The best photographers are able to capture relationships in a single frame. Relationships between people, places, animals, and more revolve around stories and photos can tell the story of a relationship, sometimes even better than the subjects themselves.
A photo may speak volumes about the love and joy that two people share. However, it could also show turmoil and distrust. These things do not necessarily mean the end of a relationship and you may find that you can get back on the right track with marriage or couples counseling. In fact, you can go to BetterHelp to find a couples counselor today form the comfort of your own home.
Whether you want to examine your own photographs for clues or use this information to improve your own photography skills, these things can help you learn more about the way photos can be a mirror to our own thoughts and feelings.
Distance
Distance between two people can tell us a lot about their relationship. It may hint that the two people are not romantically involved or could tell us that there is intimate energy between them. For romantic relationships, it is likely a positive sign when both people are embracing, especially if they show comfort and joy when doing so.
It is important to note that a little space does not necessarily mean that something is wrong in the relationship. However, if one person seems to be deliberately keeping space between them, then it could be a sign that there is some distrust or disgust in the immediate situation.
Facial Expressions
A facial expression can say a lot about someone. It is, probably obviously, a good sign if both people in a relationship have beaming smiles on their faces in a photo. However, positive facial expressions do not always include a smile. There could be love, affection, openness, and more displayed on a person’s face without the presence of a smile.
The direction that the people are looking in the photograph may also be telling. If it is a couple looking in the same direction, especially when it is not directly at the camera, this may mean that they are connected and symbolically (possibly literally as well) headed in the same direction.
When two people are looking in opposite directions unless they are in an embrace (or in another natural position) it could be a sign that one, or both, are somewhat distracted. Hopefully one of them is not looking affectionately at another person!
Surroundings
While the surroundings probably won’t tell you about the intimacy and affection that two people have between them, they can still say a lot. The clothing that the two people wear can speak about the strength or endurance of a relationship because connected couples are less likely to care deeply about what each other wears on a date.
The location can also say a lot, especially if you know the people. If it is something that both individuals enjoy separately, then the fact that they are experiencing that place together could show similar interests between them which can be an indicator of a long-lasting, loving relationship.
Gestures
The location of hands can tell a story as well. If a couple’s hands are clasped together then that is likely a sign of a strong connection. However, if one of them has their own hands clasped, then that may be telling you that they do not feel comfortable sharing their entire life with the other person (although they may not have got that far yet). The same is true about hands in pockets or behind backs.
Signs of Love
Well, now you know how to identify love, or possibly the lack thereof, in a photograph. But what about in your own personal relationships? While these things can still be indicative of feelings, it is difficult to examine them in an actual relationship or when pictures are few and far between. There are some things that you can look for to help you see whether you are falling in love or if someone may be falling for you.
The first is positivity. If you focus primarily, or even solely, on the positive aspects of another person and disregard their negative traits, then this may be a sign that you are developing a deep affection for them. You may even find that you focus on things that remind you of that person. This attention is likely related to increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that coincide with love.
Physical attraction is important to a relationship, but with a deep connection or feelings of love and affection, it is likely to get stronger. You may feel like you desire intimacy more with your partner than you normally feel when dating. You may even find yourself thinking they are special or unique and losing all interest in pursuing meaningful relationships with anybody else in a romantic way.
The first sign that you may notice is that you have intrusive thoughts about your beloved. They may enter you mind at anytime when trivial things begin to remind you of them. Feelings of empathy will also grow stronger, and you may find yourself planning a future together with them.
These things are more difficult to see in a partner if you are wondering how, they feel about you. However, if they seem to want to talk to you at all hours of the day that is likely a good sign. They may also want to increase intimacy or desire to touch you more often.
It is important to know that the spark felt with new relationships or sprouting feelings of love will likely go away as your feelings grow stronger and you grow more comfortable with your partner. This is not a bad thing and can, in fact, be a good sign that the relationship is built to last and progressing in a healthy way.
Conclusion
A photograph can tell a story and speak to the viewer about a relationship. While the photos can tell a lot, they can also sometimes be misleading. However, an excellent photographer will be able to capture love, trust, and affection between two people. It is not always easy, but knowing the ways that a photograph can speak about a relationship is a good step toward improving your photography.
About Author: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
