They say every picture tells a story. Darran Leal explains why this old adage has a ring of truth about it.
Unique photo opportunities are a special chance for a photographer to tell a story. While this isn’t always the goal, it’s invariably a part of all images that are made. Sometimes we don’t even mean to tell a story. Perhaps we’re thinking creatively, rather than as a story teller. Why not do both?
These images were shot on a recent adventure to Tanzania. I’m lucky to be able to return to some locations many times. I am always looking for new angles or locations and this boosts my enthusiasm to continue travelling the world. Our third Maasai visit on a recent tour offered less quantity of images, but more quality. The light wasn’t soft, yet it was perfect, as this is how these tough people live, day in and day out.
I spotted a group of young Maasai off to one side of the village, so I walked up to pick the light and angle as I wanted to get a little higher than them. They were already looking great! I waited a couple of seconds to time the people in the background. What a top National Geographic type moment, I thought! I called out to members of my group to come and get a similar shot. I never have an issue with other photographers shooting the same subject and I often suggest to my tour participants to try shooting from my location. I am 186cm tall and they might not be! I move a little to the right, they move a little to the left. The intricacies involved in telling a story and making a photograph as a creative piece are endless.
In this shot Darran used a simple technique to get a lovely result. He waited to include the warriors in the background. Aperture Priority, 24-120mm lens @ 24mm, 1/3000s @ f/4, ISO 400. Processed in Adobe Lightroom.
Darran Leal has been teaching photography since 1981. Darran and Julia Leal of World Photo Adventures are celebrating 26 years of running photo tours around the world. If you’re interested in a professionally guided small group and in experiencing unique photo adventures go to: www.worldphotoadventures.com.au