The One Word That Changes How People See Your Photos

Jan 18

There’s a long standing tradition in photography that the image should "speak for itself." We worry that giving a photo a title is like explaining a joke, if you have to do it, the work failed. We don't want to be pretentious, and we don't want to "limit" the viewer’s imagination.

But I’ve started to realize that not titling your work isn't just a stylistic choice, it’s a missed opportunity.

The Title is a Handshake

Think of a title not as an explanation, but as a contextual anchor. When you post an image, you are inviting a stranger into your world. A title is the handshake that starts the conversation.

If you remember our talk about Subject vs. Object, the title is where you can finally reveal the Subject.

If you post a photo of a lone tree and call it "The Tree," you’re talking about an Object.
If you call it "Resilience," you’ve just revealed the Subject.

You haven't ruined the mystery; you’ve given the viewer a lens through which to see the image. You’re telling them, "This is why I pressed the shutter."

The "Director’s Cut" for the Eye

A title acts like a spotlight. It tells the viewer where to look first. If you have a busy street scene titled "The Red Umbrella" (even in B&W, where the texture is the "red"), the viewer’s eye will hunt for that specific rhythm.

By titling your work, you are taking back control. You are ensuring that even in the chaotic "scroll" of social media, your artistic intent is heard above the noise.

Titles Create Emotional Resonance

Sometimes the visual information isn't enough to convey the weight of a moment. A title can add a layer of irony, nostalgia, or tension that the camera simply can't capture on its own. It turns a "visual poem" into a complete work of art. * The Literal Title: "Beacon Hill, 2:00 AM" (Establishes place and time).

The Metaphorical Title: "The Weight of Silence" (Establishes a feeling).
The Abstract Title: "Convergence" (Establishes a geometric focus).

The Practice of Naming

Titling your work forces you to look at your images more deeply. If you can’t think of a title for a photo, it might be because the "Subject" isn't clear enough yet. The act of naming is the final step in the creative process. It’s you, the artist, standing behind the frame and saying, "This matters."

Don’t be afraid to be poetic. Don’t be afraid to be literal. Just stop being "Untitled."