Human interest photography (HI) is a portrait of a person's life that describes the atmosphere / mood and raises sympathy from the person who sees it.
Initially, human interest photography is more included in the part of photojournalism, which describes life and human interaction with the environment, and then aims to knock people's hearts to sympathize and do something to help the subject of the photograph.
In photojournalism, human interest is included in the feature section. This section is usually inserted and not for headlines. Categories of human interest are more about the lives of individuals or ordinary people that are rarely reviewed.
Human Interest is wide enough but often mixed with other categories such as Portrait photography, culture photography (culture), street photography, travel photography, conceptual photography, etc.
Most human interest photos are portraying people's lives with a weak economy or in the interior, but the actual human interest is not limited to the subjects of lower class society, but also includes a portrait of success from upper-class society.
Human Interest Photography in Indonesia is more popular in describing the sides of the life of lower society. The life of the underclass or can be said to be incapable of having many problems of their lives so complex, so the story can be expressed in the media of photography. It is important to remember that the vast majority of people in Indonesia are still living below the poverty line, so this story attracts a lot of attention and has been raised in various media, including Human-Interest photography.
We need to look at some important points that we must remember in making a photo copy of Human Interest is:
Notice the atmosphere and character of the location we want to shoot, what elements might be interesting for us shoot, this is to build a basic concept of our photography work. Try to start to interact with the surrounding environment, so we more freely when shooting through our camera.
A photographer should be quick and precise in realizing then picking up the right moment to shoot, because the state of the moment is so fast going by. Seconds every time there is always a change of atmosphere that is not the same and themoment can not come back at the same time. In short we must har
The best way to make human photographs is with a genuine personal approach. For example through smiles, conversations and other intettractions to create intimacy and comfort. When you feel accepted, then express your desire to make their photos. According to a number of photographers so far, so almost seldom people who refuse. Even when the person is told to change positions, smile or do the activities they are doing.
Use a normal 50 mm lens or wide angle of 24-28 mm because it can create more intimate photographs that seem to take us to their center. With a wide-angle lens we can record them surrounded by the world by which it can provide an identity of itself.
Even so it does not mean that tele (100-200mm or even 300mm) has no place in human interest photos. For example when we are physically close to taking close-up photos or in the face of subjects who are very shy dealing with the camera. In highly dynamic human interest shooting, auto-focus and autofocus programs will help you get better photos with more definite. But do not stick with the lens because it works with the circumstances, the important intention without any compulsion.
One of the most important success factors in human interest photography is the ability of the photographer to melt the atmosphere and blend in with the environment to be photographed. To melt the atmosphere you can come to the middle of them with the intention to see it and if necessary to invite a conversation. For example by asking a lot of relevant questions. When in the market for example, ask prices, sales, profit, the present situation, and others until they feel comfortable with you.
After the liquid atmosphere, then you can lift the camera you want aimed and smile. With this technique you are guaranteed to always succeed in recording photos of living human interest, and no less important to make many friends. Of course for you to work quickly, you have to prepare your camera beforehand.
Being able to blend in until you do not look like an outsider is also a very effective technique for generating human photographs that are natural and candid. By assimilating you are no longer the center of attention until free to roam. One of the best ways is to not advertise yourself as a photographer. Wear ordinary clothes, T'Shirt, jean and others, carry a small camera bag and camera with a hand in it so it looks as if you are not interested to take pictures. Remember! Hanging the camera around the neck, always inviting attention. With this technique you only need to lift the camera when shooting.
Good photos rarely happen by chance. At least the result of a creative visualization that is felt and supported with careful technical preparation. With increasing experience or flying hours, the ability of each photographer to prepare, visualize and create a composition will also continue to grow sharply. Until finally it reaches a point where the process is scrolling automatically, even in the unconscious.
At this level, every photographer will be able to easily make decisions about the photos he wants to record without lifting the camera and experimenting with various lens, viewing angles and shooting range. Due to the previsualization, he will immediately know from which angle he will take pictures, the lens with the best fire point, how much shutter speed and diaphragm to record the photo he wants. The actual process takes a lot faster than writing this phrase, crucially determining your success in creating powerful photographs all the time.
Choosing the best viewpoint is not only to determine the visual appearance of your photos, but also includes the aesthetics and messages that the photo can convey. As if you were photographing a traditional parade, you would want to get powerful photographs and who are able to beautifully display the subject of a photo from an annoying background and at the same time identify the location, situation, and condition of the event. Human interest requires your sensitivity. Good luck!
"Remember, Do not forget to give a thank you to the subject of photography, after photographing Human Interest"
