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How to Create an Engaging Photo Essay (with Examples)
Photo essays tell a story in pictures. They're a great way to improve at photography and story-telling skills at once. Learn how to do create a great one.
Learn | Photography Guides | By Ana Mireles
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Photography is a medium used to tell stories – sometimes they are told in one picture, sometimes you need a whole series. Those series can be photo essays.
If you’ve never done a photo essay before, or you’re simply struggling to find your next project, this article will be of help. I’ll be showing you what a photo essay is and how to go about doing one.
You’ll also find plenty of photo essay ideas and some famous photo essay examples from recent times that will serve you as inspiration.
If you’re ready to get started, let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
What is a Photo Essay?
A photo essay is a series of images that share an overarching theme as well as a visual and technical coherence to tell a story. Some people refer to a photo essay as a photo series or a photo story – this often happens in photography competitions.
Photographic history is full of famous photo essays. Think about The Great Depression by Dorothea Lange, Like Brother Like Sister by Wolfgang Tillmans, Gandhi’s funeral by Henri Cartier Bresson, amongst others.
What are the types of photo essay?
Despite popular belief, the type of photo essay doesn’t depend on the type of photography that you do – in other words, journalism, documentary, fine art, or any other photographic genre is not a type of photo essay.
Instead, there are two main types of photo essays: narrative and thematic .
As you have probably already guessed, the thematic one presents images pulled together by a topic – for example, global warming. The images can be about animals and nature as well as natural disasters devastating cities. They can happen all over the world or in the same location, and they can be captured in different moments in time – there’s a lot of flexibility.
A narrative photo essa y, on the other hand, tells the story of a character (human or not), portraying a place or an event. For example, a narrative photo essay on coffee would document the process from the planting and harvesting – to the roasting and grinding until it reaches your morning cup.
What are some of the key elements of a photo essay?
- Tell a unique story – A unique story doesn’t mean that you have to photograph something that nobody has done before – that would be almost impossible! It means that you should consider what you’re bringing to the table on a particular topic.
- Put yourself into the work – One of the best ways to make a compelling photo essay is by adding your point of view, which can only be done with your life experiences and the way you see the world.
- Add depth to the concept – The best photo essays are the ones that go past the obvious and dig deeper in the story, going behind the scenes, or examining a day in the life of the subject matter – that’s what pulls in the spectator.
- Nail the technique – Even if the concept and the story are the most important part of a photo essay, it won’t have the same success if it’s poorly executed.
- Build a structure – A photo essay is about telling a thought-provoking story – so, think about it in a narrative way. Which images are going to introduce the topic? Which ones represent a climax? How is it going to end – how do you want the viewer to feel after seeing your photo series?
- Make strong choices – If you really want to convey an emotion and a unique point of view, you’re going to need to make some hard decisions. Which light are you using? Which lens? How many images will there be in the series? etc., and most importantly for a great photo essay is the why behind those choices.
9 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay
![essay for photos](https://shotkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Photo-essay-laura-james.jpeg)
Credit: Laura James
1. Choose something you know
To make a good photo essay, you don’t need to travel to an exotic location or document a civil war – I mean, it’s great if you can, but you can start close to home.
Depending on the type of photography you do and the topic you’re looking for in your photographic essay, you can photograph a local event or visit an abandoned building outside your town.
It will be much easier for you to find a unique perspective and tell a better story if you’re already familiar with the subject. Also, consider that you might have to return a few times to the same location to get all the photos you need.
2. Follow your passion
Most photo essays take dedication and passion. If you choose a subject that might be easy, but you’re not really into it – the results won’t be as exciting. Taking photos will always be easier and more fun if you’re covering something you’re passionate about.
3. Take your time
A great photo essay is not done in a few hours. You need to put in the time to research it, conceptualizing it, editing, etc. That’s why I previously recommended following your passion because it takes a lot of dedication, and if you’re not passionate about it – it’s difficult to push through.
4. Write a summary or statement
Photo essays are always accompanied by some text. You can do this in the form of an introduction, write captions for each photo or write it as a conclusion. That’s up to you and how you want to present the work.
5. Learn from the masters
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Making a photographic essay takes a lot of practice and knowledge. A great way to become a better photographer and improve your storytelling skills is by studying the work of others. You can go to art shows, review books and magazines and look at the winners in photo contests – most of the time, there’s a category for photo series.
6. Get a wide variety of photos
Think about a story – a literary one. It usually tells you where the story is happening, who is the main character, and it gives you a few details to make you engage with it, right?
The same thing happens with a visual story in a photo essay – you can do some wide-angle shots to establish the scenes and some close-ups to show the details. Make a shot list to ensure you cover all the different angles.
Some of your pictures should guide the viewer in, while others are more climatic and regard the experience they are taking out of your photos.
7. Follow a consistent look
Both in style and aesthetics, all the images in your series need to be coherent. You can achieve this in different ways, from the choice of lighting, the mood, the post-processing, etc.
8. Be self-critical
Once you have all the photos, make sure you edit them with a good dose of self-criticism. Not all the pictures that you took belong in the photo essay. Choose only the best ones and make sure they tell the full story.
9. Ask for constructive feedback
Often, when we’re working on a photo essay project for a long time, everything makes perfect sense in our heads. However, someone outside the project might not be getting the idea. It’s important that you get honest and constructive criticism to improve your photography.
How to Create a Photo Essay in 5 Steps
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://shotkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Photo-Essays-quang-nguyen-vinh.jpeg)
Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh
1. Choose your topic
This is the first step that you need to take to decide if your photo essay is going to be narrative or thematic. Then, choose what is it going to be about?
Ideally, it should be something that you’re interested in, that you have something to say about it, and it can connect with other people.
2. Research your topic
To tell a good story about something, you need to be familiar with that something. This is especially true when you want to go deeper and make a compelling photo essay. Day in the life photo essays are a popular choice, since often, these can be performed with friends and family, whom you already should know well.
3. Plan your photoshoot
Depending on what you’re photographing, this step can be very different from one project to the next. For a fine art project, you might need to find a location, props, models, a shot list, etc., while a documentary photo essay is about planning the best time to do the photos, what gear to bring with you, finding a local guide, etc.
Every photo essay will need different planning, so before taking pictures, put in the required time to get things right.
4. Experiment
It’s one thing to plan your photo shoot and having a shot list that you have to get, or else the photo essay won’t be complete. It’s another thing to miss out on some amazing photo opportunities that you couldn’t foresee.
So, be prepared but also stay open-minded and experiment with different settings, different perspectives, etc.
5. Make a final selection
Editing your work can be one of the hardest parts of doing a photo essay. Sometimes we can be overly critical, and others, we get attached to bad photos because we put a lot of effort into them or we had a great time doing them.
Try to be as objective as possible, don’t be afraid to ask for opinions and make various revisions before settling down on a final cut.
7 Photo Essay Topics, Ideas & Examples
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://shotkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Photo-Essay-michelle-leman.jpeg)
Credit: Michelle Leman
- Architectural photo essay
Using architecture as your main subject, there are tons of photo essay ideas that you can do. For some inspiration, you can check out the work of Francisco Marin – who was trained as an architect and then turned to photography to “explore a different way to perceive things”.
You can also lookup Luisa Lambri. Amongst her series, you’ll find many photo essay examples in which architecture is the subject she uses to explore the relationship between photography and space.
- Process and transformation photo essay
This is one of the best photo essay topics for beginners because the story tells itself. Pick something that has a beginning and an end, for example, pregnancy, the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the life-cycle of a plant, etc.
Keep in mind that these topics are linear and give you an easy way into the narrative flow – however, it might be difficult to find an interesting perspective and a unique point of view.
- A day in the life of ‘X’ photo essay
There are tons of interesting photo essay ideas in this category – you can follow around a celebrity, a worker, your child, etc. You don’t even have to do it about a human subject – think about doing a photo essay about a day in the life of a racing horse, for example – find something that’s interesting for you.
- Time passing by photo essay
It can be a natural site or a landmark photo essay – whatever is close to you will work best as you’ll need to come back multiple times to capture time passing by. For example, how this place changes throughout the seasons or maybe even over the years.
A fun option if you live with family is to document a birthday party each year, seeing how the subject changes over time. This can be combined with a transformation essay or sorts, documenting the changes in interpersonal relationships over time.
- Travel photo essay
Do you want to make the jump from tourist snapshots into a travel photo essay? Research the place you’re going to be travelling to. Then, choose a topic.
If you’re having trouble with how to do this, check out any travel magazine – National Geographic, for example. They won’t do a generic article about Texas – they do an article about the beach life on the Texas Gulf Coast and another one about the diverse flavors of Texas.
The more specific you get, the deeper you can go with the story.
- Socio-political issues photo essay
This is one of the most popular photo essay examples – it falls under the category of photojournalism or documental photography. They are usually thematic, although it’s also possible to do a narrative one.
Depending on your topic of interest, you can choose topics that involve nature – for example, document the effects of global warming. Another idea is to photograph protests or make an education photo essay.
It doesn’t have to be a big global issue; you can choose something specific to your community – are there too many stray dogs? Make a photo essay about a local animal shelter. The topics are endless.
- Behind the scenes photo essay
A behind-the-scenes always make for a good photo story – people are curious to know what happens and how everything comes together before a show.
Depending on your own interests, this can be a photo essay about a fashion show, a theatre play, a concert, and so on. You’ll probably need to get some permissions, though, not only to shoot but also to showcase or publish those images.
4 Best Photo Essays in Recent times
Now that you know all the techniques about it, it might be helpful to look at some photo essay examples to see how you can put the concept into practice. Here are some famous photo essays from recent times to give you some inspiration.
Habibi by Antonio Faccilongo
This photo essay wan the World Press Photo Story of the Year in 2021. Faccilongo explores a very big conflict from a very specific and intimate point of view – how the Israeli-Palestinian war affects the families.
He chose to use a square format because it allows him to give order to things and eliminate unnecessary elements in his pictures.
With this long-term photo essay, he wanted to highlight the sense of absence and melancholy women and families feel towards their husbands away at war.
The project then became a book edited by Sarah Leen and the graphics of Ramon Pez.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://shotkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Photo-Essays-Picture-This.jpg)
Picture This: New Orleans by Mary Ellen Mark
The last assignment before her passing, Mary Ellen Mark travelled to New Orleans to register the city after a decade after Hurricane Katrina.
The images of the project “bring to life the rebirth and resilience of the people at the heart of this tale”, – says CNNMoney, commissioner of the work.
Each survivor of the hurricane has a story, and Mary Ellen Mark was there to record it. Some of them have heartbreaking stories about everything they had to leave behind.
Others have a story of hope – like Sam and Ben, two eight-year-olds born from frozen embryos kept in a hospital that lost power supply during the hurricane, yet they managed to survive.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://shotkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Photo-Essays-Cindy-Sherman.jpg)
Selfie by Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman is an American photographer whose work is mainly done through self-portraits. With them, she explores the concept of identity, gender stereotypes, as well as visual and cultural codes.
One of her latest photo essays was a collaboration with W Magazine entitled Selfie. In it, the author explores the concept of planned candid photos (‘plandid’).
The work was made for Instagram, as the platform is well known for the conflict between the ‘real self’ and the one people present online. Sherman started using Facetune, Perfect365 and YouCam to alter her appearance on selfies – in Photoshop, you can modify everything, but these apps were designed specifically to “make things prettier”- she says, and that’s what she wants to explore in this photo essay.
Tokyo Compression by Michael Wolf
Michael Wolf has an interest in the broad-gauge topic Life in Cities. From there, many photo essays have been derived – amongst them – Tokyo Compression .
He was horrified by the way people in Tokyo are forced to move to the suburbs because of the high prices of the city. Therefore, they are required to make long commutes facing 1,5 hours of train to start their 8+ hour workday followed by another 1,5 hours to get back home.
To portray this way of life, he photographed the people inside the train pressed against the windows looking exhausted, angry or simply absent due to this way of life.
You can visit his website to see other photo essays that revolve around the topic of life in megacities.
Final Words
It’s not easy to make photo essays, so don’t expect to be great at it right from your first project.
Start off small by choosing a specific subject that’s interesting to you – that will come from an honest place, and it will be a great practice for some bigger projects along the line.
Whether you like to shoot still life or you’re a travel photographer, I hope these photo essay tips and photo essay examples can help you get started and grow in your photography.
Let us know which topics you are working on right now – we’ll love to hear from you!
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Ana Mireles is a Mexican researcher that specializes in photography and communications for the arts and culture sector.
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Advice for an Unforgettable Photo Essay
Six steps for turning your images into a memorable photo essay, from curating your best work to crafting a title.
![essay for photos taylor_dorrell_cuba_photo_essay](https://www.format.com/wp-content/uploads/taylor_dorrell_cuba_photo_essay.jpg)
A man sits alone on a chair on the side of the road. We see him from above, surrounded by grey cobblestones neatly placed, a broken plastic chair, and some pylons scattered along the curb. A street cat wanders out of the frame and away from the man. He appears lonely, the only person inhabiting the place in which he seems so comfortably seated. As the eye wanders throughout the frame, however, the viewer discovers more: a vast city cast beyond the street and behind the man’s chair. This image closes Sarah Pannell’s photo essay Sehir , a quiet study of urban life.
Possibilities, discovery, and stories: these are some of the most effective elements of a photo essay. Collections of images can help produce a narrative, evoke emotion, and guide the viewer through one or more perspectives. A well-executed photo essay doesn’t rely on a title or any prior knowledge of its creator; it narrates on its own, moving viewers through sensations, lessons, and reactions.
Famous photo essays like Country Doctor by W. Eugene Smith or Gordon Parks’ The Harlem Family are acclaimed for showing a glimpse into the lives of the sick and impoverished. Other well-made photo essays offer a new way to look at the everyday, such as Peter Funch’s much-reposted photo series 42nd and Vanderbilt , for which Funch photographed the same street corner for nine years. As shown by these photographers’ experiences with the medium, a collection of photos can enliven spaces and attitudes. Strong photo essays can give voice to marginalized individuals and shine a spotlight on previously overlooked experiences.
