Professional tips from social photography experts

Social photography sets ambitious goals and establishes specific rules. It focuses on interactions between people, their conflicts, and joys. In the English-speaking context, it is often referred to as social documentary photography or concerned photography. These approaches emphasize the significance of social topics and the desire of photographers to draw attention to important societal issues by capturing moments that shape human stories and experiences. Social photography serves as a powerful tool for changing public opinion and inspiring action.

The first social photographs appeared in the 19th century and reflected the living and working conditions of the working class. These photographs became an important document capturing the realities of that time. Social photography, as a genre, aims to draw attention to social problems and inequality, depicting the hardships and suffering of people. Such images not only serve as historical evidence but also highlight the importance of visual art in the struggle for social change. As a result, social photography has become a powerful tool for activists and artists seeking to raise awareness of social issues.

Photograph from Thomas Annan's famous series "Photographs of Old Quarters and Streets of Glasgow", 1868–1877 Photo: Thomas Annan / British Library

The genre of social photography has specific rules that emphasize content over form, but aesthetic techniques also play a role. Documentary quality is key; images should be natural, not staged. Series of photographs in this genre are preferable to single shots, as they allow for a deeper exploration of the story and context. Black-and-white aesthetics and film photography are often used to create a more documentary effect, which increases the credibility of the events depicted. These elements help convey genuine emotion and atmosphere, making the works more expressive and meaningful.

Social photography initially focused on the issues of the working class and oppressed groups, but over time its concept has expanded significantly. Since the late 1970s, social photography has been presented in major galleries alongside fine art, and today it is one of the most respected genres in art. This genre requires from the photographer not only aesthetic taste and technical skills, but also a deep understanding of social issues, as well as journalistic skills, communication skills, and knowledge in the humanities and social sciences. Social photography continues to play an important role in society, bringing attention to pressing issues and fostering dialogue about social change.

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The Importance of Observation

James Nachtwey, one of the most prominent photographers in history, studied political science and art history at university but didn't take any photography courses. However, he genuinely believed that photography was his true calling and began to master the profession on his own. At a Canon Student Training Program seminar at the Visa pour l'Image 2022 international photojournalism festival, he shared his experience of borrowing a camera and renting a room where he developed film and printed his own photos. This approach to learning became the foundation of his unique style and allowed him to become a master of photojournalism.

James Nachtwey recalls spending time in bookstores, browsing photographs by the great masters. He often stood in the aisles, studying their work, but was forced to return the books to the shelves due to lack of money. Although he never met his teachers, their work became a source of inspiration and education for him.

James Nachtwey was staying in a hotel directly across from the Twin Towers on September 10th, having just arrived from France. On the day of September 11th, he was one of the first to see the smoke. "I ran straight there and started taking pictures. While I was trying to capture the south tower, I came across a church with a cross and decided to use it in the frame – I instinctively felt that bringing this element to the foreground would be the right decision. While I was photographing, the tower collapsed right before my eyes. I was in shock. My brain started working much faster, and all those pieces of metal flying through the air like matchsticks looked like they were in slow motion to me. I thought then that time had stood still." Photo: James Nachtwey / World Press Photo

James Nachtwey believes that he reached a high level of mastery only ten years into his career. Over the course of his life, he was awarded the Robert Capa Gold Medal from the Overseas Press Club of America five times, and also received the Photograph of the Year award from World Press Photo twice. In addition to these achievements, he has won numerous other prestigious awards. James Nachtwey is one of the most respected and award-winning experts in the field of war photojournalism, a testament to his significant contribution to the field.

A Hutu death camp survivor poses for James during the height of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Photo: James Nachtwey / World Press Photo

The best photographs, according to James Nachtwey, are those that reflect the photographer's personality. Such images not only capture moments but also convey the photographer's unique perspective, creating a deep connection between the viewer and the image. Candor and emotional intensity make these photographs truly exceptional.

Respect Boundaries

James Nachtwey emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity of people in his frame, even in extreme situations. To create powerful and expressive work, a photographer should spend time on location. This allows for a deeper understanding and experience of complex moments that reflect real events and emotions. Respect for people and their stories is key to quality photojournalism.

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In the 1990s, Russia was undergoing significant changes, and international photographers witnessed these historic moments. Their work captured both the difficulties of the transition and the country's unique beauty. These photographers not only documented events but also conveyed the atmosphere of the time through their lenses. Their images reveal the transformation of cities, the lives of ordinary people, and the richness of Russian culture. Each photo is not just an image, but a story that reveals the multifaceted nature of Russia during this turbulent period. Importantly, their work remains relevant today, allowing new generations to understand what the country looked like in an era of change.

Photojournalist Maria Gelman shared her experience creating honest stories and working with vulnerable people. In her opinion, when photographing social issues, it is important to convey the individuality of others, respect their personal boundaries, and coordinate all actions. This approach not only allows me to create deeper and more sincere content but also to establish trusting relationships with my subjects. Respect for privacy and consent are the foundation of high-quality photojournalism in the social sphere.

It's important for me to delve deeply into each story. Before shooting, I try to learn more about the person through interviews and face-to-face conversations, as I do in my personal projects. If this isn't possible, I turn to open sources. Explaining why people open up is difficult. It depends not only on my skills but also on the desire and motivation of those I photograph. The interaction goes both ways, and this makes the process especially valuable.

