There’s a moment, somewhere between clicking the shutter and seeing the final frame, when you realise you’re telling a story. And as we all know, photography becomes most powerful when it taps into something deeper.
But how do you make sure your story resonates?
Enter the 5 Ps of Storytelling:
People. Place. Pictures. Personal. Platform.
This framework is simple, but it’s surprisingly effective in helping photographers create more layered visual stories. Let’s break them down!
1. People: Who’s at the Heart of the Story?
Behind every great story is a human element. That doesn’t mean every photo needs to include a person. But it does mean you should consider who the story is about, even when they’re not in the frame.
Ask yourself:
- Who is impacted by the moment I’m photographing?
- Can I show their presence, even if it’s just through a trace? A worn glove, a half-drunk cup of coffee, a handwritten sign?
- If I’m photographing someone directly, how can I build trust and go deeper than the surface?
Tip:
Spend time with your subject, even if it’s just five extra minutes. Small talk often leads to big truths.
2. Place: Where Does the Story Live?
Place anchors your story. It gives it context, mood, and a sense of reality. The setting can become a character in itself.
Ask yourself:
- What makes this place unique or layered?
- How does light, texture, or weather affect the atmosphere?
- What’s unsaid in this environment?
Tip:
Try photographing the same location at different times of day. Notice how the mood shifts. Think of it like scene-setting in a film.
3. Pictures: What Do You Actually Show?
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth slowing down here. What you choose to include—or exclude—shapes the narrative. Are you zooming in on the details? Or pulling back to show the full context?
This is about composition, editing, and sequencing. A strong image can stand alone, but a carefully selected series builds meaning.
Ask yourself:
- Am I shooting for variety? (establishing shots, portraits, details, action)
- Do my photos flow visually and emotionally?
- What image feels like the emotional center of the story?
Tip:
Lay your images out like a storyboard. What story are they telling? Could someone understand the story without any words?
4. Personal: Why Does This Matter to You?
This is the heartbeat. The “why.” Personal doesn’t mean autobiographical, it means your perspective is present. Why did you choose this story? What are you drawn to? What do you feel when you look through the viewfinder?
This emotional connection is what makes your story yours.
Ask yourself:
- What am I trying to say about the world—or myself—through this story?
- Does this subject resonate with a personal experience or belief?
- If I could only say one sentence about this series, what would it be?
Tip:
Keep a journal while shooting. Even short, messy notes can help clarify your point of view later in the editing phase.
5. Platform: Where Does the Story Belong?
Where your story ends up changes how it’s perceived. Is it a zine? A photo essay on your website? A social media carousel? A gallery print? Each platform has its own visual rhythm, technical requirements, and audience expectations.
Knowing your platform early on helps you shoot more intentionally, and edit more effectively.
Ask yourself:
- Who am I speaking to with this work?
- Do I want people to scroll, to linger, to respond, to share?
- Should this story live as a sequence, a slideshow, a physical object?
Tip:
Try adapting the same series to two different platforms, say, Instagram and a printed zine. Notice how the story shifts and what new possibilities emerge.
Final Thoughts
The best stories are the ones that feel complete, like they’ve been thought through, felt deeply, and told with care. The 5 Ps aren’t reminders to go deeper, shoot slower, and connect more honestly with the stories you’re telling.
So next time you’re stuck, or starting something new, pause and ask yourself:
Who is this about? Where is it happening? What will I show? Why does it matter to me? And where will it live?
That’s where real storytelling begins.
If you have a photo story in the works, tell me about it! I’d love to see how you’re using the 5 Ps in your own work.
MELISSA MARTINSEN 