15 Tips On Using Symbolism In Photography
Like surrealism, symbolic photography implies experimenting with objects, colors, and themes to deliver specific messages and evoke certain feelings. Symbols are one of the greatest ways to convey ideas in photography. They don’t “tell” people directly about the facts but prompt them to suss them out.
As every person and nation understands symbols and archetypes in a different way and it can be a very exciting process. So, have a look at these symbols and discover what stands behind them.
1. Evoke Feelings with Nature Symbols

Every natural phenomenon and element can symbolize something different in nature photography. Water is a symbol of power and wisdom, whereas fire stands for various notions such as passion, destruction, and rebirth. Mountains represent majesty, as they are often used to denote aspirations and lofty goals.
Stones and earth symbolize strength and hope. The Sun has various meanings like optimism, divinity, wisdom, and more.
2. Incorporate Shapes
Geometric shapes and their orientation to one another can also represent some symbols. In different cultures shapes have varied meanings. The generally accepted concept concerns standard shapes, such as a circle, which is a consistent figure and represents peace and softness. A square symbolizes the perfect type of secluded gardens, monasteries, courtyards, etc., standing for constancy and stability.
A triangle can be treated differently in various religions. As for symbolism in photography, it usually conveys eternity where the peaks symbolize the past, future, and present. Read More…