You don’t necessarily need to be a documentary photographer to create a powerful photo essay. Photo essays can showcase any topic, from nature photography to portraiture to wedding shots. We spoke to a few photographers to get their perspectives on what makes a good photo essay, and their tips for how any photographer can get started in this medium. Here are six steps to follow to create a photo essay that tells a memorable story.
Choose a specific topic or theme for your photo essay.
There are two types of photo essays: the narrative and the thematic. Narrative photo essays focus on a story you’re telling the viewer, while thematic photo essays speak to a specific subject.
The most natural method for choosing a topic or theme for your photo essay is to go with what you know. Photograph what you experience. Whether that includes people, objects, or the things you think about throughout the day, accessibility is key here. Common topics or concepts to start with are emotions (depicting sadness or happiness) or experiences (everyday life, city living).
For photographer Sharon Pannen , planning a photo essay is as simple as “picking out a subject you find interesting or you want to make a statement about.”
![essay for photos sharon_pannen_photo_essay](https://www.format.com/wp-content/uploads/sharon_pannen_photo_essay.jpg)
From Paper & Stories , a photo series by Sharon Pannen for Schön! Magazine.
Consider your photo subjects.
The subjects of your photographs, whether human or not, will fill the space of your photos and influence the mood or idea you’re trying to depict. The subject can determine whether or not your photos are considered interesting. “I always try to find someone that catches my eye. I especially like to see how the light falls on their face and how a certain aesthetic might add to their persona,” says photographer Victoria Wojtan .
While subjects and their interest factor are, well, subjective, when considering your subjects, you should ask yourself about your audience. Do other people want to see this? Is my subject representative of the larger idea my photo essay is trying to convey? Your projects can involve people you know or people you’ve only just met.
“Most projects I work on involve shooting portraits of strangers, so there’s always a tension in approaching someone for a portrait,” says photographer Taylor Dorrell . For Wojtan, that tension can help build trust with a subject and actually leads to more natural images “If there’s tension it’s usually because the person’s new to being photographed by someone for something that’s outside of a candid moment or selfie, and they need guidance for posing. This gives me the opportunity to make them feel more comfortable and let them be themselves. I tend to have a certain idea in mind, but try to allow for organic moments to happen.”
Aim for a variety of images.
Depending on your theme, there are a few types of photos you’ll want to use to anchor your essay. One or two lead photos should slowly introduce the viewer to your topic. These initial photos will function in a similar way to the introductory paragraph in a written essay or news article.
From there, you should consider further developing your narrative by introducing elements like portraiture, close ups, detail shots, and a carefully selected final photo to leave the viewer with the feeling you set out to produce in your photos. Consider your opening and closing images to be the most important elements of your photo essay, and choose them accordingly. You want your first images to hook the viewer, and you also want your final images to leave a lasting impression and perhaps offer a conclusion to the narrative you’ve developed.
Including different types of photos, shot at different ranges, angles, and perspectives, can help engage your viewer and add more texture to your series.
Says photographer Taylor Dorrell: “After I have a group of images, I tend to think about color, composition, the order the images were taken, the subject material, and relevance to the concept.”
![essay for photos Photo_Essay_Taylor_Dorrell](https://www.format.com/wp-content/uploads/Photo_Essay_Taylor_Dorrell.jpg)
From Taylor Dorrell’s photo essay White Fences : “White Fences is an ongoing photo series that explores the theme of suburban youth in the United States, specifically in the midwest suburb New Albany, Ohio.”
Put your emotions aside.
Self-doubt can easily come into play when working with your own photography. The adage that we are our own worst critics is often true. It can be difficult to objectively select your strongest images when creating a photo essay. This is why putting together photo essays is such a useful practice for developing your curatorial skills.
“The most important part for me is getting outside opinions. I don’t do that enough, and have a bias in selecting images that might not be the most powerful images or the most effective sequence of images,” says Dorrell. Your own perception of a photograph can cloud your ability to judge whether or not it adds to your photo essay. This is especially true when your essay deals with personal subjects. For example, a photo essay about your family may be hard to evaluate, as your own feelings about family members will impact how you take and view the photos. This is where getting feedback from peers can be invaluable to producing a strong series.
Collecting feedback while putting your photo essay together can help you determine the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps within the collection of photos you’ve produced. Ask your friends to tell you their favorites, why they like them, and what they think you’re going for in the work you’ve created. Their opinions can be your guide, not just your own emotions.
Edit your photo selection.
Beyond post-production, the series of photos you select as your essay will determine whether you’ve executed your theme or narrative effectively. Can the photos stand alone, without written words, and tell the story you set out to? Do they make sense together, in a logical sequence? The perfect photo essay will give your audience a full picture of the narrative, theme, or essence you’re looking to capture.
A good method to use to cull your images down is to remove as many as half of your images straight away to see if your narrative is still as strong with fewer photos. Or, perhaps, deciding on a small number you’d like to aim for (maybe just five to ten images) and using this as a method to narrow down to the images that tell your story best.
![essay for photos Taylor_Dorrell_Photo_Essay](https://www.format.com/wp-content/uploads/Taylor_Dorrell_Photo_Essay.jpg)
From Taylor Dorrell’s photo essay Over the Rhine , featured in Vice.
Give your photo essay a title, and add a concise written statement.
Finally, you’ll want to create a title and written statement for your photo essay. This will help position your work and can enable the viewer to fully understand your intention, or at least guide their perspective.
A solid written statement and title will be relevant to your topic, detail your primary objective, and introduce your point of view. It’s an opportunity to clarify your intentions to the viewer and ensure they walk away with a clear interpretation of your work. Depending on your photo essay, you may want to include several paragraphs of text, but even just one or two sentences of background can be enough to expand the viewer’s understanding of your work.
Consider if you’d like to add the written statement at the beginning of your essay to introduce it, or at the end as a conclusion. Either one can be impactful, and it depends how you’d like people to experience your work.
For his photo essay White Fences, excerpted above, Taylor Dorrell wrote only one sentence of introduction. But for his series Over the Rhine, Dorell included a longer written statement to accompany the work, which is “an ongoing photo series that seeks to explore the Cincinnati neighborhood of the same name and its surroundings. The series was started in response to the shooting of Samuel DuBose, an unarmed black man, by officer Ray Tensing of the University of Cincinnati Police, which happened July 19th, 2015.” Dorell’s text goes on to offer more background on the project, setting up the viewer with all the information they need to understand the context of the photo essay.
Depending on the motivations behind your photo essay and what sort of subject it depicts, a longer text may be necessary—or just a few words might be enough.
Looking for a place to share your photo essays with the world? Take a look at our guide to creating a photography website for tips on showcasing your photos online.
Cover image by Taylor Dorrell, from his photo essay Hurricane Over Sugar .
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What is a photo essay?
- Photo essays vs photo stories
- How photo essays help you
- 9 Steps to create photo essays
How to share your photo essays
Read Time: 11 minutes
Gather up a handful of images that seem to go together, and voila! It’s a photo essay, right? Well… no. Though, this is a common misconception.
In reality, a photo essay is much more thoughtful and structured than that. When you take the time to craft one, you’re using skills from all facets of our craft – from composition to curation.
In this guide, you’ll learn what makes a photo essay an amazing project that stretches your skills. You’ll also learn exactly how to make one step by step.
- Photo essay vs photo story
A photo essay is a collection of images based around a theme, a topic, a creative approach, or an exploration of an idea. Photo essays balance visual variety with a cohesive style and concept.
What’s the difference between a photo essay and a photo story?
The terms photo essay and photo story are often used interchangeably. Even the dictionary definition of “photo essay” includes using images to convey either a theme or a story.
But in my experience, a photo essay and a photo story are two different things. As you delve into the field of visual storytelling, distinguishing between the two helps you to take a purposeful approach to what you’re making .
The differences ultimately lie in the distinctions between theme, topic and story.
Themes are big-picture concepts. Example: Wildness
Topics are more specific than themes, but still overarching. Example : Wild bears of Yellowstone National Park
Stories are specific instances or experiences that happen within, or provide an example for, a topic or theme. Example: A certain wild bear became habituated to tourists and was relocated to maintain its wildness
Unlike a theme or topic, a story has particular elements that make it a story. They include leading characters, a setting, a narrative arc, conflict, and (usually) resolution.
With that in mind, we can distingush between a photo essay and a photo story.
Themes and Topics vs Stories
A photo essay revolves around a topic, theme, idea, or concept. It visually explores a big-picture something .
This allows a good deal of artistic leeway where a photographer can express their vision, philosophies, opinions, or artistic expression as they create their images.
A photo story is a portfolio of images that illustrate – you guessed it – a story.
Because of this, there are distinct types of images that a photo story uses that add to the understanding, insight, clarity and meaning to the story for viewers. While they can certainly be artistically crafted and visually stunning, photo stories document something happening, and rely on visual variety for capturing the full experience.
A photo essay doesn’t need to have the same level of structured variety that a photo story requires. It can have images that overlap or are similar, as they each explore various aspects of a theme.
![An urban coyote walks across a road near an apartment building An urban coyote walks across a road near an apartment building](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/urban-coyote-walking-on-street-jaymi-heimbuch-IMG_3112.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
Photo essays can be about any topic. If you live in a city, consider using your nature photography to make an essay about the wildlife that lives in your neighborhood .
The role of text with photos
A photo story typically runs alongside text that narrates the story. We’re a visual species, and the images help us feel like we are there, experiencing what’s happening. So, the images add significant power to the text, but they’re often a partner to it.
This isn’t always the case, of course. Sometimes photo stories don’t need or use text. It’s like reading a graphic novel that doesn’t use text. Moving through the different images that build on each other ultimately unveils the narrative.
Photo essays don’t need to rely on text to illuminate the images’ theme or topic. The photographer may use captions (or even a text essay), or they may let the images speak for themselves.
Definitions are helpful guidelines (not strict rules)
Some people categorize photo essays as either narrative or thematic. That’s essentially just calling photo stories “narrative photo essays” and photo essays “thematic photo essays.”
But, a story is a defined thing, and any writer/editor will tell you themes and topics are not the same as stories. And we use the word “story” in our daily lives as it’s defined. So, it makes far more sense to name the difference between a photo essay and a photo story, and bask in the same clarity writers enjoy .
Photo stories illustrate a particular experience, event, narrative, something that happened or is happening.
Photo essays explore an idea, concept, topic, theme, creative approach, big-picture something .
Both photo essays and photo stories are immensely powerful visual tools. And yes, the differences between them can certainly be blurred, as is always the case with art.
Simply use this distinction as a general guideline, providing extra clarity around what you’re making and why you’re making it.
To dig into specific types of images used to create powerful photo stories, check out this training: 6 Must-Have Shots for a Photo Story.
Meanwhile, let’s dig deeper into photo essays.
![essay for photos Best cameras for wildlife photography (2024)](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/wildlife-camera-4cixj38pA7Y.jpg?lossy=1&resize=500%2C500&ssl=1)
Capturing amazing wildlife photos requires not only passion and skill but also the right equipment.
This guide breaks down the best options so you can find the perfect camera for your specific needs , whether you're a beginner or pro.
![A sea nettle jellyfish floats alone on a white surface A sea nettle jellyfish floats alone on a white surface](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/jellyfish-in-black-and-white-jaymi-heimbuchIMG_0264.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
Photo essays are a chance to try new styles or techniques that stretch your skills and creativity. This image was part of an essay exploring simplicity and shape, and helped me learn new skills in black and white post-processing.
How photo essays improve your photography
Creating photo essays is an amazing antidote if you’ve ever felt a lack of direction or purpose in your photography. Photo essays help build your photographic skills in at least 3 important ways.
1. You become more strategic in creating a body of work
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of photographing whatever pops up in front of you. And when you do, you end up with a collection of stand-alone shots.
These singles may work fine as a print, a quick Instagram post, or an addition to your gallery of shots on your website. But amassing a bunch of one-off shots limits your opportunities as a photographer for everything from exhibits to getting your work published.
Building photo essays pushes you to think strategically about what you photograph, why, and how. You’re working toward a particular deliverable – a cohesive visual essay – with the images you create.
This elevates your skills in crafting your photo essay, and in how you curate the rest of your work, from galleries on your website to selecting images to sell as prints .
2. You become more purposeful in your composition skills
Composition is so much more than just following the rule of thirds, golden spirals, or thinking about the angle of light in a shot.
Composition is also about thinking ahead in what you’re trying to accomplish with a photograph – from what you’re saying through it to its emotional impact on a viewer – and where it fits within a larger body of work.
Photo essays push you to think critically about each shot – from coming up with fresh compositions for familiar subjects, to devising surprising compositions to fit within a collection, to creating compositions that expand on what’s already in a photo essay.
You’re pushed beyond creating a single pleasing frame, which leads you to shoot more thoughtfully and proactively than ever.
(Here’s a podcast episode on switching from reactive shooting to proactive shooting .)
3. You develop strong editing and curation skills
Selecting which images stay, and which get left behind is one of the hardest jobs on a photographer’s to-do list. Mostly, it’s because of emotional attachment.
You might think it’s an amazing shot because you know the effort that went into capturing it. Or perhaps when you look at it, you get a twinge of the joy or exhilaration you felt the moment you captured it. There’s also the second-guessing that goes into which of two similar images is the best – which will people like more? So you’re tempted to just show both.
Ultimately, great photographers appear all the more skilled because they only show their best work. That in and of itself is a skill they’ve developed through years of ruthlessly editing their own work.
Because the most powerful photo essays only show a handful of extraordinary images, you’re bound to develop the very same critical skill (and look all the more talented because of it).
Photo essays are also a great stepping stone to creating photo stories. If you’re interested in moving beyond stand-alone shots and building stories, shooting photo essays will get your creative brain limbered up and ready for the adventure of photo stories.
![An American dipper looks into the water of a stream on a cold morning An american dipper looks into the water of a stream on a cold morning](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/american-dipper-in-stream-jaymi-heimbuch_JHX5790.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
A photo essay exploring the natural history of a favorite species is an exciting opportunity for an in-depth study. For me, that was a photo essay on emotive images of the American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) as it hunts in streams.
