I really love this photograph by Mimo here on WordPress and it has inspired me to blog about shooting people from behind.
The Walk of Generations by Mimo
Even though we see people from all angles we most often photograph them from the front. I guess it is because we enjoy looking at faces and facial expressions.
Photographs of people from behind are intriguing to me because they make you stop and think. You can’t see the person’s facial expressions so you have to speculate about what they are thinking or feeling. Body language is helpful, but to fully comprehend an emotion facial expressions are almost essential. If you see a child crouched down on his haunches he could either be sulking as children are wont to do or examining an ant laden down with a morsel for its queen.
In Mimo’s photo above, the children appear to me to be frightened, but I don’t know that. They could be playing around or cold or the older child could be protecting the younger from a train that is about to round the corner. I don’t know and that is what intrigues me and makes me study the photo more closely.
Here are my favorite “taken from behind” photos of my own:
Love it… I think they have something to say about the swagger of the two…
I also love photos taken from behind; the person/people are totally natural with no false stiffness or awareness of the camera. Great post; I love the look of the entire page! Z
You are so right Lisa! Thanks for the love!
Interesting concept dear Joylene, fascinated me all of them. Thank you, love, nia
No, thank You Nia!
Love the concept! I too have been shooting people from behind, and I find this angle brings a different take on people – makes you wonder more. I suppose it reflects the idea that less is more. We need to engage the imagination.
I agree! Thanks Giovanni!
Very interesting and great.
Thank you Inga!
I agree that this perspective can tell a strong story. Well said.
Shooting from behind has always been a fav of mine, and I will almost always do so whenever the moment arises. Nice post.