Telling Stories Through a Different Lens

I couldn’t contain my curiosity. One day, while at my CrossFit gym, I hear word going around that someone’s providing complimentary photos of the athletes. Even though I don’t really need a photo, I check out the photographer’s work.

When I come across the first photo, this haunted feeling washes over me as I see an image of a man with piercing eyes, unsmiling, not posed, just standing there against a black backdrop. It’s like he’s exposed his soul for all to see.

And I know there are years of complex stories... in this one single image.

Six-ish years later, I still remember that photograph. 

Not only did I have my photo taken that day, I’ve been working with the extraordinary photographer, David Kafer, ever since.

Now, I’ve invited David to join me on the Storytelling School Podcast as my special guest this week. In our engrossing episode, we talk about perspectives on how to bring stories to life without words. We discuss how photos can tell a story in a single image, the missing stories in photographs posted on social media, and how non-photographers can approach personal storytelling through imagery.

• What behind-the-scenes factor often leads to great photos
• How to add layers and depth of meaning to your photographs
• Why you want to attach a story and a purpose to your brand

Born in rural Gloversville, NY, David Kafer moved to the city of Buffalo before he was in high school. He attended the same high school as his mother and continued his education at Canisius College, earning a Bachelor’s degree. Here, he also developed a love of storytelling and narrating life through digital mediums of art, particularly photography.

David moved to Santa Barbara in 2010 for his Master’s in Fine Art from the Brooks Institute. While there, he found a deep appreciation for and understanding of visual work with depth beyond the technical details. But he’s always wanted to help draw attention to those voices we usually don’t hear. So with his professional growth and unforgettable personal experiences in Buffalo, he started turning his eyes toward using his skills for positive change in communities across the country.

That’s when Portrait Project was born. Through it, David photographed anyone in Buffalo who wanted to share a story. The accelerating social divide in American communities eventually led him to evolve this concept into the non-profit Storied Portraits. Currently, the organization works to reshape community perspectives in order to help address the country’s prejudices.

David Kafer
Storied Portraits
@storiedportraitsorg on Instagram
@storytellingschool on Instagram
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