9 Simple steps to create your photo essays
1. clarify your theme.
Choose a theme, topic, or concept you want to explore. Spend some time getting crystal clear on what you want to focus on. It helps to write out a few sentences, or even a few paragraphs noting:
- What you want the essay to be about
- What kinds of images you want to create as part of it
- How you’ll photograph the images
- The style, techniques, or gear you might use to create your images
- What “success” looks like when you’re done with your photo essay
You don’t have to stick to what you write down, of course. It can change during the image creation process. But fleshing your idea out on paper goes a long way in clarifying your photo essay theme and how you’ll go about creating it.
2. Create your images
Grab your camera and head outside!
As you’re photographing your essay, allow yourself some freedom to experiment. Try unusual compositions or techniques that are new to you.
Stretch your style a little, or “try on” the style of other photographers you admire who have photographed similar subjects.
Photo essays are wonderful opportunities to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and grow as a photographer .
Remember that a photo essay is a visually cohesive collection of images that make sense together. So, while you might stretch yourself into new terrain as you shoot, try to keep that approach, style, or strategy consistent.
Don’t be afraid to create lots of images. It’s great to have lots to choose from in the editing process, which comes up next.
3. Pull together your wide edit
Once you’ve created your images, pull together all the images that might make the cut. This could be as many as 40-60 images. Include anything you want to consider for the final essay in the wide edit.
From here, start weeding out images that:
- are weaker in composition or subject matter
- stand out like a sore thumb from the rest of the collection
- Are similar to other stronger images in the collection
It’s helpful to review the images at thumbnail size. You make more instinctive decisions and can more easily see the body of work as a whole. If an image is strong even at thumbnail size to stand out from similar frames while also partnering well with other images in the collection, that’s a good sign it’s strong enough for the essay.
4. Post-process your images for a cohesive look
Now it’s time to post-process the images. Use whatever editing software you’re comfortable with to polish your images.
Again, a photo essay has a cohesive visual look. If you use presets, filters, or other tools, use them across all the images.
5. Finalize your selection
It’s time to make the tough decisions. Select only the strongest for your photo essay from your group of images.
Each image should be strong enough to stand on its own and make sense as part of the whole group.
Many photo essays range from 8-12 images. But of course, it varies based on the essay. The number of images you have in your final photo essay is up to you.
Remember, less is more. A photo essay is most powerful when each image deserves to be included.
6. Put your images in a purposeful order
Create a visual flow with your images. Decide which image is first, and build from there. Use compositions, colors, and subject matter to decide which image goes next, then next, then next in the order.
Think of it like music: notes are arranged in a way that builds energy, or slows it down, surprise listeners with a new refrain, or drop into a familiar chorus. How the notes are ordered creates emotional arcs for listeners.
How you order your images is similar.
Think of the experience a viewer will have as they look at one image, then the next, and the next. Order your images so they create the experience you want your audience to have.
7. Get feedback
The best photographers make space for feedback, even when it’s tough to hear. Your work benefits from not just hearing feedback, but listening to it and applying what you learn from it.
Show your photo essay to people who have different sensibilities or tastes. Friends, family members, fellow photographers – anyone you trust to give you honest feedback.
Watch their reactions and hear what they say about what they’re seeing. Use their feedback to guide you in the next step.
8. Refine, revise, and finalize
Let your photo essay marinate for a little while. Take a day or two away from it. Then use your freshened eyes and the feedback you received from the previous step to refine your essay.
Swap out any selects you might want to change and reorder the images if needed.
9. Add captions
Even if you don’t plan on displaying captions with your images, captioning your images is a great practice to get into. It gives context, story, and important information to each image. And, more than likely, you will want to use these captions at some point when you share your photo essay, which we dive into later in this article.
Add captions to the image files using Lightroom, Bridge, or other software programs.
Create a document, such as a Google or Word doc, with captions for each image.
In your captions, share a bit about the story behind the image, or the creation process. Add whatever makes sense to share that provides a greater understanding of the image and its purpose.
![Two rocks sit near each other on a wind-blown beach with long lines of texture in the sand Two rocks sit near each other on a wind-blown beach with long lines of texture in the sand](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rocks-on-textured-sand-jaymi-heimbuch-JHX3433.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
Photo essays allow you to explore deliberate style choices, such as a focus on shapes, patterns, textures, and lines. Since each photo is part of a larger essay, it encourages you to be bold with choices you might not otherwise make.
5 Examples of amazing nature photo essays
1. “how the water shapes us” from the nature conservancy.
![screenshot-photo-essay-nature-conservancy-web Screenshot of the landing page of photo essay how the water shapes us from nature conservancy](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/screenshot-photo-essay-nature-conservancy-web-e1661022684510-1024x561.png?lossy=1&ssl=1)
This gorgeous essay, crafted with the work of multiple photographers, explores the people and places within the Mississippi River basin. Through the images, we gain a sense of how the water influences life from the headwater all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Notice how each photographer is tasked with the same theme, yet approaches it with their own distinct style and vision. It is a wonderful example of the sheer level of visual variety you can have while maintaining a consistent style or theme.
View it here
2. “A Cyclist on the English Landscape” from New York Times’ The World Through A Lens series
![screenshot-photo-essay-new-york-times-cyclist-web Screenshot of the landing page of photo essay a cyclist on the english landscape from new york times](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/screenshot-photo-essay-new-york-times-cyclist-web.png?lossy=1&ssl=1)
This photo essay is a series of self-portraits by travel photographer Roff Smith while “stuck” at home during the pandemic. As he peddled the roads making portraits, the project evolved into a “celebration of traveling at home”. It’s a great example of how visually consistent you can be inside a theme while making each image completely unique.
3. “Vermont, Dressed In Snow” from New York Times’ The World Through A Lens series
![screenshot-photo-essay-new-york-times-winter-web Screenshot of the landing page of photo essay vermont, dressed in snow from new york times](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/screenshot-photo-essay-new-york-times-winter-web.png?lossy=1&ssl=1)
This essay by aerial photographer Caleb Kenna uses a very common photo essay theme: snow. Because all images are aerial photographs, there’s a consistency to them. Yet, the compositions are utterly unique from one another. It’s a great example of keeping viewers surprised as they move from one image to the next while still maintaining a clear focus on the theme.
4. “Starling-Studded Skies” from bioGraphic Magazine
![screenshot-photo-essay-biographic-web Screenshot of the landing page of photo essay starling-studded-skies from biographic magazine](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/screenshot-photo-essay-biographic-web-e1661022700219.png?lossy=1&resize=1080%2C591&ssl=1)
This beautiful essay is by Kathryn Cooper, a physicist trained in bioinformatics, and a talented photographer. She used a 19th century photographic technique, chronophotography, to create images that give us a look at the art and science of starling murmurations. She states: “I’m interested in the transient moments when chaos briefly changes to order, and thousands of individual bodies appear to move as one.” This essay is a great example of deep exploration of a concept using a specific photographic technique.
View it here (Note: must be viewed on desktop)
5. “These Scrappy Photos Capture the Action-Packed World Beneath a Bird Feeder” from Audubon Magazine
![screenshot-photo-essay-audubon-web Screenshot of the landing page of photo essay by carla rhodes from audubon online](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/screenshot-photo-essay-audubon-web-e1661022721716.png?lossy=1&ssl=1)
This photo essay from conservation photographer Carla Rhodes explores the wildlife that takes advantage of the bounty of food waiting under bird feeders . Using remote camera photography , Rhodes gives viewers a unique ground-level perspective and captures moments that make us feel like we’re in conversation with friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. This essay is a great example of how perspective, personality, and chance can all come into play as you explore both an idea and a technique.
25 Ideas for creative photo essays you can make
The possibilities for photo essays are truly endless – from the concepts you explore to the techniques you use and styles you apply.
Choose an idea, hone your unique perspective on it, then start applying the 9 simple steps from above.
- The life of a plant or animal (your favorite species, a species living in your yard, etc)
- The many shapes of a single species (a tree species, a bird species, etc)
- How a place changes over time
- The various moods of a place
- A conservation issue you care about
- Math in nature
- Urban nature
- Seasonal changes
- Your yard as a space for nature
- Shifting climate and its impacts
- Human impacts on environments
- Elements: Water, wind, fire, earth
- Day in the life (of a person, a place, a stream, a tree…)
- Outdoor recreation (birding, kayaking, hiking, naturalist journaling…)
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Lunar cycles
- Sunlight and shadows
- Your local watershed
- Coexistence
![A Pacific wren sings from a branch in a sun dappled forest A pacific wren sings from a branch in a sun dappled forest](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pacific-wren-singing-in-forest-jaymi-heimbuch-HX21390.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
As you zero in on a photo essay theme, consider two things: what most excites you about an idea, and what about it pushes you out of your comfort zone. The heady mix of joy and challenge will ensure you stick with it.
Your photo essay is ready for the world! Decide how you’d like to make an impact with your work. You might use one or several of the options below.
1. Share it on your website
Create a gallery or a scrollytelling page on your website. This is a great way to drive traffic to your website where people can peruse your photo essay and the rest of the photography you have.
Putting it on your website and optimizing your images for SEO helps you build organic traffic and potentially be discovered by a broader audience, including photo editors.
2. Create a scrollytelling web page
If you enjoy the experience of immersive visual experiences, consider making one using your essay. And no, you don’t have to be a whiz at code to make it happen.
Shorthand helps you build web pages with scrollytelling techniques that make a big impression on viewers. Their free plan allows you to publish 3 essays or stories.
3. Create a Medium post
If you don’t have a website and want to keep things simple, a post on Medium is a great option.
Though it’s known for being a platform for bloggers, it’s also possible to add images to a post for a simple scroll.
And, because readers can discover and share posts, it’s a good place for your photos to get the attention of people who might not otherwise come across it.
4. Share it on Instagram
Instagram has changed a lot over the last couple of years, but it’s still a place for photographers to share their work thoughtfully.
There are at least 3 great ways to share your photo essay on the platform.
– Create a single post for each image. Add a caption. Publish one post per day until the full essay is on your feed. Share each post via Instagram Stories to bring more attention and interaction to your photo essay.
– Create a carousel post. You can add up 10 photos to a carousel post, so you may need to create two of them for your full photo essay. Or you might create a series of carousel posts using 3-4 images in each.
– Create a Reel featuring your images as a video. The algorithm heavily favors reels, so turning your photo essay into a video experience can get it out to a larger audience.
I ran a “create a reel” challenge in my membership community. One member created a reel with her still images around a serious conservation issue. It gathered a ton of attention and landed her opportunities to share her message through YouTube and podcast interviews and publishing opportunities. Watch it here.
5. Exhibit it locally
Reach out to local galleries, cafes, pubs, or even the public library to see if they’re interested in hanging your photo essay for display. Many local businesses and organizations happily support the work of local artists.
6. Pitch your photo essay to publications
One of the best ways to reach an audience with your work is to get it published. Find publications that are a great fit for the theme and style of your photo essay, then pitch your essay for consideration. You gain a fantastic opportunity to share your work widely and can earn a paycheck at the same time.
Remember that if you want to get your photo essay published, you may want to hold back from sharing it publicly before you pitch it to publications.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/betterwithbirdspromo-1024x1024.png?lossy=1&ssl=1)
5 Strategies to Find the Positive Angle In Every Conservation Photo Story
Photo Stories and Essays , Tutorials
Training your brain to see the silver linings and solutions is essential in several ways, from engaging your audience to gaining the interest of editors. If you've been watching the news pretty much at all over the past couple of months, you know there's...
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How to Make Time for Photography (Even When Life Gets Busy)
Photography Business , Tutorials
It's easy to let your creative time slip to the back burner... or slip off the stove entirely. This surprisingly powerful tool will help you both make time for your photography AND make great forward progress on your projects. Contents Use timed focus...
![essay for photos How to Create Personal Narrative Photo Stories That Viewers LOVE](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/shaping-surfboards-3860-1080x675.jpg?lossy=1&fit=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
How to Create Personal Narrative Photo Stories That Viewers LOVE
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PIN THIS FOR LATER
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Jaymi Heimbuch
Next up….
![essay for photos 5 Strategies to Find the Positive Angle In Every Conservation Photo Story](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wilsons-warbler-3705-400x250.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
How to train your brain to see solutions in photo stories so that you can engage your audience and gain the interest of editors.
![essay for photos How to Make Time for Photography (Even When Life Gets Busy)](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/low-key-wildlife-photography-4919-400x250.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
This surprisingly powerful tool will help you both make time for your photography AND make great forward progress on your projects.
![essay for photos How to Create Personal Narrative Photo Stories That Viewers LOVE](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/shaping-surfboards-3860-400x250.jpg?lossy=1&ssl=1)
If you do these 3 things, you’ll have a share-worthy story your viewers feel connected to and inspired by.
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18 Immersive Photo Essay Examples & Tips
By Tata Rossi 13 days ago, Professional photography
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://img.fixthephoto.com/blog/images/gallery/news_image_1027.jpg)
A photo essay tells a story or evokes emotion through a series of photographs. The essays allow you to be creative and fully explore an idea. Such essays exist in a variety of forms – from photos only to images with brief comments or written essays accompanied by shots. Choose a photo essay example that you can easily do based on your professional level and the equipment you use.
1. Protests
- View the “Resistance” photo essay by David Moore .
A great idea for photo essays for students is to shoot the protest to show its power. You can capture people with signs and banners to demonstrate what they are standing for. Besides, you can learn how to capture moving subjects. Use the best example of photo essay and don’t forget about angles, composition, and framing.
To create a photo essay , go up to the front and photograph the leader of the protesters walking forward. After that, go back to the end of the group to take pictures of families joining the protest. As a result, you will gain experience shooting big groups of people in motion.
2. Transformation
- View the “A Self-Portrait Every Day” photo essay by Noah Kalina .
This idea is all about capturing the way a person changes. You may take photos of a pregnant woman and then capture the same model with a child. By documenting the development of the child for several years, you can tell a great story in the form of a photo essay.
However, you can also create a photo essay about the transformation of different objects. For instance, you can create a time-lapse series to capture the history of a renovated building. While you will have to take a lot of similar photos to bring this idea to life, it will allow you to achieve an impressive result.
