Compelling Images Capture Emotions

The majority of compelling imagery are usually documentary style photos depicting human emotion. We all appreciate beautiful landscapes, stunning cars or well-crafted artistic artworks, however we will always respond the strongest, to images that capture human emotion. We relate or respond to emotion, so all great photographs tend to stir an emotional response.

By temperament, I’m more of an opportunistic photographer: I’m not yet so bold, as to be able to interact with complete strangers. I need to have a relationship established, or a suitable scenario before I feel comfortable. My most recent shoot with the Carp Airport and West Capital Development gave me an opportunity to be comfortable photographing firemen, police, paramedics and other emergency responders while they ran an exercise, drills and training. In addition to my primary role as documenter, I had the flexibility to seek out and record the human perspective.

Looking at these images, I am continuously impressed with the commitment of our emergency responders. As I mentioned in the previous blog, the teams are dedicated, skilled and calm. So I was surprised by how much care the teams displayed during an exercise.

The next time, you interact with these folks, keep some of these thoughts in mind and help them out. They care a lot, despite ugly, difficult jobs. Again, thank you to the men and women of the Carp and Ottawa paramedics, volunteer fire departments and police forces, as well as WDC and Carp Airport for the opportunity.