How to Evoke Emotions Through Pictures
Evoking emotions through pictures involves learning about symmetry, color and mood. Photographers need an eye for detail and the ability to select the right photo opportunity for a particular mood or emotion. Take several photos of the same object so you can edit your images and pick the best photo for your goals. With practice and careful attention to your work, as well as an eye toward people's reaction to your work, you can learn to evoke emotions through pictures.
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Color
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Learn about color and how people react to specific hues and colors. Take an art course at a local community college. Alternately, pick up a book on color from the local bookstore or library to learn how people respond to different colors. The difference between a red or blue tint can change the meaning and emotion of a particular image. A light red can help to add warmth to a photo. Blue creates a sense of calm and, depending on the subject matter of the photo, can evoke sadness in the viewers.
Symmetry
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Symmetry in pictures can evoke a sense of order and predictability. When viewing images of faces, people say subjects with more symmetrical faces are more attractive. Taking pictures of objects that are symmetrical can illicit a feeling of completeness and relaxation. Creating obscure or asymmetrical images can evoke emotions of chaos and unrest. The decision to photograph a symmetrical or asymmetrical image can make the difference in the resulting emotions. When taking photographs, experiment with different angles and degrees of symmetry and view the images to determine which is most appropriate for your goals.
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Light and Texture
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To some degree, texture exists within any object. As a photographer, aim to take pictures that have stark contrast between texture and three-dimensional objects. A three-dimensional object will seem more animated and pronounced against a textured backdrop. Additionally, use light in both natural and unnatural ways to highlight and illuminate objects in the photograph. You can use light naturally by adjusting the time of day you take the picture or by physically moving the object to create new angles with natural sunlight. Artificially, you can use a photo editing program to add texture and light to the object.
Depth and Lines
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Creating depth in an image can create a sense of closeness or isolation. By taking close-ups, you can create a view of the object that evokes a very personal and intimate emotion. Images that are farther away create a sense of isolation, loneliness and distance. Furthermore, adding lines to the image can help direct the eye toward a focal point in the picture. Lines can be added naturally or artificially with photo editing programs. Learn how the different types of lines change the impression of the image. Diagonal, vertical, horizontal, crossing and twisting lines all affect the image in different ways.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
