What makes a story?

The promise of a good day is in the air.

A photograph can often tell a story.  Its ability to impart particulars doesn't have to be great, it just has to have elements of suggestion in it.  There should be some hint as to where and what, but doesn't have to include who or when.  In fact a story can be all the more interesting with those elements missing as it leaves the mind open to wander.  

The tree provides does a lot for the image itself.  The greenery gives shade which provides framing on the image on three sides - the bottom portion uses the shadow of the leaves to draw your eye into the center.  The background, although barely visible, has little foliage present and suggests an arid climate of some form.  The lightly clad bodies and trunk suggest a warm day.  You don't need to take the image apart in your mind to make that determination; it comes by itself in seconds.  

Then there are the boaters in the water, which itself is blue and inviting.  Low waves and the slowly changing colour of the water from the beach outward give the appearance of a playground ripe with summer fun.  The picnic table itself is a bastion of comfort and protection.  A place for the moment which is their own, until it is time to hand it off to the next patrons that will benefit from the shelter it offers.

We do not know who the people are or what they are up to; no food seems to be present so it is likely they are there only for a reprieve of some form.  Their manner seems relaxed - its is a great day just to exist.  The keepers of the clock are somewhere else and have been forgotten.

Chances are all this reminds you of being somewhere similar.  It could be anywhere in the world, really, but you sense a familiarity with it all.  These are the things that tell the story.  Just enough details to give some idea as to what, but not enough to make it someone else's adventure.  "Gee, that reminds me of ...", and the image has done its job.

It is always good if the photo itself is attractive.  There are a myriad of devices the pixel-smith can use to produce such a work.  Framing, thirds, silhouettes, lines, patterns, lighting, colour, contrast both in tone and objects; all these add to the effect.  An attractive image that tells a story is always appreciated, even if only for a moment.