Documenting People’s Life Through Pictures: A Photographer’s Handbook

Photographing people is a way to capture stories, emotions, and moments that define humanity, especially in areas far from megalopolises like New York City, Berlin, and Paris. Whether for personal fulfillment or professional gain, documenting people’s lives through a lens can often make a meaningful impact.

Sometimes, you’re lucky to capture a community’s life with all the available amenities. In some other cases, however, documenting people is a test of your physical and mental health that challenges your ability to take photos within specific circumstances. Considering that documentary photography can be tough, why do that at all? This article outlines the reasons for taking pictures of people and actionable tips to help you become a skilled documentalist. Read on to learn more!

*The people of Ukraine fleeing from war; close up shot of a little girl*

3 reasons for taking pictures of people

Reason #1 - To highlight social and regional issues

Documentalists work around the world to register and raise awareness about underreported regions or societal challenges. This often leads to a higher chance of exposure, considering how extreme conditions in certain areas can be. Photographers use their content to foster empathy and draw attention, allowing social media users to share images of people freely, create buzz around a certain subject, and drive change.

Reason #2 - To sell stock photos of people

Selling people-focused images is another reason to get involved in photography, but in this case, these photographs are mostly (although not always) staged. In other words, photos of people usually sold on stock marketplaces are themed and made in studio or well-lit conditions. They are highly sought-after by marketers, model agencies, and publishers for advertising product or service campaigns.

Photographers find stock image marketplaces excellent passive income streams, enabling them to reinvest in their equipment, sustain, and cover a good portion of industry-specific expenses.

FAQ: What stock image platform offers the best conditions for creative people?

Depositphotos is the leading photo bank offering unique partnerships for creators. Specifically, royalty-free images by Depositphotos’ contributors are protected by royalty-free licenses to prevent copyright infringements, while also being promoted on the web. The platform has been trusted by numerous renowned companies using its stock files for commercial purposes.

Reason #3 - To preserve history for future generations

*A wide shot of kids playing soccer in a Namibian remote village*

Besides capturing people’s diversity and emotions and providing endless creative possibilities, documenting lifestyles, traditions, and cultures on the verge of extinction ensures a legacy for future generations. Photographing communities leaves plenty of valuable data and insights for studies and personal archives.

4 tips for taking memorable pictures of people

Tip #1 - Simplify your setup

The beauty of documentary photography is that it relies on minimal setup because of its frequently rough conditions. Using lightweight, versatile gear is best for mobility in remote or unpredictable locations. This minimal reliance on tech ensures adaptability while making you less of a burden to the hosting community. It’s also not uncommon for enthusiasts to start a documentary photography journey using just smartphones.

You must also factor in the observer’s paradox, which often unwittingly affects the person being observed (in your case, captured). A minimal setup is especially convenient here, ensuring community members feel less disrupted.

Tip #2 - Build trust with your subjects

This one doesn’t require impeccable photography prowess but communication and social skills. Being an outsider, your attempt to enter a community must be courteous, respectful, and genuine. Approach people with interest and understand their environment before pulling out your camera. Research, remember, and respect local customs and privacy concerns. This will ensure a fruitful collaboration and give you insights into community life.

Besides studying a subject in advance, think of your introduction. Consider providing the details that might be of interest to people. Some trips might yield a little photography work but plenty of live interaction, so plan your fieldwork in a way that reserves enough time for non-photography activities to garner trust.

And lastly, always communicate your intentions and ask permission. Offer alternative shots in case of refusals. If the entire photo session doesn’t go well, don’t hesitate to focus more on taking notes and waiting for a better time to take photos of people.

Tip #3 - Mind the composition, but capture moments instead of poses and props

Upon breaking the ice and getting permission, there’s nothing else left but to start taking pictures of people. Remember to frame your subject using surroundings to tell a meaningful story. Your photo doesn’t have to be too expressive and filled with props—natural images are usually the way to go. Does this mean you can’t include something in the picture? No, you can and sometimes even should.

However, always choose the first option when you’re deciding between a genuine moment and a well-posed photo with props. Focusing on spontaneous interactions and expressions captured in a natural albeit appealing setting (for example, in a forest while refilling a water tank from a stream) will result in candid memories. Set your camera to burst mode to take multiple photos and catch fleeing unrepeatable moments. You can also combine your portfolio with staged and candid photos, just like Thomas Hoepker used to do.

Tip #4 - Document the pre-, during, and post-photography phase

Documentary photography isn’t all about snapping images of people. Taking notes also counts as a documentary genre, and it’s an excellent—and highly effective—way to preserve as many details as possible. Equip yourself with a notebook and/or recorder to register your observations that are not captured on camera. You can also interview people to learn things that will shed a unique light on photos. After all, how will you create a memorable story without detailed descriptions? Photos of people, as well as the captions and things said off the record (which you obviously can’t use but remember and cherish), are crucial.

Final thoughts

Documentary photography is demanding and goes far beyond the aesthetic appeal of pictures of people or objects. It relies heavily upon understanding, connection, and trust. Whether a beginner or an experienced documentalist, it’s important to use your craft wisely, researching the place and community, preparing the opening, taking notes, and photographing. Hopefully, this handbook will help you before, during, and after the fieldwork, resulting in pictures of people that speak volumes.