Professional Development · Visual Communication
Photography as Storytelling
A three-session workshop on using photography to communicate with intention — from concept to capture to post-production.
01
Session One · Foundation
Using Photography to Tell Great Stories — Think Before You Press the Button
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Learning Objectives
- Understand photography as a communication tool, not just a technical skill
- Identify the story you want to tell before raising the camera
- Recognise how framing, subject, and context shape meaning
- Apply intentional thinking to everyday photo opportunities
Key Concepts
- The "why" behind every shot — purpose-driven photography
- Visual narrative: beginning, middle, and end in a single frame
- Subject selection and emotional resonance
- Pre-shoot mental checklist: Who, What, Why, Where
Discussion Questions
- Think of a powerful photo you've seen recently. What story did it tell without words?
- What stories in your organisation go unphotographed but deserve documentation?
- How might "thinking before pressing the button" change your next event shoot?
Session 1 of 3
Using Photography to Tell Great Stories
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02
Session Two · Strategy
Communication Goals and Basic Photography
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Learning Objectives
- Connect photography decisions to specific communication goals
- Master foundational camera and composition techniques
- Align image style with intended audience and message
- Build a simple shot list tied to communication outcomes
Key Concepts
- Audience-first thinking: who will see this and what should they feel?
- Rule of thirds, light direction, and background control
- Matching image tone to your organisational voice
- The shot list as a communication planning tool
Discussion Questions
- What are the top 2–3 communication goals your team uses photography for? Are they being met?
- Choose one recent professional photo. Does it serve its communication goal? What would you change?
- How does knowing your audience change the images you'd plan to capture?
Session 2 of 3
Communication Goals and Basic Photography
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03
Session Three · Post-Production
Best Practices Once You Have Made Images — Tips for Post-Production
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Learning Objectives
- Develop a consistent post-production workflow
- Understand selection, culling, and editing best practices
- Maintain authentic storytelling through the editing process
- Prepare and export images for different platforms and uses
Key Concepts
- Culling: choosing images that serve the story, not just the best-looking ones
- Editing for consistency: colour, exposure, and style coherence
- Ethical boundaries: when does editing mislead?
- File management, naming conventions, and archiving
Discussion Questions
- What does your current post-production workflow look like? Where are the bottlenecks?
- Where is the ethical line between "enhancing" and "misleading" your audience?
- How could a consistent editing style strengthen your organisation's visual brand?
Session 3 of 3
Best Practices for Post-Production
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Knowledge Check
Answer all four questions to test your understanding across the workshop.
1. According to Session 1, what is the most important step before pressing the camera shutter?
✓ Correct! Intentional storytelling begins before the camera is raised — purpose-driven thinking shapes every decision.
2. In Session 2, what does "audience-first thinking" primarily help you decide?
✓ Exactly right. Knowing your audience shapes tone, style, and subject selection before you arrive at a shoot.
3. "Culling" in post-production (Session 3) refers to:
✓ Well done. Culling is story-driven — the "best" image isn't always the one that serves your message.
4. Which principle connects all three sessions of this workshop?
✓ Precisely! From concept to capture to editing, intentional communication is the thread that unites all three sessions.
Certificate of Completion
Complete all 3 sessions and pass the knowledge check to earn your certificate.
Finish all sessions and pass the quiz to unlock your certificate.