I’ve been filming a video in the beautiful Ashdown Forest, legendary home of Winnie-the-Pooh.
The film is for the Forest authority's website, and designed to tell the story of the area, the people who live there, and the environment…
Which required the art of visual storytelling, hence this blog.
Visual storytelling, for all the fancy name, is really just a journey through a location.
So, where to start?
The answer is as though you've just arrived at your destination.
Traditionally, that means a wide-open panoramic type view, the sort that sets the scene:
Following that, you venture deeper into your location and look for some interesting details.
And as visual as possible, like in the lovely woodlands of the forest:
Don’t forget to pick out any important points you want to make.
In our case, celebrating Winnie-the-Pooh:
Keep an eye out for any quirks which might be a part of your story, preferably the sort that bring a smile:
Never forget the human element, as people relate to people...
Which is why I liked this picture so much:
Remember to really explore as well.
You can make some lovely discoveries if you wander free:
Finally, it’s quite standard to sign off your visual story with another wide and panoramic view.
So the end reflects the beginning, in true storytelling style:
And that should be it, the secrets of visual storytelling demystified!
Not so difficult as it sounds, eh?
And why bother with it?
- Because visual storytelling is a great trick for your communications toolbox
It can really engage an audience, and make them remember you and your message far more powerfully than mere words.
As I hoped our journey here has, through the wonderful Ashdown Forest.
