People and Environment in Documentary Photography

Documentary photography mainly refers to the form of photography that emphasizes authenticity and objectivity. Simply put, it is the field that news photographers should focus on. And humanistic photography may be true, but in fact there are many poses. For photography lovers, our most common documentary humanistic photography may be what we saw and heard on the trip.

It is difficult to have any definite rules for documentary humanities, because you don't know what you will encounter. Even if you know this, you can't predict the specific situation at that time. So we should always remember what will infect you in an instant and how to record it and convey this feeling through photos.

The following summarizes eight directions that documentary photography and humanistic photography should consider. Because this field is really complicated and may not be comprehensive.

First, the content is the key, teaching you eight kinds of human framing.

For the humanities, I think many beginners may have a big misunderstanding, that is, no matter what is in the frame, taking pictures is victory.

So unless you are extremely poor, the photos you take look like "humanities" films. But on closer inspection, it looks bland and I don't know what to shoot.

1, the most basic thing is to always look around when shooting.

This requires your observation. See, don't think everything is fine. At least you will find this scene interesting. When you meet a particularly good moment, all you have to do is to record it with your clear mind and skillful camera use skills. This may be a classic moment. In fact, this is the most basic and difficult part of humanistic photography.

If you have a good background, wait for the right subject.

In fact, when we travel, we can often see some good scenes. Then let's find a good perspective-choose a good background. Then wait for the subject you think is suitable to enter the screen.

This photo is the back garden of a palace in Frankfurt. I was filming when it suddenly rained. So I hid under the tree to avoid the rain. It was quiet to see fewer people in the garden. So I chose this background-dark trees can highlight the main body, the flowers on the ground are layered and beautiful, and there are sculptures on the right to balance the picture. So as long as someone walks from left to right, I will shoot when they walk to the left of the picture. After a while, the couple came, which is my theme.

3. Go to the corner where no one has seen it.

Sometimes we walk in busy places, and the tourists coming and going are actually a great challenge for us to shoot humanities. After all, the aborigines in the destination are what we want to shoot. If there are too many tourists, you might as well go and see that empty corner. Those local elements are also good subjects for humanistic photography.

When there is a good scene, you must go further and wait for a good opportunity.

This photo was taken in Casablanca, and the Maritime Mosque is definitely a filming place. It is not difficult to find a good shooting scene here. People praying on this levee are the crowning touch. But don't rush to press the shutter. When shooting, I waited for this person to make a good gesture-palms up. On the other hand, I have been waiting for an obvious stirring wave in the sea.

There are always some typical shooting themes in the local area.

In fact, the most typical people are the professional net spreaders in Jiang Xiaodong and the cowherd under the big banyan tree in Yangjiaxi ... just like this photo is actually a typical Sri Lankan humanistic film. Yes, you must take a picture of a child with black eyes when you go to Sri Lanka.

6. Works considered in combination with the nodes of the times.

We arrived at the destination, probably because of what is happening at the destination. For example, some celebrations, some important events and even some big changes. If we can shoot the nodes of this era, it will be a real documentary. Although it may not be humanized, it is definitely worth filming.

This photo was taken 500 days before the countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games, when the Bird's Nest was still unfinished. It is very valuable to record the Olympic venues under construction. At this time, the building materials and cranes in the site seem to form a clock, which will arrive at 8: 00-8: 00 on August 8, 2008. Very interesting.

7. Look at the reflection.

Glass will always be found where there are people, and there are often moments worth shooting in the reflection of glass. For example, this glass in the subway reflects light, and we can see a tired man. The content of the photo is self-evident.

8. Combine two scenes-multiple exposures.

A single scene may have a theme, but what if two scenes are combined? Then there must be a chemical reaction, not a simple combination. This photo is Marbury, a city hero in Beijing, and the second scene is Shougang fans who have always supported him. This was taken the year I won the championship. The connection between these two scenes is very obvious.

Second, boldly take pictures, at least dare to shoot people.

People are often the key to cultural photos. Remember not to be embarrassed when shooting people, be bold and shoot when you should.

? For example, in this photo, this brother is already very excited. Many people were watching him shout at that time. At this time, I was definitely not the only one who held up his mobile phone camera to shoot him. Therefore, on such occasions, don't feel afraid to shoot, but consider what angle to shoot and when to shoot.

This one, even if it's finished, the person who was photographed doesn't know that he was photographed. Yes, in fact, as long as you can express what you want to express in the back, taking pictures from the back can always relax everyone. Especially when you still have telephoto. It's best not to let the person being photographed notice you and disturb your scene.