3. Local Event
- View the “Monday Marathon” photo essay by Quinn G. Perini .
Whether you are a resident of a large city or a small town, you can find an opportunity to visit a local event, like a marathon or a festival. This is a nice chance to follow modern photography trends and bring photo essay ideas to life.
You can capture the before-and-after stages of the event. Arrive earlier and take pictures of the preparation activities, then shoot the actual event starting with the official beginning.
Keep photographing even when the event is over and capture the cleaning up and disassembling processes.
4. Photowalk
- View the “Empty Campus” photo essay by Elise Trissel .
Explore the location where you live and find interesting objects to capture in the vicinity. Using the most interesting photo essay examples, you can decide how to make the best decisions. Don’t hurry and try to discover which angles you can use to capture the unique atmosphere of each place.
If you live in the city, you may capture architectural details, wide shots of busy streets, or just take photos of passersby and street signs. Think about the details that make every location unique. For instance, you can try capturing reflections to see how they allow you to see the city from an unusual angle. You can find reflections everywhere, so be sure to pay attention to mirrored buildings, puddles, and fountains.
5. Place Over Time
- View the “At Home in the Ozarks” photo essay by Kylee Cole .
If you want to document changes and show how the streets, buildings, and parks in your city change over time, select your favorite locations and start to visit them regularly to capture the way they look during different seasons.
- View the “Last Moments” photo essay by Ross Taylor .
You don’t necessarily have to focus on profound photo essay topics to evoke emotions. Capturing pets enjoying their worry-free and untroubled life seems like an easy but interesting activity.
Choose any animal – from a domestic bird to a dog, cat, or horse. For more emotional images, use such pet photography ideas when your pet is still a baby and recreate these shots when it is older or is in its final days.
7. Street Style
- View the Tribal Street Photography photo essay by Hans Eijkelboom .
People often express themselves with the help of clothes. The way passers-by on the streets are dressed may reflect the clothing style of a whole society. That’s why you can travel around the world and capture people’s outfits in various areas. When taking portrait photos in the streets, you can also include some of the surroundings to put them in the context.
You can ask people in the streets to pose for you or try to capture them in movement. Select a suitable location for taking photos and create a photo essay to document what kinds of people one can meet in this location. When doing urban photography , you should ask people for permission before taking photos of them. You can ask their contacts and send them your photos later.
8. Abandoned Building
- View the “Lost Collective” photo essay by Bret Pattman .
Old buildings are excellent architecture photography essay topics for students since you can capture a large number of elements. They allow you to imagine what a particular street looked like in the past. You may use a photo essay example for students as references.
Get approval before going in, but mind that such places are far from being totally safe. Bring various lenses: the macro lenses – for details and the wide-angle one – when you want to include many elements in one shot.
9. Alternative Lifestyles
- View the “Last Nomad Hippies” photo essay by Roberto Palomo .
Some people decide to lead a lifestyle that differs from the one generally accepted by society. Explore different areas and look for people with an unusual way of living. You can capture candid photos of regular people or take pictures of a person with an unusual hobby.
Take pictures of those, who reside in extraordinary conditions, representatives of various subcultures, or the LBGTQ community. These photo essay topics show other people that it is okay to go out of their comfort zone and run against the wind.
10. Social Issues
- View the “Juveniles in Prison” photo essay by Isadora Kosofsky .
The best photo essay examples for students are related to social issues, like unemployment, domestic violence, gender discrimination, and more. Address the topic carefully and look for a proper perspective.
Your shots may draw the people’s attention to a truly burning and relevant matter and have a stronger effect than any text.
11. Behind the Scenes
- View the “Follow Me” photo essay by Marius Masalar .
If you are going to visit an event, get ready to take some behind-the-scenes photos. For instance, you can document the preparations for a festival. Capture the work of the lead event planner and other professionals to tell the story of the festival from an unusual angle.
Alternatively, you can capture the events happening backstage during a drama production. Take pictures of actors and actresses when they are getting ready for the performance. Try capturing the emotions of the main lead and show how stage workers make final preparations. You can also document the work of designers and makeup professionals.
12. Landmarks
- View the “Volte-Face” photo essay by Oliver Curtis .
The pictures of landmarks are typically taken from a certain spot. One of the best photo essay ideas is to try shooting sights from various angles. You will also have an opportunity to improve your composition and your framing skills.
If you take a look at any pictorial essay example, you will see that the variety of perspectives is endless: through the streets, in the morning, afternoon, and evening, with a drone or including reflections.
• View the “Family” photo essay by Olivia Moore .
You can capture the way family members interact with each other and demonstrate the strong connection they share. In some cases, it makes sense to focus on capturing candid photos when doing family photography .
However, you may also opt for a different approach and focus on more difficult social topics. For instance, if you want to examine the issue of immigration, you can take pictures of a family from another country. In addition, you may show how families cope with other social issues, including poverty or unequal access to healthcare.
14. A Day in the Life
- View the “A Day in the Life of Carlos Gaytan” photo essay by Sandy Noto .
One of the best photo essays concepts is related to a day in a person’s life. The main character can be any person – a relative, family member, teacher, writer, or policeman.
People are generally interested in finding out facts about the lives and daily routines of others. The life of every human is incredible, especially if you learn it in more detail. This idea is especially suitable for taking documentary photos. For instance, you can select any photo essay sample you like and then capture a portrait of a person with the tools they use for their work.
15. Education
- View the “School Day” photo essay by Nancy Borowick .
You can also take great photos in the classroom capturing the interactions of teachers and their students. Avoid distracting them, as it will be easier for you to take natural shots. Using a variety of settings, you can make your photo essay more engaging. For instance, you may visit chemistry labs, capture teachers during a break, and take photos in other locations.
- View the “Meals From the Motherland” photo essay by James Tran .
You can also focus on specific meals to create a professional photo essay about food. To make it more attention-grabbing, try using different food photography ideas .
For instance, you can take photos of popular meals, capture the meals made by a specific person, or document cooking traditions in different countries. When taking photos in a restaurant, pay attention to the surroundings as well to capture the unique atmosphere of a place.
17. Capture the Neighbors
- View the “Our Neighbors” photo essay by Jeanne Martin .
Regardless of the place where you live, you have to establish good relationships with your neighbors. People who live nearby can also be great models for professionals who specialize in portrait photography. To implement this idea, make sure to capture people at home or in front of their houses to include some of the surroundings in your photo essay.
You will discover many interesting facts about people who live nearby. Shooting a photo essay will allow you to learn them better and establish a strong connection with them. This way, you can create a sense of community and discover what holds its members together.
18. Climate Change
- View the “Effects of Climate Change” photo essay by Sanya Gupta .
It is possible to a variety of photo story ideas bring to life examining the impact of climate change. Travel to places most affected by climate change, for instance, glaciers or famous resorts.
Capture the way the continuous drought has influenced the environment, animals, and the inhabitants. As an alternative, take pictures of environmentalist protests or inexhaustible energy sources.
Photo Essay Tips for Students
Explore your topic . An in-depth exploration of the main topic of your photo essay will help you find the best ideas for conveying your message. You can also find some sources for inspiration and useful materials. This stage allows you to learn more about your subject and select the best way of organizing your photo essay.
Create a storyboard . Using a storyboard, you can better understand what shots you need to take and what order can help you to tell a story in the best way. It will also allow you to create the right mood.
Take as many pictures as you can . To create a compelling story, make sure to take a lot of photos. It will allow you to choose the best pictures for your photo essay. Besides, you will always have backup photos if some of your pictures get damaged.
Experiment with different techniques . By changing the angle and using a variety of editing techniques, you can transform the way your photos look. When taking photos, try using different angles to capture the subject in the best way. You can also try changing the distance from the model, using black-and-white film, or employing a range of developing methods.
Add text . While some photographers create photo essays without text, it can still help you bring your point across more clearly and make it easier for a viewer to understand what you imply. By providing extra information, such as some facts, you can change the perception of your image. If you don’t know how to write descriptions, you can hire a professional writer to perform this task.
Enhance your photos . To edit your pictures, make sure to use professional photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Using the available tools, you can improve and change your photos. They allow you to fix issues with lighting, adjust WB, make colors richer, crop your pics to improve the composition, and perform other tasks. In case you need to edit your photos in a consistent style, you can use Photoshop Actions or Lightroom Presets.
In some cases, your pictures may require more advanced editing. If you see that your skills are insufficient or if you don’t have enough time, you can outsource the task of enhancing your photos to the FixThePhoto team. They will professionally enhance your pictures for a budget price. Their prices start from $1.50 per photo.
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How to Create a Photo Essay
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/05/photo-story-header-800x420.jpg)
The photographic essay, also called a photo essay or photo story, is a powerful way for photographers to tell a story with their images. If you are interested in creating your own photo essay, this article will guide you through the whole process, from finding a story to shoot to the basics of crafting your first visual narrative.
Table of Contents
What is a photo essay.
A photo essay tells a story visually. Just like the kind you read, the photo essay offers a complete rendering of a subject or situation using a series of carefully crafted and curated images. Photo stories have a theme, and each image backs up that overarching theme which is defined in the photo essay’s title and is sometimes supported with text.
From documentary to narrative to essay, photo stories are designed to move their audience, to inspire a certain action, awareness, or emotion. Photo stories are not just a collection of cool photos. They must use their visual power to capture viewers’ attention and remain unforgettable.
History of the Photo Story
In the “old days”, that is, before 1948, magazines ran photo stories very different from what we know today. They were staged, preconceived by an editor, not a truthful observation of life. Along came a photographer named W. Eugene Smith, who worked for Life magazine.
Deciding to follow a rural doctor for six weeks, he gathered material for a photo essay that really showed what it was like to be in that doctor’s shoes, always on the go to help his scattered patients. Smith’s piece, “ Country Doctor ,” shook other photographers out of their scripted stupor and revolutionized the way photographers report what they see.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/05/country-doctor-life-magazine-800x369.jpg)
From then on, photojournalism gained life and an audience through the lenses of legends like Robert Capa, Dorothea Lange, David “Chim” Seymour, Gordon Parks, Werner Bischof, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. The Vietnam War provided many examples for photo stories as represented by Philip Jones Griffiths, Catherine Leroy, and many more.
More recently, photo stories have found a sturdy home online thanks to the ease of publishing a series of photos digitally versus in print. Lynsey Addario, Peter Essick, and Adam Ferguson represent a few of the photographers pushing visual storytelling today.
![essay for photos Dorothea Lange photo](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/04/Lange-763x800.jpeg)
Ways to Find Photo Stories and Themes
Photo stories exist all around, right in the midst of everyday life and in the fray of current events. A good place to begin developing a photo essay is by choosing a general theme.
Topics that Interest You
The best expression comes from the heart, so why not choose a topic that interests you. Maybe it’s a social issue, an environmental one, or just something you’re curious about. Find what moves you and share that with the world.
Personal Experiences
The more you’ve lived, the more you have to tell. This doesn’t necessarily mean age, it can also refer to experiences, big and small. If you know a subject better than most, like what it’s like to recover from a car crash, you’re an expert on the matter and therefore you have a story to tell. Also, consider the things you read and see or watch, like news or history, and incorporate that into your search for a story.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/05/woman-photographing-800x450.jpg)
Problem/Solution
Problems abound in the world. But so do solutions. Photojournalists can present either, or both. Have a look at something that’s wrong in society and show why it’s a problem. Or find a problem that’s been resolved and show the struggle it took to get there. Even better, take your time shooting your story — sometimes it can take years — and document how a wrong is righted.
Day-in-the-Life
One of the most popular formats, day-in-the-life photo stories present microcosms of life that relate to the bigger picture. In a similar vein, behind-the-scenes photo stories show viewers what life is really like for others, especially in situations that are difficult or impossible to access. Events represent another simple yet powerful theme for documenting and storytelling with a camera.
![essay for photos A Gordon Parks photo](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/04/Parks-794x800.jpeg)
Types of Photo Stories
Most photo stories concern people. If it’s about something like the environment, for example, the photo story can showcase the people involved. In either case, the impactful photo story will present the challenges and dilemmas of the human condition, viscerally.
There are three general types of photo stories.
Narrative Story
Narrative deals with complications and their resolution, problems, and solutions. If there appears to be no resolution, at least the struggle to find one can provide material for a photo essay. Some sort of narrative thread must push the story from beginning to middle to end, just like what you see in a good movie.
A good story also requires action, which in this case must be visual. Good stories are page-turners, whether they’re a Kerouac tale or a series of photos demonstrating the difficulties of single parenting. Adventure stories are one good example of photographic narrative storytelling.
The term “photo story” is generally used interchangeably with “photo essay”, but some photographers hold that there are subtle differences between the two. The essay type of photo story implies opinion, they argue. Essays make a point. They are the opposite of facts-only news. A photo story essay makes a case for something, like showing the danger and consequences of illegal fireworks or advocating for the preservation of a forest.
Documentary
On the other hand, documentaries lack opinion. Their purpose is to inform without adding judgment. Documentaries present the facts and let viewers decide. They illustrate something that’s occurring but they don’t always include a narrative story or an opinionated approach. Historical places, current events, and unique lifestyles always make for good documentary photo stories.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/05/photo-of-Ottuk-Kyrgyzstan-by-Konrad-Lembcke-800x479.jpg)
How to Craft a Photo Essay
Several elements come into play when putting together a photo essay. Once you’ve found a theme, it’s time to give your project a name. While out shooting, jot down titles that come to mind. Consider the title a magazine headline that explains in few words what the whole story is about.
Choose your photos according to whether or not they relate to and support the photo essay’s title. Reject those photos that don’t. If your collection seems to suggest a different angle, a different title, don’t be afraid to rename it. Sometimes stories develop organically. But if your title can’t assemble and define your selection of photos, maybe it’s too vague. Don’t rush it. Identify the theme, take the photos and the photo essay will take shape.
![essay for photos Werner Bischof photos](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/04/Bischof2-800x592.jpeg)
Certain techniques help tell the photo essay.