Being More Than Just a Photographer

Maria Gelman shares her experience working with people and notes that her sociological background helps her establish quick rapport. She emphasizes the importance of being honest about intentions and feelings, as well as respecting others' boundaries. Coordinating all actions creates an atmosphere of trust and safety, which, in her opinion, is key in interpersonal relationships. Realizing that she is being given a window into someone else's life, Maria emphasizes the need to be considerate and sensitive to others.

This project is dedicated to "The Love of Mini and Tatiana," a couple with Down syndrome. The couple lived in the Svetlana social village, where they worked as bakers. Tatyana died after contracting COVID-19 in the spring of 2021. Photo: Maria Gelman.

It's important for aspiring photographers to focus on subjects that truly evoke emotion and interest. This allows them to create unique and expressive work. It's also important to remember the need to obtain permits for shooting, which is an important aspect of photography. The recommendation not to strive for instant success may seem surprising, but a deep and personal exploration of a subject often leads to the creation of truly powerful and memorable works. Photography is not only a technique but also an opportunity to convey your feelings and ideas through a lens.

Photography is an art that allows you to immerse yourself in life and appreciate its multifaceted nature. Every day, you can strive to understand it more deeply by sharing topics that often remain in the shadows. This is an opportunity to see what others overlook and reveal hidden details. According to Maria Gelman, photography helps reveal the invisible, making visible what is usually hidden from view.

Maria Gelman is a documentary photographer from St. Petersburg with extensive experience in sociology, which she studied at the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia. In 2015–2016, she studied at the Docdocdoc school. In her personal projects, Maria deeply explores themes of sexuality, corporality, violence, and discrimination. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Istanbul Photo Award, Vilnius Photo Circle, Direct View, and the Andrei Stenin Photojournalism Competition. In 2018, Maria Gelman won the Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award, one of the most prestigious professional competitions. She also won the POY competition and has been a member of the VII photo agency since 2019. In 2020, Maria took part in the World Press Photo Joop Swart, confirming her high level of skill and significance in the world of documentary photography.

Rejecting a Professional Camera

Photographer Dmitry Markov chose an iPhone over a professional camera for street photography to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. His creative practice is based on unstaged, on-location sketches. Dmitry notes that he takes most of his shots in automatic mode, simply by opening the camera with a swipe from the lock screen. This approach allows him to capture natural moments and the atmosphere of the environment without creating artificial situations.

"Russia Squared" was the title of Dmitry Markov's second photo album. Photo: Dmitry Markov

In 2016, Markov became the first Russian photographer to take part in the iPhone 7 advertising campaign, Apple's Taken on the iPhone. This campaign featured 15 photographers from different countries, each of whom presented a unique view of the capabilities of the new device's camera.

Money for the publication of the album "Russia²" was raised through a crowdfunding campaign Photo: Dmitry Markov

In early February 2024, Dmitry Markov, together with Ekaterina Molchanova, head of the Alisa charity foundation, released a documentary film dedicated to the problem of drug use in Russia. The premiere took place in Nizhny Novgorod, and funds raised at the event were donated to the creation of a social rehabilitation center for teenagers. The center was named after Dmitry Markov, who tragically passed away that same month at the age of 41. This project not only draws attention to an important social issue but also promotes support for young people in need of assistance and rehabilitation.

Deep Fusion technology enables complex computational operations, which helps collect the maximum amount of useful information in the frame. This mode is fully automatic and requires no user intervention, ensuring detailed portraits even in low light or when the subject blinks at a key moment. This feature improves the quality and clarity of photos, which is especially important for users seeking to capture important moments with maximum detail.

Negative: Digital and Social

Dmitry Markov recommends shooting in the DNG (digital negative) format. This format stores all the information from the phone's camera sensor, creating a file up to 30 megabytes in size. DNG files allow for more flexible image processing, but successfully working with them requires experience with graphics editors and an understanding of photo editing fundamentals. Using the DNG format can significantly improve the quality of the final image by storing more data.

Photo: Dmitry Markov

Dmitry Markov used the Live Photo mode, which creates short videos by automatically selecting the best frame in the saved recording. The unique feature of this mode is that the phone begins recording even before you press the shutter button. This allows you to capture important moments, such as blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, making this mode especially valuable for those who want to preserve vivid memories.

Dmitry Markov emphasizes that although many photographers use this mode constantly, it is important not to lose vigilance and continue to develop your reaction time. This will help improve the quality of your photos and enhance your skills as a photographer. Reaction training is a key element in achieving high results in photography.

Dmitry Markov is an outstanding photographer and journalist from Russia, born in Pushkin, near Moscow. Until 2007, he worked for the newspaper "Arguments and Facts", where he developed his skills in photojournalism. In 2005, he became a volunteer and moved to the Porkhovsky district of the Pskov region, which had a significant influence on his work. Dmitry's works have been exhibited at renowned events in Europe and America and published in leading international publications. Despite his success, he preferred to lead a modest lifestyle in the provinces and often donated his royalties to charity. Dmitry also actively struggled with drug addiction, helping not only himself but also others suffering from this problem. His story inspires many, highlighting the importance of art and the personal struggle for health and well-being.