Emotion Over Aesthetics

Crafting Photos That Resonate

The Soul of Photography: Beyond Pixels and Perfection

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In an era where inspiration is just a scroll away, photography has become more accessible than ever. You can find endless tutorials, gear reviews, and Instagram feeds bursting with visually stunning images. But as Daniel Milnor so aptly pointed out, much of what we consume today feels hollow, like comparing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata to a formulaic pop track on the radio. One stirs your soul; the other evaporates as soon as it ends. So, how do we create images that resonate deeply, both with ourselves and with others? How do we put soul into photography?

I took this photo in Utsunomiya a few years ago. I’ve always wished the temple had been perfectly centered with the stairs and that I had been a bit closer to the person when I took the shot. However, that wasn’t something I could control at the time, since it was shot on film with a rangefinder. The timing between the birds flying, the person walking up the stairs, and my position was also quite tricky to synchronize. Even so, I’ve always loved this image, and I think it has something special…

Soul vs. Aesthetics

First, let’s define what we mean by "soul." A photograph with soul is one that conveys emotion, tells a story, and captures something deeply human. It doesn’t rely solely on technical perfection or trendy presets. In contrast, much of today’s popular photography is polished to the point of sterility—perfectly edited, perfectly framed, but ultimately forgettable.

This isn’t to say that beautiful images are bad. But without intention, they risk becoming like pop songs: shiny, catchy, and empty. The challenge is to move beyond the pursuit of perfection and toward capturing something meaningful.

Finding the Soul in Your Work

1. Photograph What You Care About
   Start by asking yourself: What do I love? What do I fear? What am I curious about? Your photographs should reflect your personal experiences, passions, and even struggles. When your subject matter comes from a place of genuine interest or emotion, it will naturally carry more depth.
   For instance, if you’re drawn to the solitude of early mornings, focus on capturing those quiet moments. If you’re fascinated by urban chaos, dive into the streets and document the raw energy of city life. The key is to photograph what matters to you, not what you think will perform well on social media.

2. Spend Time with Your Subject
   Soulful photography often comes from a deeper connection to the subject. This could mean spending hours, days, or even years documenting a single theme, location, or community. Consider the work of Sebastiao Salgado, whose projects often take years to complete. His commitment to understanding his subjects—whether it’s the landscapes of the Amazon or the plight of migrant workers—infuses his images with authenticity and power.
   Don’t rush. Let yourself absorb the environment, the people, and the stories. The more you understand your subject, the more likely you are to create something meaningful.

3. Embrace Imperfection
   Life isn’t perfect, and your photographs don’t need to be either. In fact, some of the most soulful images are those that feel raw and unpolished. A blurry shot of a loved one laughing can be infinitely more moving than a technically flawless portrait of a stranger.
   Don’t be afraid to include flaws if they add to the story. Grain, motion blur, and unconventional compositions can all contribute to the emotional impact of an image.

4. Step Away from Trends
   The internet is flooded with photography trends: desaturated tones, teal-and-orange filters, exaggerated bokeh. While these styles can be visually striking, they often lack individuality. To create soulful work, you need to develop your own voice.
   This might mean ignoring popular aesthetics and instead focusing on what feels right for your subject and vision. Experiment with different techniques, mediums, and formats until you find a style that feels uniquely yours.

So much happening in this photo—it’s a daily Shibuya chaos. A Spanish guy was trying to get a group of Japanese teenagers to film him crossing the iconic intersection. Meanwhile, off to the right, another young man was waving at his friend while chatting with him on the phone. The mix of construction sites, reflective glass buildings, and a sticker-covered light pole in the background brings the scene to life. There's just one hiccup: a light leak, courtesy of the Reflex Lab 800 film. Annoying? Sure. But honestly, does it take away from the image? I don’t think so.

The Process of Creating with Soul

Creating soulful photography isn’t just about the final image—it’s about the process. Take the time to immerse yourself in the act of photographing, without worrying about the results.

• Slow Down: Digital photography makes it easy to snap hundreds of images without much thought. But slowing down can help you become more intentional. Consider shooting film or limiting yourself to just a few frames per session.

• Disconnect: Step away from social media and online influences. Instead of seeking external validation, focus on creating work that satisfies you.

• Reflect: After a shoot, take time to review your images and ask yourself why certain ones resonate with you. What makes them stand out? What emotion or story do they convey?

This is one of the grainiest photos I truly love. The blend of blue, red, and a touch of green in the night just works perfectly for me. Sure, I could have taken this with one of my Fujifilm cameras at ISO 6400, but would it have had the same charm as this one? I’m not so sure.

Examples of Photography with Soul

Think about the projects or photographers that have left a lasting impression on you. Chances are, their work wasn’t about technical mastery alone—it was about the emotion or story they captured.

• Dorothea Lange’s iconic image, Migrant Mother, isn’t technically perfect, but its raw emotion speaks volumes about the struggles of the Great Depression.

• Daido Moriyama’s gritty street photography captures the chaotic energy of post-war Japan in a way that feels visceral and alive.

• Vivian Maier’s self-portraits reveal an intimate, mysterious world, with layers of emotion and narrative waiting to be unraveled.

Final Thoughts: Soul Over Surface

Photography with soul requires courage. It means putting aside the quest for likes and shares, ignoring trends, and focusing on what truly moves you. It’s about capturing the human experience in all its beauty and complexity.

So, the next time you pick up your camera, don’t just think about composition or exposure. Ask yourself: What am I trying to say? What do I want the viewer to feel? Because at the end of the day, it’s not the megapixels or the gear that makes a photograph memorable—it’s the soul behind it.

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