A photo essay is composed of a diversity of views, angles, and focal lengths. While masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson could capture a photo essay with a single prime lens, in his case a 50mm, the rest of us are wise to rely on multiple focal lengths. Just like what we see in the movies, a story is told with wide shots that set the scene, medium shots that tell the story, and close-ups that reveal character and emotion.
Unique angles make viewers curious and interested, and they break the monotony of standard photography. Consider working black-and-white into your photo essay. The photo essay lends itself well to reportage exclusively in monochrome, as the legends have demonstrated since W. Eugene Smith.
Visual Consistency
The idea of a photo essay is to create a whole, not a bunch of random parts. Think gestalt. The images must interact with each other. Repetition helps achieve this end. Recurring themes, moods, styles, people, things, and perspectives work to unify a project even if the photos tell different parts of the story.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2022/05/photos-in-a-photo-story-800x230.jpg)
Text can augment the impact of a photo essay. A photo may be worth a thousand words, but it doesn’t always replace them. Captions can be as short as a complete sentence, as long as a paragraph, or longer. Make sure to take notes in case you want to add captions. Some photo stories, however, function just fine without words.
Tell a Story as a Photographer
Few genres of photography have moved people like the photo essay. Since its inception, the art of visual storytelling has captivated audiences. Photo stories show viewers things they had never seen, have moved masses to action, and have inspired video documentaries. Today, photo stories retain their power and place, in part thanks to the internet. Every photographer should experiment with a photo essay or two.
The method of crafting a photo essay is simple yet complicated, just like life. Careful attention must be paid to the selection of images, the choice of title, and the techniques used in shooting. But follow these guidelines and the photo stories will come. Seek issues and experiences that inspire you and go photograph them with the intention of telling a complete story. The viewing world will thank you.
Image credits: Header photo shows the May 13, 1957 story in LIFE magazine titled, “ The Tough Miracle Man of Vietnam .” Stock photos from Depositphotos
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What is a Photo Essay? 9 Photo Essay Examples You Can Recreate
A photo essay is a series of photographs that tell a story. Unlike a written essay, a photo essay focuses on visuals instead of words. With a photo essay, you can stretch your creative limits and explore new ways to connect with your audience. Whatever your photography skill level, you can recreate your own fun and creative photo essay.
9 Photo Essay Examples You Can Recreate
- Photowalk Photo Essay
- Transformation Photo Essay
- Day in the Life Photo Essay
- Event Photo Essay
- Building Photo Essay
- Historic Site or Landmark Photo Essay
- Behind the Scenes Photo Essay
- Family Photo Essay
- Education Photo Essay
Stories are important to all of us. While some people gravitate to written stories, others are much more attuned to visual imagery. With a photo essay, you can tell a story without writing a word. Your use of composition, contrast, color, and perspective in photography will convey ideas and evoke emotions.
To explore narrative photography, you can use basic photographic equipment. You can buy a camera or even use your smartphone to get started. While lighting, lenses, and post-processing software can enhance your photos, they aren’t necessary to achieve good results.
Whether you need to complete a photo essay assignment or want to pursue one for fun or professional purposes, you can use these photo essay ideas for your photography inspiration . Once you know the answer to “what is a photo essay?” and find out how fun it is to create one, you’ll likely be motivated to continue your forays into photographic storytelling.
1 . Photowalk Photo Essay
One popular photo essay example is a photowalk. Simply put, a photowalk is time you set aside to walk around a city, town, or a natural site and take photos. Some cities even have photowalk tours led by professional photographers. On these tours, you can learn the basics about how to operate your camera, practice photography composition techniques, and understand how to look for unique shots that help tell your story.
Set aside at least two to three hours for your photowalk. Even if you’re photographing a familiar place—like your own home town—try to look at it through new eyes. Imagine yourself as a first-time visitor or pretend you’re trying to educate a tourist about the area.
Walk around slowly and look for different ways to capture the mood and energy of your location. If you’re in a city, capture wide shots of streets, close-ups of interesting features on buildings, street signs, and candid shots of people. Look for small details that give the city character and life. And try some new concepts—like reflection picture ideas—by looking for opportunities to photographs reflections in mirrored buildings, puddles, fountains, or bodies of water.
2 . Transformation Photo Essay
With a transformation photography essay, you can tell the story about change over time. One of the most popular photostory examples, a transformation essay can document a mom-to-be’s pregnancy or a child’s growth from infancy into the toddler years. But people don’t need to be the focus of a transformation essay. You can take photos of a house that is being built or an urban area undergoing revitalization.
You can also create a photo narrative to document a short-term change. Maybe you want to capture images of your growing garden or your move from one home to another. These examples of photo essays are powerful ways of telling the story of life’s changes—both large and small.
3 . Day in the Life Photo Essay
Want a unique way to tell a person’s story? Or, perhaps you want to introduce people to a career or activity. You may want to consider a day in the life essay.
With this photostory example, your narrative focuses on a specific subject for an entire day. For example, if you are photographing a farmer, you’ll want to arrive early in the morning and shadow the farmer as he or she performs daily tasks. Capture a mix of candid shots of the farmer at work and add landscapes and still life of equipment for added context. And if you are at a farm, don’t forget to get a few shots of the animals for added character, charm, or even a dose of humor. These types of photography essay examples are great practice if you are considering pursuing photojournalism. They also help you learn and improve your candid portrait skills.
4 . Event Photo Essay
Events are happening in your local area all the time, and they can make great photo essays. With a little research, you can quickly find many events that you could photograph. There may be bake sales, fundraisers, concerts, art shows, farm markets, block parties, and other non profit event ideas . You could also focus on a personal event, such as a birthday or graduation.
At most events, your primary emphasis will be on capturing candid photos of people in action. You can also capture backgrounds or objects to set the scene. For example, at a birthday party, you’ll want to take photos of the cake and presents.
For a local or community event, you can share your photos with the event organizer. Or, you may be able to post them on social media and tag the event sponsor. This is a great way to gain recognition and build your reputation as a talented photographer.
5. Building Photo Essay
Many buildings can be a compelling subject for a photographic essay. Always make sure that you have permission to enter and photograph the building. Once you do, look for interesting shots and angles that convey the personality, purpose, and history of the building. You may also be able to photograph the comings and goings of people that visit or work in the building during the day.
Some photographers love to explore and photograph abandoned buildings. With these types of photos, you can provide a window into the past. Definitely make sure you gain permission before entering an abandoned building and take caution since some can have unsafe elements and structures.
6. Historic Site or Landmark Photo Essay
Taking a series of photos of a historic site or landmark can be a great experience. You can learn to capture the same site from different angles to help portray its character and tell its story. And you can also photograph how people visit and engage with the site or landmark. Take photos at different times of day and in varied lighting to capture all its nuances and moods.
You can also use your photographic essay to help your audience understand the history of your chosen location. For example, if you want to provide perspective on the Civil War, a visit to a battleground can be meaningful. You can also visit a site when reenactors are present to share insight on how life used to be in days gone by.
7 . Behind the Scenes Photo Essay
Another fun essay idea is taking photos “behind the scenes” at an event. Maybe you can chronicle all the work that goes into a holiday festival from the early morning set-up to the late-night teardown. Think of the lead event planner as the main character of your story and build the story about him or her.
Or, you can go backstage at a drama production. Capture photos of actors and actresses as they transform their looks with costuming and makeup. Show the lead nervously pacing in the wings before taking center stage. Focus the work of stagehands, lighting designers, and makeup artists who never see the spotlight but bring a vital role in bringing the play to life.
8. Family Photo Essay
If you enjoy photographing people, why not explore photo story ideas about families and relationships? You can focus on interactions between two family members—such as a father and a daughter—or convey a message about a family as a whole.
Sometimes these type of photo essays can be all about the fun and joy of living in a close-knit family. But sometimes they can be powerful portraits of challenging social topics. Images of a family from another country can be a meaningful photo essay on immigration. You could also create a photo essay on depression by capturing families who are coping with one member’s illness.
For these projects on difficult topics, you may want to compose a photo essay with captions. These captions can feature quotes from family members or document your own observations. Although approaching hard topics isn’t easy, these types of photos can have lasting impact and value.
9. Education Photo Essay
Opportunities for education photo essays are everywhere—from small preschools to community colleges and universities. You can seek permission to take photos at public or private schools or even focus on alternative educational paths, like homeschooling.
Your education photo essay can take many forms. For example, you can design a photo essay of an experienced teacher at a high school. Take photos of him or her in action in the classroom, show quiet moments grading papers, and capture a shared laugh between colleagues in the teacher’s lounge.
Alternatively, you can focus on a specific subject—such as science and technology. Or aim to portray a specific grade level, document activities club or sport, or portray the social environment. A photo essay on food choices in the cafeteria can be thought-provoking or even funny. There are many potential directions to pursue and many great essay examples.
While education is an excellent topic for a photo essay for students, education can be a great source of inspiration for any photographer.
Why Should You Create a Photo Essay?
Ultimately, photographers are storytellers. Think of what a photographer does during a typical photo shoot. He or she will take a series of photos that helps convey the essence of the subject—whether that is a person, location, or inanimate object. For example, a family portrait session tells the story of a family—who they are, their personalities, and the closeness of their relationship.
Learning how to make a photo essay can help you become a better storyteller—and a better photographer. You’ll cultivate key photography skills that you can carry with you no matter where your photography journey leads.
If you simply want to document life’s moments on social media, you may find that a single picture doesn’t always tell the full story. Reviewing photo essay examples and experimenting with your own essay ideas can help you choose meaningful collections of photos to share with friends and family online.
Learning how to create photo essays can also help you work towards professional photography ambitions. You’ll often find that bloggers tell photographic stories. For example, think of cooking blogs that show you each step in making a recipe. Photo essays are also a mainstay of journalism. You’ll often find photo essays examples in many media outlets—everywhere from national magazines to local community newspapers. And the best travel photographers on Instagram tell great stories with their photos, too.
With a photo essay, you can explore many moods and emotions. Some of the best photo essays tell serious stories, but some are humorous, and others aim to evoke action.
You can raise awareness with a photo essay on racism or a photo essay on poverty. A photo essay on bullying can help change the social climate for students at a school. Or, you can document a fun day at the beach or an amusement park. You have control of the themes, photographic elements, and the story you want to tell.
5 Steps to Create a Photo Essay
Every photo essay will be different, but you can use a standard process. Following these five steps will guide you through every phase of your photo essay project—from brainstorming creative essay topics to creating a photo essay to share with others.
Step 1: Choose Your Photo Essay Topics
Just about any topic you can imagine can form the foundation for a photo essay. You may choose to focus on a specific event, such as a wedding, performance, or festival. Or you may want to cover a topic over a set span of time, such as documenting a child’s first year. You could also focus on a city or natural area across the seasons to tell a story of changing activities or landscapes.
Since the best photo essays convey meaning and emotion, choose a topic of interest. Your passion for the subject matter will shine through each photograph and touch your viewer’s hearts and minds.
Step 2: Conduct Upfront Research
Much of the work in a good-quality photo essay begins before you take your first photo. It’s always a good idea to do some research on your planned topic.
Imagine you’re going to take photos of a downtown area throughout the year. You should spend some time learning the history of the area. Talk with local residents and business owners and find out about planned events. With these insights, you’ll be able to plan ahead and be prepared to take photos that reflect the area’s unique personality and lifestyles.
For any topic you choose, gather information first. This may involve internet searches, library research, interviews, or spending time observing your subject.
Step 3: Storyboard Your Ideas
After you have done some research and have a good sense of the story you want to tell, you can create a storyboard. With a storyboard, you can write or sketch out the ideal pictures you want to capture to convey your message.
You can turn your storyboard into a “shot list” that you can bring with you on site. A shot list can be especially helpful when you are at a one-time event and want to capture specific shots for your photo essay. If you’ve never created a photo essay before, start with ten shot ideas. Think of each shot as a sentence in your story. And aim to make each shot evoke specific ideas or emotions.
Step 4: Capture Images
Your storyboard and shot list will be important guides to help you make the most of each shoot. Be sure to set aside enough time to capture all the shots you need—especially if you are photographing a one-time event. And allow yourself to explore your ideas using different photography composition, perspective, and color contrast techniques.
You may need to take a hundred images or more to get ten perfect ones for your photographic essay. Or, you may find that you want to add more photos to your story and expand your picture essay concept.
Also, remember to look for special unplanned, moments that help tell your story. Sometimes, spontaneous photos that aren’t on your shot list can be full of meaning. A mix of planning and flexibility almost always yields the best results.
Step 5: Edit and Organize Photos to Tell Your Story
After capturing your images, you can work on compiling your photo story. To create your photo essay, you will need to make decisions about which images portray your themes and messages. At times, this can mean setting aside beautiful images that aren’t a perfect fit. You can use your shot list and storyboard as a guide but be open to including photos that weren’t in your original plans.
You may want to use photo editing software—such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop— to enhance and change photographs. With these tools, you can adjust lighting and white balance, perform color corrections, crop, or perform other edits. If you have a signature photo editing style, you may want to use Photoshop Actions or Lightroom Presets to give all your photos a consistent look and feel.
You order a photo book from one of the best photo printing websites to publish your photo story. You can add them to an album on a photo sharing site, such as Flickr or Google Photos. Also, you could focus on building a website dedicated to documenting your concepts through visual photo essays. If so, you may want to use SEO for photographers to improve your website’s ranking in search engine results. You could even publish your photo essay on social media. Another thing to consider is whether you want to include text captures or simply tell your story through photographs.
Choose the medium that feels like the best space to share your photo essay ideas and vision with your audiences. You should think of your photo essay as your own personal form of art and expression when deciding where and how to publish it.
Photo Essays Can Help You Become a Better Photographer
Whatever your photography ambitions may be, learning to take a photo essay can help you grow. Even simple essay topics can help you gain skills and stretch your photographic limits. With a photo essay, you start to think about how a series of photographs work together to tell a complete story. You’ll consider how different shots work together, explore options for perspective and composition, and change the way you look at the world.
