Everything Is A Story, Story is Everything

Photo Essay, Vignettes, Storytelling in Photography

Jul 09, 2024

Sunrise. Monkey Mia Jetty, Western Australia

Previous photo essays have been destination or activity-focused. However, sometimes I'm drawn to share with you vignettes that have captured my imagination. These life moments are the seeds from which story emerges and set us off on an emotional journey. Take the first photo of sunrise over the jetty. Who are the people on the jetty? I see them as travellers who are making a journey up or down the Coral Coast of Western Australia. But I'm curious as to where they've come from, and why? What was going through their minds that morning, the regret of past actions, hope for the future or were they lost in concentration, meditating on their breathing and living in the moment?

And then the young lady below. Shot in juxtaposition to a poignant piece of graffiti relevant to this essay, I ask, "What is she looking at on her phone that's made her pause and smile?" The lone swimmer, the surfer - what motivates them? The eagle staring straight at my camera. What have those eyes seen?

We are fascinated by story because, mostly, we want to see how it all turns out. I’ll be exploring the art of storytelling in photography in upcoming essays.

:: Rand

Making art, Francois Peron National Park, Shark Bay. Face covered as there were an unbelievable number of flies. Photo credit: Dani Watson

The Ferris Wheel of Life keeps turning. Luna Park, Sydney

In my happy place, behind the lens. At Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photo credit: Virginia Venn

Red Cliffs of Bottle Beach at golden hour. Shark Bay, Western Australia

Tug Boat leaving port of Newcastle at dawn

If you'd like to delve deeper into my photography visit my website and Instagram (@randleebdutoit). Please reach out if you'd like to suggest a collaboration.

Rand Fotografie

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