Most people are friendly, so when you raise your camera to photograph him, he happens to see you. Let him put it as he likes. Take one. It is definitely a good photo to record the characteristics of the characters through the characters and the environment.

It's probably not wrong to ask. When filming this big brother at the seaside, I felt that as long as I filmed him, he would find such an empty place. So I went up and asked him if he could take a picture of him. He nodded and waved. Then do what you have to do. I filmed him and he totally ignored me. It's good.

There is always a lot of psychological pressure when shooting people. I have been to many countries and taken many faces. In fact, once someone finds you and shoots him, most people stare at you. The rest should go their own way, and some people will avoid it (then don't shoot). If you find yourself being discovered, smile at the other person and you will often get a smile.

Suppose the other person doesn't want you to shoot, then don't shoot. People usually don't bother you. It's already taken. It's a big deal to delete it in front of him.

Third, don't waste time on exposure.

The most difficult hurdle in learning photography is exposure. This really needs to be studied hard. But when you are really proficient in shooting, you will find that if you are still wasting time on exposure, continue to learn the basics of operating the camera.

When shooting, we often take snapshots, so in outdoor natural light, we usually use 0EV. Of course, if the scene changes, remember to add white and black.

Indoor shooting requires scene light. Then, after entering the scene, you must first adjust the exposure of the camera to the appropriate state. So you don't have to think about it when you shoot.

Sometimes, if you have an epiphany and a better exposure expression, then hurry to operate the camera. This often leads to better exposure. In short, exposure in humanistic photography must not be delayed.

Fourth, the combination of reality and reality makes the picture more impressive.

Humanistic photos should not only explain the humanistic elements, but also explain the humanistic environment. So it is obviously different from portrait photography. The difference is that when we shoot portraits, we often pursue blurred background, while humanities must explain the background.

However, explaining the background does not mean that the picture should be clear. The combination of reality and reality often makes the picture more impressive and memorable.

For the explanation of the background, just make it clear. It doesn't need to be clear. Like the photo below, it can be seen from the vague background that this is the Colosseum in Rome, which is enough. The blur of the background makes it easier for us to stay on the clear characters.

Fifth, the slow door makes the theme more clear.

When shooting humanities, we often use the slow door to realize the combination of reality and reality. For example, in this scene, pedestrians on the platform are in a hurry, and a slow door is vividly displayed. The clock on the platform is a perfect element.

It is a very common method to take pictures, locate and slow the door, and realize the combination of people flow and environment.

Six, looking for a good composition of the scene

Just like some people are good-looking, they are born with bright eyes. Some scenes have the feeling of sky composition.

Such as our common railway station. From near to far, from big to small, this gradual composition often makes our eyes sweep the extension line and look into the distance. Wait a little on the platform, there is always a good film.

Square and steps are another good scene you should pay attention to. I always say don't take pictures on sunny days. The square with steps may be one of the few scenes that can be taken on sunny days. Because there will be a unique light and shadow effect. It must be empty. There must be someone. What if people are in the dark? It doesn't matter. The outline is good.

The opening or doorway of a bridge often forms a natural picture. When we see the composition of a picture frame, we often focus on the picture frame, which makes it easier for us to see the main body in the picture frame.

If the above three are difficult to satisfy, then the following photo is easy. We can often see empty places. If there is someone in the picture at this time, you can take a smaller one and press it. It is easy to highlight the contrast between the empty environment and the small role. The feeling of silence and even loneliness comes. Perfect for shooting a person. ...

In short, as you shoot more and more, you will become more and more experienced, and all kinds of scenes are easy to produce.

Seven, find a subject and keep shooting.

Some people like to shoot street lamps, some people like to shoot knockers, and some people like to shoot artists. In short, there are many themes that you can see everywhere. Then take photos of this theme all over the world.

For example, I like to film people kissing. There are also people painting beside the scenic spots. I don't know why I just like it. I think it's great that they can draw. Accumulate bit by bit, when there are dozens, it will be very shocking to take it out together.

Eight, posing does not hurt.

Posting is obviously not a documentary, but it can be very humanistic. This reminds me of casting nets in Jiang Xiaodong and herding cattle under the big banyan tree. These are typical postures. Will we stop filming when we get there? No, it's time to shoot.

In addition, when you are in a good mood in a certain scene, you can also take a picture yourself. It doesn't have to be a bad movie.

Well, I believe I will continue to improve this article in the future, in order to make documentary humanistic photography clearer. Let everyone learn more. If you have any questions, you can leave me a message and help me improve.