Before you start taking photos, you should review photo essay examples. You can find interesting pictures to analyze and photo story examples online, in books, or in classic publications, like Life Magazine . Don’t forget to look at news websites for photojournalism examples to broaden your perspective. This review process will help you in brainstorming simple essay topics for your first photo story and give you ideas for the future as well.
Ideas and inspiration for photo essay topics are everywhere. You can visit a park or go out into your own backyard to pursue a photo essay on nature. Or, you can focus on the day in the life of someone you admire with a photo essay of a teacher, fireman, or community leader. Buildings, events, families, and landmarks are all great subjects for concept essay topics. If you are feeling stuck coming up with ideas for essays, just set aside a few hours to walk around your city or town and take photos. This type of photowalk can be a great source of material.
You’ll soon find that advanced planning is critical to your success. Brainstorming topics, conducting research, creating a storyboard, and outlining a shot list can help ensure you capture the photos you need to tell your story. After you’ve finished shooting, you’ll need to decide where to house your photo essay. You may need to come up with photo album title ideas, write captions, and choose the best medium and layout.
Without question, creating a photo essay can be a valuable experience for any photographer. That’s true whether you’re an amateur completing a high school assignment or a pro looking to hone new skills. You can start small with an essay on a subject you know well and then move into conquering difficult ideas. Maybe you’ll want to create a photo essay on mental illness or a photo essay on climate change. Or maybe there’s another cause that is close to your heart.
Whatever your passion, you can bring it to life with a photo essay.
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17 Awesome Photo Essay Examples You Should Try Yourself
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If you’re looking for a photo essay example (or 17!), you’ve come to the right place. But what is the purpose of a photo essay? A photo essay is intended to tell a story or evoke emotion from the viewers through a series of photographs. They allow you to be creative and fully explore an idea. But how do you make one yourself? Here’s a list of photo essay examples. Choose one that you can easily do based on your photographic level and equipment.
Top 17 Photo Essay Examples
Here are some fantastic ideas to get you inspired to create your own photo essays!
17. Photograph a Protest
![essay for photos Street photography of a group of people protesting.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-protest-1.jpg)
16. Transformation Photo Essays
![essay for photos A photo essay example shot of a couple, the man kissing the pregnant womans stomach](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-transformation-1.jpg)
15. Photograph the Same Place
![essay for photos A photo essay example photography grid of 9 photographs.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-sameplace-1.jpg)
14. Create a Photowalk
![essay for photos Street photography photo essay shot of a photographer in the middle of the street](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essays-photowalk-1-1.jpg)
13. Follow the Change
![essay for photos Portrait photography of a man shaving in the mirror. Photo essay examples.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essays-change-1.jpg)
12. Photograph a Local Event
![essay for photos Documentary photography essay of a group of people at an event by a lake.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essays-event-1-1.jpg)
11. Photograph an Abandoned Building
![essay for photos Atmospheric and dark photo of the interior of an abandoned building as part of a photo-essay](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essays-abandoned-1-1.jpg)
10. Behind the Scenes of a Photo Shoot
![essay for photos Photograph of models and photographers behind the scenes at a photo shoot. Photo essay ideas.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essays-bts-1-1.jpg)
9. Capture Street Fashion
![essay for photos Street photography portrait of a girl outdoors at night.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-street-style-1.jpg)
8. Landmark Photo Essay
![essay for photos 9 photo grid of the Eiffel tour. Photo essays examples.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essays-landmark-1-1.jpg)
7. Fathers & Children
![essay for photos An essay photo of the silhouettes of a man and child standing in a dark doorway.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-dark-1.jpg)
6. A Day In the Life
![essay for photos Photo essay examples of a bright red and orange building under blue sky.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-day-in-the-life-of-1.jpg)
5. Education Photo Essay
![essay for photos Documentary photoessay example shot of a group of students in a classroom watching their teacher](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-education-1.jpg)
4. Fictitious Meals
![essay for photos Photo essay detail of someone placing a sugar cube into a cup of tea.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essays-meals-1-1.jpg)
3. Photograph Coffee Shops Using Cafenol
![essay for photos A photo of a coffee shop interior created with cafenol.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-cafe-1.jpg)
2. Photograph the Photographers
![essay for photos Street photography of a group of media photographers.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-photographers-1.jpg)
1. Capture the Neighbors
![essay for photos Street photography of 2 pink front doors of brick houses.](https://expertphotography.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/photo-essay-front-doors-1.jpg)
Photo essays tell stories. And there are plenty of amazingly interesting stories to tell! Photographing photo essays is a great way to practice your photography skills while having fun. You might even learn something! These photo essay examples are here to provide you with the inspiration to go out and tell your own stories through photos!
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How to Make a Photo Essay
Last Updated: September 27, 2023 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Heather Gallagher . Heather Gallagher is a Photojournalist & Photographer based in Austin, Texas. She runs her own photography studio named "Heather Gallagher Photography" which was voted Austin's Best Family Photographer and top 3 Birth Photographers in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Heather specializes in family Photojournalism and has over 15 years of experience documenting individuals, families, and businesses all over the world. Her clients include Delta Airlines, Oracle, Texas Monthly, and her work has been featured in The Washington Post and The Austin American Statesman. She is a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP). There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 290,762 times.
Photo essays are an increasingly popular medium for journalists, bloggers, and advertisers alike. Whether you’re trying to show the emotional impact of a current news story or share your hobby with friends and family, images can capture your topic in a personal, emotional, and interesting way. Creating a photo essay can be as easy as choosing a topic, getting your images, and organizing the essay.
Things You Should Know
- Reflect long and hard on your topic, considering your audience, current events, and whether to go for a thematic or narrative approach.
- Create an outline, including your focus image, establishing shot, clincher, and other image details.
- When you finally take your photos, remember to take more photos than you think you need and don't be afraid to let the project change as you create it.
Finding Your Topic
![essay for photos Step 1 Review current events.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e7/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)
- Offer a photo essay of your place of business as a training tool.
- Use a photo essay about your business as a sales or social tool by publishing it on your website or social media page.
- Create a how to photo essay to help others learn about your hobby, so they can take it up as well. [4] X Research source
![essay for photos Step 4 Select an interesting subject.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d5/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-4-Version-3.jpg)
- Thematic subjects are big ideas including things like local gun laws, at-risk youth, or welcoming home soldiers.
- Narrative essays can include a day in the life, how to tutorials, or progression series that show changes over time such as tracking a building project.
- If you have been given a commission or specific publication to work with, you may need to choose a topic that will fit a thematic or narrative approach as outlined by the publication. Make sure you are aware of any publication guidelines in advance.
Organizing Your Shoot
![essay for photos Step 1 Get permission.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/70/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-7-Version-3.jpg)
- Consider how difficult it will be to get permission to photograph your subjects. If you already have relationships established, it will be easier. If not, allow for extra time to get permission and/or waivers.
- Schools, daycares, and other places with kids typically have more regulations on who can be photographed and for what purposes. You’ll usually need to get parental approval, in addition to permission from those in charge. [7] X Research source
![essay for photos Step 2 Research your subject.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0d/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-8-Version-3.jpg)
- Consider doing interviews with people involved prior to the shoot. Ask things like, “What’s the most interesting thing you do during this event?” or “How long have you been involved with this organization?”
- These interviews are also a great opportunity to ask for permission and get waivers.
- If you’re going to visit a job site, charitable event, or other large group activity, ask the person or persons in charge to explain what you’re doing to everyone before you arrive. [8] X Research source
![essay for photos Step 3 Create an outline.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b8/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-9-Version-3.jpg)
Capturing Your Images
![essay for photos Step 1 Check the light.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8e/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-14-Version-2.jpg)
- Many new photographers stay away from high ISO shots because they allow more light through producing a “busy” image. However, these images are often easier to edit later as there’s more information to work with. [11] X Research source
- If it’s very bright in your location or you’ve set up artificial lighting, a low ISO is likely adequate, For darker areas, you’ll likely need to use a higher ISO.
- If you need one second to capture an image with a base ISO of 100, you’ll need one eighth of a second to capture with an ISO of 800. [13] X Research source
![essay for photos Step 2 Consider composition.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/ba/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)
- Even snapping candid shots, which you may need to capture quickly, take a few moments to think about how objects are placed to make the most impact.
- Always think about how the main subject’s surroundings play into the overall image, and try to create different levels and points of interest.
- You can change composition as part of the editing process in some cases, so if you can’t line up the shot just right, don’t let it deter you from capturing the image you want. [14] X Research source
![essay for photos Step 3 Take more photos than you need.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7e/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)
Organizing the Essay
![essay for photos Step 1 Exclude photos you don’t need.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1b/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-18-Version-2.jpg)
- If you’re doing a day in the life photo essay about a frustrated person working in an office, an image of that person struggling to open the front door against the wind might be an apt focus shot.
- If your essay is about the process of building a home, your focus image may be something like a contractor and architect looking at blue prints with the framed up home in the background.
- If your essay is about a family reunion, the focus image may be a funny shot of the whole family making faces, pretending to be fighting, or a serious photo of the family posed together. Capture whatever seems natural for the family. [18] X Research source
![essay for photos Step 3 Categorize your remaining photos.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-20-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-20-Version-2.jpg)
- Regardless of essay type, you’ll need a focus image to grab attention.
- Use an overall shot to give context to your essay. Where is it, when is it happening, who’s involved, what’s going on, and why should someone be interested? The five “W’s” of journalism are a great way to determine what your overall shot should capture.
- Find your final image. This should be something provocative that asks your viewer to think about the topic.
- Between the focus and overall shot and ending image, include a series of images that move the viewer from the lead-in shots to its result. Use images that build in intensity or draw the viewers further into the essay.
![essay for photos Step 5 Ask for feedback.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/05/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-22-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-22-Version-2.jpg)
- If the images aren’t telling the story, ask your friends to look at your other photos and ask, “I wanted this image to make this point. You got a different idea. Would any of these images make this point to you more clearly?”
- If the others like the images you’ve chosen, you may still want to ask them to look at your other photos and tell you if they think any of the images you didn’t include should be added in. They may see something you missed. [20] X Research source
![essay for photos Step 6 Add text.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fb/Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-23-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Photo-Essay-Step-23-Version-2.jpg)
- If you're commissioned to add photos to an essay, you should make sure images reflect the written word, but also add emotion and context the writing could not capture. For example, an essay on poverty may include an image of a child and parent living on the street could capture more emotional context.
- Captions should only include information the viewer could not derive from the photo itself. For instance, you can include a date, the subject’s name, or a statistic relevant to your subject in the caption.
- If you choose not to have any text or just a title and some introductory and/or closing words, make sure you convey all necessary information succinctly. [21] X Research source
Expert Q&A
![essay for photos Heather Gallagher](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/18/Heather_Gallagher.png/-crop-200-200-200px-Heather_Gallagher.png)
- Be creative with your topics. However, something as simple as "things I like" will suffice so long as you stay creative. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Make sure you're familiar with your camera. It will make the photo composition a lot easier. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Don't get discouraged. It may take several tries to get the desired results in your photos. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://www.wikihow.com/images/9/99/News_v01_0420x0250.jpg)
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- ↑ http://digital-photography-school.com/5-photo-essay-tips/
- ↑ Heather Gallagher. Professional Photojournalist & Photographer. Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
- ↑ http://improvephotography.com/30816/10-ideas-creative-photo-essays/
- ↑ http://www.apogeephoto.com/how-to-create-a-photo-essay/
- ↑ https://petapixel.com/how-to-create-a-photo-essay/
- ↑ http://photo.journalism.cuny.edu/week-5/
- ↑ http://clickitupanotch.com/2010/12/creating-a-photo-essay/
- ↑ https://photographylife.com/what-is-iso-in-photography
- ↑ https://wiredimpact.com/blog/how-to-make-a-photo-essay-nonprofit/
- ↑ http://digital-photography-school.com/5-tips-for-creating-a-photo-essay-with-a-purpose/
- ↑ https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/how-to-make-photo-essay-examples
About This Article
![essay for photos Heather Gallagher](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/18/Heather_Gallagher.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Heather_Gallagher.png)
To make a photo essay, start by selecting a subject that is easy to capture and that inspires you, like a friend or a family pet. Then, decide if you want to present your photo essay as thematic, which shows specific examples of a big idea, or narrative, with a beginning, middle, and end. Next, create an outline of your essay to determine which photos you’ll need, like an establishing shot. Finally, take your photos, select which images you want to use in your essay, and organize them according to your theme before adding text to explain the essay. To learn how to capture the best images, keep scrolling! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to create a photo essay
- Author Picfair
- Level Intermediate
- Reading Time 8 minutes
Cover images by James Gourley
Create a meaningful set of images by producing a photo essay or story
A photographic essay is a deeper and more meaningful way to use your photography than a single image tends to be. Typically associated with documentary and news-gathering, a photo essay doesn’t necessarily have to follow those genres, but can be used as a way to tell a longer or more in-depth story about all manner of subjects. Creating a photo essay however is about more than just taking a set of images and presenting them as one package. They require more forethought, planning and editing than many other forms of photography, but the results are often more rewarding, too. Follow our guide below if it’s something you’d like to consider putting together.
1 Find a story
The first thing you will need to do is to figure out what you want to do your photo essay on.
"Inspiration can come from anywhere, but a good starting to place is to look at news sources to see if something catches your eye."
Inspiration can come from anywhere, but a good starting to place is to look at news sources to see if something catches your eye. If you’re not sure where to begin, you could start by looking at what’s going on in your local area - if nothing else, it’ll make the practicalities easier. Start jotting down ideas that you can explore and figure out exactly why you want to do it. Try to be as active as you can in discovering what’s going on in the world and eventually something will keep your attention for long enough that it will seem like the right idea.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d176bb36d7c4c25d157fe_Peru-2.jpg)
2 Do your research
Next, try and find out as much as you can about whatever it is you want to create your photo story on.
"If you find that others have done photo essays on the same or similar subject, then that’s something you should be aware of."
