Honest Emotion

When you capture people involved in activities in their daily lives that create some kind of emotional response, you almost always have the makings of a good picture.  Other things (technical and otherwise) are important of course, such as the quality and direction of light, framing of the subject to include or exclude the important elements, proper exposure and focus, etc.  But the key here often involves capturing the subject in an honest moment while they are emotionally involved in what they are doing.  The viewer of the photo will empathize with the subject and there will be an immediate connection as a result.  You can look at the zookeeper as she feeds the treat to the Giraffe and understand her response to the big black tongue as it comes out.  This is more than just an intellectual understanding of the act, but an understanding on a feeling level.

This kind of image cannot be posed, but requires spontaneity.  The photographer must be observant and ready to take advantage of the action.  In order to be successful, the photo must show the individual's emotional response as well as the reason for the emotion.  An expression or gesture separated from the cause will only evoke a questioning response from the viewer as a rule.  Why is the person having the reaction shown in the photo?

Sometimes a response can be anticipated.  There have been many excellent photos taken of soldiers returning from the war in Iraq or Afghanistan reuniting with their families.  Still, the best images in these situations are taken by photographers who are keenly aware of what is happening and sensitive to the moment as it occurs.  

Always have your camera ready and be prepared for the unexpected.