Cover photo by eriko
Have you ever heard of the term 'soundscape'? According to the Japan Soundscape Association, it refers to 'the world of sounds we hear,' encompassing not only music and language but also sounds from natural phenomena, animals, machinery like cars, and the hustle and bustle of cities.
Expressing soundscapes through photography is a challenging approach that bridges sight and hearing. By capturing the energy and rhythm inherent in sounds, whether from nature or urban environments, it's possible to infuse still images with rich scenes. In this magazine, we explore how to express various soundscapes through photography.
The Murmur of a Stream
Photo by ⋆グッチー⋆
The murmur of a stream is characterized by the rhythm of its quiet flow and the sound of water hitting pebbles. To express this soft flow of sound in photos, long exposure is effective. By capturing the water flow to appear smooth, you can visually recreate the 'continuous sound' of the stream.
Additionally, including surrounding greenery and rocks in the frame emphasizes the scenery where the sound echoes and integrates with nature.
The Chirping of Birds
Photo by Hide
The chirping of birds is a rhythmic and light sound. To capture this sound in photos, it's effective to frame not only the birds themselves but also the entire environment they inhabit. Emphasize the presence of subtle sounds in the stillness by using branches where birds perch or the sky as a backdrop.
Furthermore, using burst shooting to capture the movement and flapping moments of birds can visualize the instant when sound transforms into motion.
The Sound of Waves
Photo by ユウ3850
The sound of waves is regular yet shows different movements moment by moment. When capturing the waves that come and go, try different expressions using shutter speed. Capturing the moment when waves crash with a fast shutter speed can visualize the powerful energy of sound.
Conversely, a slow shutter speed makes the waves appear smooth, creating a sense of sound that harmonizes with the quiet rhythm of the sea.
The Bustle of the City
Photo by usubafilm
The bustle of the city consists of overlapping sounds from cars, people, and noise. To express this complex layer of sound in photos, capturing the 'busyness' of the city using moving subjects is key. Use long exposure to depict the footsteps of pedestrians or the flow of cars, utilizing blur and light trails to emphasize the dynamism of a city where sound resonates.
Challenge yourself with these techniques to express soundscapes through the visual medium of photography in a new approach.