Importantly, you’ll need to see what else already exists out there - if anything - on your story. If you find that others have done photo essays on the same or similar subject, then that’s something you should be aware of. That’s not to say that you can’t also do one, but it pays to be prepared so that you can perhaps approach it in a different way. You’ll also need to do some research into the practicalities that will be required to help you along the way. You’ll need to look into people you should be contacting, how you will get to the destination (if it’s not local), any requirements you need for visiting the location, any restrictions on what you can and cannot shoot and so on. Doing as much research ahead of time as possible will make the project run smoothly when it comes to actually shooting it.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d52444fb935bf014f3174_picfair-013588196-street-improv-performance-fu-PREVIEW-ONLY%20(1).jpg)
3 Make a structured plan
Once your research is complete, it’s time to make a detailed and structured plan about how you’re going to go about shooting your photo essay. It doesn’t have to be completely rigid so as to disallow flexibility, but sorting out shoot times, shoot dates, shoot locations will give you something to work with, even if things eventually go off plan. Some photo essays can be shot in an afternoon, others might take several months or even years to complete. Having an idea of how long you want to spend on a particular project can help focus your mind and give you an end date for when you might want to publish the essay. It’s also useful to tell subjects and those involved with the shoot a rough timeline of events. You might find it helpful to organise everything together in one easily accessible place - such as online calendars and spreadsheets, so you can quickly refer to anything you need to.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d50d0ab30492594b48157_picfair-011952723-north-korea-fu-PREVIEW-ONLY.jpg)
4 Tell a story
Your photo essay needs to be more than just a set of images on a similar theme.
"...including some introductory or contextualising shots before you get into the heart of the subject matter is a good approach."
Think of it exactly like a story, which usually requires a beginning, a middle and an end. That’s a very simplistic way of putting it, but photographically, including some introductory or contextualising shots before you get into the heart of the subject matter is a good approach. There might not necessarily be a neat “resolution” to whatever story you’re trying to tell, and it might not always be a happy ending, but having that at least in your mind as you go along can help to create a neatly-packaged story that has a definite and well-constructed narrative.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d233964ffaf89221ce472_North%20Korea.jpg)
5 Stick with a cohesive style
Exactly how you’re going to shoot your photo essay is entirely up to you, but in order for your story to have a cohesive look, it’s usually best if you stick to the same style throughout.
"With a photo essay, you want the images to hang extremely well together as a set, so keeping things consistent will help you do that..."
That could be as simple as not mixing black and white and colour, always using a particular lens, always shooting in a particular way, or even applying the same post-processing techniques to the finished shots. With a photo essay, you want the images to hang extremely well together as a set, so keeping things consistent will help you do that - that is, unless you’re actively trying to use disparate styles as an artistic or storytelling technique.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d51b898e14f5bca5b42ea_picfair-013278231-post-office-mural-in-chernobyl-fu-PREVIEW-ONLY.jpg)
5 Create a strong edit
The chances are that in the process of creating your photo essay, you will have shot dozens, if not hundreds of images.
"It can help to step away from your essay for at least a few days if you can to give yourself some distance and perspective - don’t be afraid to be brutal and keep your final selection down to only those that are the strongest or the best."
For the final edit of your photo story, you need to make sure that the images selected to appear are the strongest of the set, with each adding something unique to the finished story. Try to avoid “padding out” your story with too many fillers, even if you think they are strong images on their own. It’s a good idea to avoid too much repetition, and here again you should look to include images that create a strong story arc with a defined beginning, middle and end. It can help to step away from your essay for at least a few days if you can to give yourself some distance and perspective - don’t be afraid to be brutal and keep your final selection down to only those that are the strongest or the best. There’s no defined number for how many images should be included in a final story, but as a general rule, you’ll probably want it to be under 20 for the most impact.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d52c52191053a1e91dd88_picfair-08632028-american-gothic-fu-PREVIEW-ONLY.jpg)
6 Ask for input
It’s very easy to get so close to your subject and your images that you become blind to any flaws in them, or the structure of your story. Asking for advice and input from somebody you trust can help to tighten up your story even further.
"Asking for advice and input from somebody you trust can help to tighten up your story even further."
In certain situations, it can be helpful to ask the subject of the photographs themselves what they think, to make it more of a collaborative process - but you should be able to determine whether that’s appropriate on a case-by-case basis. If you have any contacts who are photographers, editors or publishers, asking them to cast an eye over your finished story is a good idea, too.
7 Add some text
It can be a good idea to add some text or individual captions for a photo essay, to give some background information and context to whatever is shown in the pictures. If you’re not a writer, try to keep it as basic as possible - including things such as names, locations and dates. A short introduction to the piece to give some background information is useful, too. Ask somebody you trust to check it over for sense, clarity and mistakes.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d4c58ad26b5d6b73fdc11_picfair-07987432-mountain-children-fu-PREVIEW-ONLY.jpg)
8 Get the story seen
Once your story is complete and you’re happy with it, the next stage is to get it seen - also known as, the hard part.
"Once your story is complete and you’re happy with it, the next stage is to get it seen - also known as, the hard part."
A sensible first step is to create an album on your Picfair store which is dedicated to your photo essay. That way, anybody who is looking for that particular piece won’t have to wade through all of your other work to find it. You can then start sending out information about the work to editors and publishers, including a link to the album on your Picfair page as an easy way for them to look at it.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d546d22bc48937290a557_Share%20url.jpg)
Editor's tip: If you're not sure where to begin with pitching to publishers, be sure to check our how to pitch guide .
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/610d3fd30ab15344ad01adff_Store%20description.jpg)
Expertly crafted guides and tutorials brought to you directly from the Team Picfair.
Start your own photography store with a beautiful and customisable showcase for your photos, complete with all the tools you need to sell your images as prints & digital downloads. Get 50% off Picfair Plus with code UPGRADE-50
![essay for photos](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f5104e23978d80e8e442737/662fbf2d459c7fe882a5cb60_focus-new-themes.png)
- View by: Authors
- Guide: Selling your Photography
![essay for photos Red October Firm logo featuring a camera illustration in the center, surrounded by a circular text that reads "Red October Firm" with red and black outlines.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-Red-October-Firm-Company-Logo.webp)
What is a Photo Essay in Photography (13 Examples You Can Try)
Do you know what a photo essay is?
If not, that’s okay. Many photographers aren’t even familiar with the term. I didn’t know until a few years back myself after doing many of them unknowingly.
A photo essay is an interesting form of visual storytelling that presents a narrative through a series of images.
Powerful photo essays communicate emotions and understanding without using words.
You’re guiding the viewer through your narrative journey.
In this article, I’ll be going over the important parts of a great photo essay idea, 13 interesting photo essay ideas you can try, and a few photo essay tips.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Camera With A Stunning Collection Of Photo Essays You Should Try.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Photo-Essays-1-1200x720.jpg)
What is a Photo Essay?
A photo essay is a powerful form of visual storytelling in which a narrative is presented through a series of images.
Unlike a written essay, a photo essay relies on visuals to tell a story and evoke emotions within the viewer. When you create a photo essay, you can stretch your creative limits and explore new ways of connecting with your audience.
In a photo story or essay, the images are carefully selected.
They’re arranged in order to create a coherent and engaging narrative.
Each photograph should contribute to the overall theme of the story and maintain visual and technical consistency throughout.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Torn Piece Of Paper With The Word Storytelling Written On It, Capturing The Essence Of A Photo Essay.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Photo-Essay-storytelling-1200x630.jpg)
As the photographer, you play a big role in coming up with interesting photo essay ideas, the narrative, and providing context for the images.
To create a good photo essay, here are a few guidelines:
Choose a Strong Theme: Select a subject that resonates with your audience and communicates a clear message or emotion.
Curate the Images: Carefully select the photographs that best represent your theme and arrange them logically.
Maintain Consistency: Your images should have a consistent visual style, color palette, and framing. You want to create a cohesive narrative.
Provide Context: Include captions or short text descriptions to give the viewer a better understanding of the story being told.
Other Important Elements of a Photo Essay
These other components help provide a clear narrative and evoke emotions that keep the audience engaged in your story.
Storytelling : The primary purpose of a photo essay is to tell a story through your images. You must carefully choose your photos to convey a coherent and interesting narrative. The flow of your images should guide the viewer through your perspective or various viewpoints on the subject.
Emotion : A strong photo essay evokes emotions that resonate with the viewer. As you select your photos, consider how they touch the viewer emotionally. The emotions your images evoke can differ, ranging from happiness and love to fear and sadness.
Idea : Your photo essay idea should revolve around a central idea or theme. This foundation not only provides direction for your work but also ensures your images remain focused and relevant. Before starting your photo essay, you need a well-defined idea that’ll guide your photography and narrative.
Style : For your photo essay to be visually cohesive you need a consistent style. This can include using a particular color palette, choosing images with a distinct composition, or using a specific technique in each photo. As you curate your images, make sure they’re consistent in their visual qualities to create a harmonious presentation.
Composition : The composition of each photo plays a significant role in guiding the viewer’s eye within the image. Pay attention to elements like leading lines, patterns, and framing.
Technique : Using specific photography techniques can create a unique style for your photo essay. Experiment with different techniques like long exposures, shallow depth of field, and post-processing methods. Doing so will enhance the visual impact of your images.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Computer, Tablet, And Phone Showcase &Quot;The Photo Lab Photography Course&Quot; Screen With A Red Lightbulb Logo. The Tablet Displays Content Details, And The Phone Shows A Person Speaking In A Video Lesson.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Photo-Lab-Course-Graphic-1200x675.png)
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Why Create a Photo Essay
Creating a photo essay allows you to merge your passion for photography with the art of storytelling.
By focusing on a specific narrative, you have a purpose and direction while capturing images. This can lead to a deeper connection with your subject and inspiration to create an interesting visual story.
And as a photographer, you can use photo stories to experiment with various styles, techniques, and compositions.
This not only challenges your creativity but also helps improve your skills as a photographer. The process encourages you to explore new perspectives and angles while conveying your message.
The images you choose can make people feel happy, sad, or even angry. By doing so, you harness the power of visuals to communicate a message beyond words.
Photo essays also serve as an opportunity for reflection.
By picking a topic or theme close to your heart, you can ponder, look back, analyze, and dive deeper into a subject matter. It can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-expression, allowing you to learn more about your own emotions and perceptions.
This is valuable if you intend to share your photography with a wider audience.
You can use a photo essay to show your skills in composition, storytelling, and emotional impact, making it a powerful way to gain recognition.
13 Photo Essay Examples
There are so many great photo essay examples, and I might try all of them myself!
But here are 13 not-too-hard photo essay ideas you can try.
1. Local Event Photo Essay
This is one of the most popular photo essay examples. You’re capturing the joy of local events by focusing on the participants’ emotions and interactions.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Capturing A Group Of People Joyfully Throwing Colored Powder In The Air, Showcasing The Artistry And Exuberance Of This Mesmerizing Photography Technique.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/local-event-1200x630.jpg)
Doing so shows the diversity of the people and the range of activities taking place. From stall setups to exciting performances. Document memorable moments and unique aspects of the event that make it stand out.
2. A Day in the Life Photo Essay
Highlight a typical day in the life of a person, family, or community.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Showcasing The Beautiful Moments Between A Man And A Woman.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/day-in-the-life-1200x630.jpg)
This photographic essay gives you an opportunity to capture the reality of daily life and routines. Focus on the small moments that give insight into the subject’s personality and relationships.
3. Transformation Photo Essay
Transformation photo essay topics are popular. This photo essay project showcases the power of change through photographs that depict the transformation of a person, place, or object. Include before and after pictures.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) Explore The Captivating Stages Of A Butterfly'S Life Cycle Through A Mesmerizing Photo Essay.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/transformation-1200x630.jpg)
You want shots with angles and perspectives that show change and development. One of the most common transformation photo essay examples is weight loss before and after.
4. Family Photo Essay
Tell the story of a family’s life together by capturing candid moments, daily routines, and special occasions.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Photo Essay Depicting A Man And Two Children Engaging In Dishwashing Activities Within A Kitchen Environment.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/family-1200x630.jpg)
Focus on the relationships between family members and the unique characteristics that make them a cohesive unit.
5. Education Photo Essay
An educational photo essay shows the educational process in action by documenting classes, workshops, or seminars.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Group Of People Posing For A Photo In A Warehouse, Capturing The Essence Of A Photo Essay.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/education-1200x630.jpg)
You can capture students’ learning and applying new skills. Observe interactions between teachers and students. Or show off diverse educational settings, from schools to informal learning environments.
![](http://presentationhelp.xyz/777/templates/cheerup2/res/banner1.gif)
6. Urban Renewal Photo Essay Examples
Explore the renewal of urban spaces with your photography.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Capturing The Essence Of A Building Under Construction Against A Beautiful Blue Sky Adorned With Fluffy Clouds.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/urban-renewal-1200x630.jpg)
Take pictures as the city improves, new developments go up, and the impact it has on local communities. Include images of old and new architecture, as well as scenes that feature revitalization efforts.
7. The Changing Seasons of a Park Photo Essay
Make a transformation essay showing the changing seasons in a park. With this photo story, you want to capture the elements of the atmosphere that make each season of the year unique.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) Captivating Four-Color Leaf Variations On A Tree Showcased In A Visually Expressive Photo Essay.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/changing-seasons-1200x630.jpg)
Highlight the features and activities that define each season, from the colors of the leaves to the snow-covered landscapes.
Bonus points if you can shoot the same shot for each photo!
8. City Artwork and Murals Photo Essay
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Showcasing Two Pictures Of A Building Adorned With A Vibrant And Awe-Inspiring Mural.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/murals-1200x630.jpg)
Another great photo essay example is celebrating the urban art scene by showcasing striking murals and street art found in cities and towns. Take photos that show the diverse styles, colors, and messages conveyed by the artists.
9. Historic Landmarks: Then and Now Photo Essay
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Of The Parthenon In Athens.keywords: Photo Essay, Parthenon In Athens.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/historic-landmarks-1200x630.jpg)
Compare historic landmarks and sites in their current state with photographs from the past. This photo essay can show the changes and preservation efforts of these important cultural and historical places.
10. Coffee Shop Chronicles
Photograph coffee shops or the unique atmosphere of your favorite local coffee shop. Then document with your essay the diverse customers, staff members, and aesthetic elements that make it special.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Capturing The Ambiance And Essence Of A Charming Coffee Shop.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/coffee-shops-1200x630.jpg)
Focus on the details that give it character and the emotions it evokes in visitors and customers.
