The Lens of Change: How Photography Shapes Our World
Photography is not just art; it can be a true call to action. From freezing moments of triumph to exposing uncomfortable truths, a single image has the power to challenge perspectives, shift conversations, and inspire action.
What if your next photo could do just that?
“There have been pictures that have had the power to totally change the way the entire world views things.”
In a world flooded with images, photography retains a singular power: its ability to move hearts, provoke thought, and catalyze change. It’s a power Rick Smolan, celebrated photojournalist and creator of A Day in the Life series, has spent decades wielding with precision and purpose. Through his lens, the stories of marginalized communities, forgotten wars, and environmental crises have transcended their immediate contexts, becoming rallying cries for global awareness.
Photography isn’t just about documenting reality; it’s about revealing it. Smolan recounts iconic moments in history when images shifted global conversations—like Nick Ut’s haunting photo of a girl fleeing a napalm attack or Eddie Adams’ stark depiction of a street execution in Vietnam. These photographs didn’t just document events; they changed how the world understood them.
“The problem now is the filter bubble. People see only what aligns with their views, but powerful images can still break through, forcing even the most resistant minds to confront reality.”
So, how can we, as photographers, leverage this catalytic potential?
1. Focus on Stories That Matter
Choose subjects that resonate deeply with you and have a universal truth. Whether it’s documenting the effects of climate change or highlighting untold and intimate personal narratives, passion projects often carry the strongest impact.
I can speak from personal experience with this. Unless it means something to you, and is close to you emotionally, your ‘voice’ won’t come through your work. If you’re able to allow that voice to blossom, the work will have a greater ‘power potential’ to spark awareness, curiosity and intrigue with any audience.
2. Be Intentional
Every element of your composition tells part of the story. Use light, framing, and context deliberately to emphasize the emotion or message you want to convey.
Think about the ‘why’ behind why you photograph, what you want to photograph and what’s the point of it all. It sounds reductive, but it’s a good exercise to truly understand what you want to show and tell with your images.
3. Engage, Don’t Exploit
Respect your subjects, especially when telling sensitive or difficult stories. Building trust and maintaining authenticity ensure your work uplifts rather than objectifies.
Research about ethics surrounding photography and your specific project or access to people. It will always be different to so make sure you’re in tune with how to communicate your requests and sensitivities.
“Real photography becomes even more valuable as the world leans into synthetic creation. It’s our job to preserve its essence and power.”
When listening to Rick I felt like doing another episode with him - even a series - just called ‘Rick’s stories’. What a legend in the space and for any of you who want to know how to learn from not only the best, but someone who’s done it all and seen everything, please listen to him. He spent 90 minutes with me spilling so many fascinating stories and lessons learned, and undoubtedly there was a hell of a lot more we could have gone through.
So please take the time to listen to this week’s episode here and on all the normal podcast platforms.
Happy Shooting,
