind each photograph you shot. It will encapsulate the journey of your photographic career.
Photo Journaling is nothing but a record of all or some of your photographs with details including: date, time, equipment used, camera settings, occasion of that photograph and a note about the picture. You can make additional notes about what you thought while you were taking that picture and map it with the end result. You can also write about what was happening at the venue or the challenges you faced while taking that photograph.
There are a wide variety of DSLR cameras in the market that come embedded with that information, but journaling is still a good way to maintain a record of the progress you have made with each photograph. Importantly, you can also make a note of why you took what you took – the mood statement.
Below are some tips to create a photo journal…
- You may need a big book, like a sketchbook, with a lot of space to attach photos and make notes about them.
- Taking photographs regularly is important. Even if you don’t want to use all your photographs in the journal, you can choose the ones you want to document.
- Ensure the photographs are attached properly and don’t fall out. You can use double-sided tapes or even use photo corner adhesive pieces that will not damage your pictures, in case you want to remove them for future use.
- Be creative. Write all you want about the picture, your emotions, your mind frame, the challenges you faced while shooting, your analysis and so on. It is your journal. Feel free to write whatever comes to mind. With every photo you add to your journal, you will get more ideas to make it more personalised. It’s up to you to keep it simple or get creative.
And finally…
Photo journaling is an excellent way to improve your photography skills. It will keep a track of your growth and help you become a better photographer. Create your first photo journal and you will know how much more you can learn from your own photographs. And the best part? It’s like creating a time machine you can go back to and chart your learning curve.
Happy photo journaling!
~ Zahid H Javali / CC photos courtesy: Vivianna_love