Enhance Your Visual Stories
By Carla Bamesberger
Visual stories capture narratives in a unique way that, when executed effectively, can captivate and engage audiences. Here are a few ways to bolster your visuals in order to paint the most effective visual narratives.
Show climate impacts at scale
People aren’t always able to make the abstract connections between their own behaviors and climate issues. As a result, being told that a certain behavior is harmful can lead to defensive reactions instead of responsive behavior change. In order to more effectively communicate the impact of certain behaviors, show those impacts at scale. If you’re showing a story about eating less meat, for example, show your audience the impact of meat consumption. You can also include visuals that remind your audience of how many people are also performing the same climate-risk behavior.
Tell the story with the solutions
Climate issues often have dire impacts for human, wildlife, and plant populations in every region of the globe. With so much riding on effectively communicating the seriousness of these issues, we often forget to talk about possible solutions. When we focus only on the problem, we run the risk of overwhelming our audience with stressful news and leaving them feeling helpless. An overwhelmed audience is more likely to disconnect with and avoid the issue instead of taking action. Instead, show the solutions with your story and leave your audience feeling a bit more inspired.
Show local climate impacts when possible
Making connections between climate concerns we hear about from various media sources and our daily lives can be difficult. However, making these connections is important. People are more likely to engage with climate issues when they know how their lives will be impacted. Showing local impacts from climate issues helps your audience better understand and engage with the issues you’re communicating about.
Go beyond shock and awe: Show real people
Capturing the smoldering remains of a neighborhood offers a shocking look at the aftermath of wildfires. Shock and awe have a lot of value in showing and telling stories. However, representing real people can greatly enhance your visual story. People relate to people more than they relate to things and events. Showing the scientists behind recent climate solution technology or the people who have lost their homes to a recent wildfire is more impactful than simply showing the technology or burned homes.
Humanize your subjects
Showing the work of scientists and environmental activists is an important part of environmental communication. Keep in mind that people relate more with people than things or ideas. Going beyond the work can enhance your story and allow your audience to engage more deeply with your story. Think about what humanizes your subject and try to capture that in your story. In her project Trespass Country, journalist Morgan Heim tells the story of poisonous chemicals left behind at illegal marijuana grows and the impact these chemicals have on local wildlife and endangered fisher populations. She includes photos of the scientists working on the problem, showing their work, their family, and their dog who survived being poisoned by the chemicals they’re working to remove.
Limit or avoid protest imagery
Environmental protests are tempting subjects because they show a number of passionate individuals rallying together to bring salience to climate issues. However, this type of imagery is not always the most effective for engaging your audience. When we show environmental protesters, we paint them as the prominent image of what an environmental activist looks like. Unfortunately, many people do not associate themselves with protesters, and distance themselves from environmental activism as a result.
Follow your passions
Every now and then, we come across an issue that stands out to us as being something that somebody should take action on or cover. It’s easy to believe that we aren’t qualified enough or aren’t the right person to cover these issues. Instead of believing that somebody more qualified will come along to cover an issue you’re interested in, consider investigating ways you can get involved. Let your passion drive you to show and tell that story in the most effective way possible. Maybe you’ll find that you were exactly the right person after all.
Safety first
No matter what story you’re covering, remember that no shot is worth your life. Make sure you’re staying aware of your surroundings and not putting yourself in dangerous situations. If you’re covering an extreme weather event like a flood, stay away from banks that could be eroded by flood waters, and out of low-lying areas. You should also learn important skills like changing a tire to reduce risk. In addition, keep emergency items in your vehicle such as a well-stocked first-aid kit and a flashlight. Be sure to take the time to read up on other safety tips for both physical and digital safety.
For more information on how you can enhance your visual narrative style, check out the inspiration for this page at climatevisuals.org
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The airplane, water, Earth, gas can, and poison logo were sourced from Vecteezy.com