Narrative Without Words

Our craft is often said to be about telling stories with images. Careful observation of a single photograph can tell us so much about time, place, interactions and emotions. In the same way a series of images can tell a story without the need for words. The project though, requires careful thought about content and sequencing.

 For a story to work it needs to flow and, like written work, it should have a beginning, a middle and an end. By starting with a shot that shows the context, the story should then progress through descriptive images until a conclusion is reached.

 If people are involved within the narrative, then the story can be strengthened with the use of authentic expressions of emotion and actions. This helps the viewer to become engaged and empathise with the subjects. It is also important to give a sense of location and environment to provide a setting that helps the viewer create a fuller understanding and engagement with the narrative.

 Consistency in aspects such as style, lighting, colour grading adds to a sense of continuity although there should be moments of transition between images to show the movement of time and place.

 When all of this is in place it may be important to have some elements of ambiguity. Not everything in an image or story needs to be explained. Leave room for the viewer to create their own ideas and form a deeper interpretation of what they are looking at.

 Finally, the climax. End with an image or images that capture the essence of the whole story. Just like a whodunit novel, don’t leave the viewer guessing, but do leave them with thoughts of what went before and a feeling of satisfaction and closure.

 Helsinki based photographer Juha Wikström has kindly allowed me to use a series of his images to illustrate the point. You may like to study the narrative the images portray before reading further and interpret them in your own way.

 The tale opens for me with a scene of an obviously weary figure making their way along a cobbled street. Questions of where and why come to mind. The narrative then switches dramatically to what appears to be a group of friends looking happy and jubilant. I see feet clad in walking boots or bare feet and possibly some celebratory drinks.

 Moving on we find a diptych of two young women. One sitting pensively and with a slightly pained expression and toting the heavy load of a backpacker. The other is looking more relaxed and seems to be enjoying a moment on a video call. Both figures appear to be in the same cobbled square.

 We are then left with the finale. Evidence of what may have gone before. Sore feet, a bandaged ankle and a discarded plaster. The story is complete, but questions remain. In a pictorial narrative such as this it is up to the viewer to create their own imaginative storyline by careful observation.

However, that said, we do usually need confirmation. I am not saying that titles and written narrative should not be part of the work, just that the images should tell their story in an interesting, structured and linear way. For me the images are the thing.

 This work by Juha Wikström is about the arrival at Santiago de Compostela of the many pilgrims who undertake the gruelling walk each year and I think he has captured the essence of their arrival masterfully.

Juha Wikströms images and accompanying article:

Tears, Joy and Silence. The Emotional Arrival in Santiago can be found In KLICK 5.

More of his work can be seen here:

juhawikstrom.com

Instagram: @juhawikstrom