Millions of photos hit the internet daily, yet very few stick in your memory. Knowing how to make your photos stand apart from the crowd isn't just helpful—it's essential for your growth and satisfaction as a creative.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this insightful video points out some key reasons why many photographs fade quickly from memory. One of Kent’s main observations is that repetition is the enemy of memorable photography. You know the scenario: visiting a landmark, snapping the standard picture that thousands of others have taken before. Kent urges you instead to approach familiar subjects differently, emphasizing small details or the activity around them. By stepping just slightly out of the ordinary, you differentiate your images significantly.
Another critical element Kent highlights is the importance of storytelling in your photography. Images that invite viewers to ask questions or explore narratives stay with them longer. Kent argues convincingly that if a photo leaves nothing to the imagination, interest evaporates quickly. Effective photographs keep viewers guessing—wondering about the context, the subjects, or what might be happening beyond the frame. By keeping certain details ambiguous, your audience fills in their own meanings, making your work personal and memorable in unique ways.
Kent also takes a sharp look at social media’s impact on photography, noting a troubling trend where popularity can overshadow genuine creativity. He points out that many trending images lack individuality, becoming interchangeable and forgettable. To counteract this, Kent advises a simple yet profound approach: ask yourself how and what you’d photograph if no one else would ever see your images. This introspective method can help you find your true artistic identity, separate from fleeting online trends. Kent's examples of iconic photographers illustrate how identifiable style elevates photographs from ordinary to unforgettable.
Lastly, Kent tackles a more technical yet vital issue: depth. Too many images fall flat because they lack dimensionality, appearing two-dimensional rather than immersive. Kent encourages creating layers of light and shadow rather than simply relying on wide apertures to blur backgrounds. Understanding how to position yourself and your subjects relative to light sources adds a tangible, immersive quality to your photographs, creating depth that viewers can almost feel. Kent gives practical tips about noticing patterns of shadows and highlights as you move around a location, helping you to visualize and capture depth naturally. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