11. Through The Lens of a Photographer
Be a photographer for another photographer and provide insight into their creative process. It can be a friend, another professional photographer, or even someone you want to learn from.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Man Is Capturing A Picture With His Camera On The Beach For A Photo Essay.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photographer-perspective-1200x630.jpg)
You can showcase their work, techniques, and equipment with your photo story. Include behind-the-scenes shots of the photographer in action, as well as their perspective on their craft.
12. Recipes From Your Favorite Local Restaurant
Do a photo shoot and partner with a local restaurant to create a visually appealing photo essay featuring their signature dishes.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Showcasing Beautifully Plated Shrimp And Vegetable Dishes.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/recipes-from-restaurants-1200x630.jpg)
You can include photographs of the cooking process, finished plates, and behind-the-scenes shots of the kitchen and staff.
13. Behind The Scenes Photo Essay
Offer a glimpse into the hidden aspects of various locations, professions, or events. Capture the unseen scenes and the people who make them happen by providing a unique and rarely seen perspective.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) A Captivating Photo Essay Featuring A Skilled Woman Artist Passionately Working On Intricate Tattoos At A Vibrant Tattoo Shop.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/behind-the-scenes-1200x630.jpg)
Tips for Creating Your Own Photo Essay
Choose Something You Love: Do something that sparks emotion in you and others. Tell a story that’s personal and meaningful to you. Whether it’s a social issue, an event, or a day in the life of a specific person, make it a subject you love.
Develop Your Own Style: Your unique photography style plays a role in keeping your audience engaged. And having a signature style can help you carve out a niche for yourself. This will attract clients who appreciate and seek your unique perspective.
Plan Your Shots: Photo essays are like storytelling, so take time to compose and plan out each image carefully. Each photo communicates an essential part of your story. Without a story, there’s nothing to captivate your viewers.
Keep The Story Cohesive: Maintain a clear narrative throughout your photo essays. Each image contributes to the story’s flow. So, organize your photos logically for effective communication of your message.
The Power of Sequence: Plotting the Narrative Arc for Your Photo Essay
Just like a traditional narrative, your photo essay should have a beginning, middle, and end.
The opening image sets the stage and draws your audience in. It’s similar to the hook in written storytelling.
As you progress towards the middle of your essay, develop your theme or subject further. This may involve using contrasting images or presenting different aspects of your topic to maintain viewer interest. And finally, end with an impactful image that leaves a lasting impression or delivers a powerful message.
View these steps as the equivalent of crafting plot points in written narratives:
Beginning : Set up your story.
Middle : Develop the main characters or themes.
End : Resolve any conflicts or deliver the final message.
Linking Images Together: The Art of Transitions in Photo Stories
Transitions are super important.
They’re key elements that string individual photos together. Photo essay transitions are like the transitions between paragraphs in writing. They help maintain flow and continuity.
A transition might be thematic, such as moving from color-filled scenes. Or black-and-white images to represent shifting moods or timescales.
![What Is A Photo Essay In Photography (13 Examples You Can Try) Three Silhouettes Of A Woman Posing In Front Of A Frame, Perfect For Photography Ideas.](https://redoctoberfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Silhouette-1200x630.jpg)
It might even be visual: you can focus on common shapes, patterns, or subjects across several photographs.
To create effective photo transitions:
Identify common themes between photos.
Look for similarities in colors, textures, shapes, and lighting.
Experiment with gradually shifting the mood of your photos too.
How to Create a Photo Essay in 7 Steps
Step 1: choose a topic.
Select an engaging topic for your photo essay.
Reflect on your interests, the emotions you want to evoke, and the story you want your landmark photo essay to tell. Topics can range from personal stories to cultural explorations or even school events. You want an angle and style that will make your essay stand out and resonate with your audience.
Step 2: Research Beforehand
Before shooting, conduct research on your chosen topic. Gather information and familiarize yourself with the theme, people, and culture involved. This will help you capture consistent and authentic images. And provide depth to your photo essay project.
Step 3: Capture a Wide Variety of Images
Experiment with different shooting techniques, angles, and perspectives. Photograph various images that reflect your subject’s emotions, moods, and environment. Cover every aspect of your story. And remember, quality shots are more important than quantity.
Step 4: Create a Storyboard With Your Ideas and Images
After shooting, review your images and develop a storyboard. Arrange the photos in a manner that portrays your story effectively. Consider composition, techniques, and the flow of your narrative.
Step 5: Narrow Down, Edit, and Organize Your Photos to Tell a Story
Select the images that best illustrate your story, and edit them for style and consistency. Then organize your images in a sequence that connects with your audience emotionally. And make sure your photo essay is visually appealing and reflects the essence of your topic.
Step 6: Use Captions for Your Images as Needed
Captions can help tell your story without overwhelming your audience with text. So, if necessary, include captions to provide context and explain your images. But keep them short, concise, and informative.
Step 7: Ask for Feedback
Before publishing your photo essays, ask for feedback from friends, family, mentors, or even strangers. Then listen to their insights and suggestions, and make adjustments as needed. Getting a variety of perspectives can help ensure your photo essay is engaging, clear, and relatable to your audience.
The Importance of Photo Essays in Photography
Photo essays tell an intriguing story.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
But have you ever thought about how true this statement is?
When photographs are thoughtfully grouped together, they can weave a captivating narrative. A photo essay allows you to explore subjects deeply and from various angles, telling stories that may not be possible with just one image.
For instance, highlighting the daily life of a particular subject.
Or showcasing the transformation of an abandoned building into a vibrant community center. These narratives become more profound and interesting when illustrated not just through words but through the lens of a camera.
Photo Essays Can Connect With an Audience
They’re powerful tools for connecting on an emotional level with your audience.
They allow viewers to walk in someone else’s shoes, experiencing situations and emotions that might be entirely different from their own lives.
For example, a well-executed photo essay on local environmental pollution could stir up feelings of concern and urge viewers to take action.
A Good Photo Essay Can Market Your Products or Services
Photo essays offer businesses a unique way to promote products and services in a visual world.
But you aren’t simply showing off your offerings. Instead, you’re telling engaging stories around them. These stories make it easier for potential customers to relate and respond positively.
Take Airbnb as an example.
They’re pairing photos of hosts’ homes with local attractions or experiences to create mini-photo-essays. Potential customers feel like they’re getting a sneak peek at their vacation experience.
Can Convey a Wide Range of Emotions
One image may evoke joy. While another stirs up sadness.
By grouping these images together, a photo essay lets you create an emotional rollercoaster for your viewers. You’re not just showing them what’s happening—you’re making them feel it.
Consider a photo essay documenting the journey of a cancer survivor. From the initial shock and fear to the strength found in treatment, and finally, the joy of remission.
Such a powerful narrative can touch hearts and inspire action like no other medium can.
They Bring Life to an Otherwise Ordinary Collection of Photos
A random assortment of photographs might be visually appealing, but without context or purpose, they may lack depth or meaning.
That’s where photo stories come into play.
They provide structure to these collections, turning them into interesting narratives. Ones with clear themes and messages.
Imagine a series of seemingly unrelated photos—portraits of people from different walks of life.
When presented as part of a photo essay that explores societal diversity within cities, these portraits become more than just faces. They turn into symbols of unity and diversity.
Kyra Chambers (KyraTheCreative) is the Co-Founder of Red October Firm. And a photographer, artist, and graphic designer. She has been in the photography industry since 2015 and loves making photography easy for everyone.
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Creating Photo Essays About Community: A Guide to Our Where We Are Contest
Step-by-step directions for depicting what’s memorable and meaningful about groups and the places where they gather.
![essay for photos A group of young people lying on a weathered wooden stage, with their heads resting on one another's stomachs and their arms embracing one another. Some of the people are texting or holding their phones up to take selfies.](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/08/27/multimedia/00WWA-THEATER-04-hcvt-LN/00WWA-THEATER-04-hcvt-articleLarge-v3.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)
By Katherine Schulten
It’s hard not to be inspired by the immersive 2023 photo-essay series Where We Are .
As you scroll through and are introduced to young female wrestlers in India , rappers in Spain , band kids in Ohio and Black debutantes in Detroit , you can’t help but think about the communities you have been a part of — or have noticed in your own neighborhood or school.
That’s why we hope you’ll participate in our contest , which invites teenagers to use these photo essays as mentor texts to document the local, offline communities that most interest them.
How do you go about that? The steps are outlined below.
How to Create Your Photo Essay
Step 1: read the where we are series closely..
- Step 2: Decide what local community will be the subject of your photo essay.
- Step 3: Take photos that show both the big picture and the small details.
- Step 4: Interview members of the community about why it is special.
- Step 5: Give your photo essay context via a short written introduction.
- Step 6: Write captions for your photos that give new information or add depth or color.
- Step 7: Edit all the pieces together and submit.
Immerse yourself in several of these photo essays, using our related activity sheet to help you start to notice and name some of the things that make this series special. You can do the same with our winner and runners-up from last year’s contest.
When you’re done, we’ll help you use those same strategies to document the community you have chosen.
Here are free links to the entire series:
1. The Magic of Your First Car 2. At This Mexican Restaurant, Everyone is Family 3. Where the Band Kids Are 4. In This Nigerian Market, Young Women Find a Place of Their Own 5. At Camp Naru, Nobody Is ‘an Outlier’ 6. For Black Debutantes in Detroit, Cotillion Is More Than a Ball 7. At This Wrestling Academy, Indian Girls Are ‘Set Free’ 8. In Seville, Spain, These Young Rappers Come Together to Turn ‘Tears Into Rhymes’ 9. For a Queer Community in Los Angeles, This Public Park Is a Lifeline 10. In Guatemala, a Collective of Young Artists Finds Family Through Film 11. On a Caribbean Island, Young People Find Freedom in ‘Bike Life’ 12. At This Texas Campus Ministry, ‘Inclusive Love’ Is the Mission 13. For Young Arab Americans in Michigan, the Hookah Lounge Feels like Home
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5 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay with a Purpose
A Post By: Lynsey Mattingly
As a photographer, you are a storyteller. The nouns are your subject matter; the verbs are the color and contrast that keep the story moving. A cast of characters all working together to get your point across. Instead of proper grammar, you ensure proper exposure. Instead of spelling errors, you watch for tack-sharp focus. For those times when the story is especially important and meaningful, or for when one image doesn’t say it all, there is the photographic essay. With blogging and social media, photo essays are more popular than ever: humorous or emotionally relevant, sparking debate or encouraging compassion, each with a story to tell.
![essay for photos melanie1](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/melanie11.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
I’ve mentioned before that taking on a photo project is one of my favorite ways to reignite my love for photography, but beyond that, it’s a great way to get your message across and have your work seen by a larger group. A photo essay is intriguing; it’s something to talk about after people hear that you’re a photographer and want to know about the glitz and glamour of it all. It’s the perfect thing to tell them after you’re done going on and on about all of the red carpets, the celebrities, the fame, and the fortune. It also can be extremely satisfying and kick-start your creative wonderment.
By definition, a photographic essay is a set or series of photographs intended to tell a story or evoke emotions. It can be only images, images with captions, or images with full text. In short, it can be almost anything you want it to be. Which is where I struggle most–when the options are limitless. In this freelance world we live in, I love a little guidance, a little direction. Ideally, someone to tell me exactly what they want and promise to be thrilled with whatever I produce, for my fragile artist ego can’t take any less. While I continue my quest for that, I offer you these 5 tips for creating your own, completely without bounds, photographic essay:
1) Let it evolve on its own
Each time I’ve had a very specific concept in mind before I started shooting, it’s never been the end result. An example: for a hot minute, I offered a “day in the life” session to my clients. I was photographing so many of the same clients year after year that I wanted to be able to offer them a different spin on the portrait sessions I was doing for them. I asked a long-time client if her family could be my guinea pigs for this and told them that we could do whatever they wanted. We went out for ice cream, had a mini dance party in their living room, and I photographed a tooth that had been lost that very morning. Then, very last, I photographed the two young daughters with notes they had written, which to be honest, I’m not even sure how they had come about. I rushed home after the session and edited those last note pictures first just because they were so different from what I usually shoot, and posted them on my personal Facebook page the heading Notes Girls Write .
![essay for photos sarah](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sarah.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
Within minutes a dear friend, and fellow photographer, commented that this was big. Bigger than just the two pictures. She and I would spend the next year working on a photo essay that became a blog, that in turn became a book entitled Notes Girls Write . We photographed hundreds of women of all ages with their notes, each one later expressing having their portrait taken with their own words was an extremely powerful moment for them. Beyond my beautiful children, the fact that I can make a bed with hospital corners like no one’s business, and the award I won in the 4th grade for “Most Patient”, Notes Girls Write is one of my proudest accomplishments. It evolved on its own, starting from a few similar photographs that struck a cord in viewers and becoming a large and powerful project, one of the biggest markers in my career so far.
![essay for photos lindsay1](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/lindsay1.jpg?resize=600%2C480&ssl=1)
TIP: Don’t be so set in your idea that your project can’t outgrow your original concept. Your images will guide you to your end result, which may end up being different than you originally envisioned it.
2) If you think there’s something there, there’s likely something there
For the last year I have been a “foster mom” with a dog rescue group. Volunteers transport dogs that would otherwise be put down from overpopulated shelters, or seized from terrible situations, to my area, where dog adoption rates are much higher. These dogs live in foster homes while they receive medical care and basic training so that they can be adopted out to loving homes. It’s incredibly rewarding. Especially when I had hardwood floors.
I knew from the first time I met the transport van I wanted to document what it looked like: a van full of dogs that just narrowly escaped death arriving to temporary homes where they will experience a level of love and care which they’ve likely never known. I tear-up every time I see it. I am also put to work every time I am there, so taking photos while holding onto a 100 pound German Shepard is tough. It’s going to take me several trips to have enough images to do anything with, but that’s fine. I have no idea what I will be doing with these photos. I know they will find a home somewhere: maybe with the rescue group to raise awareness, or to help bring in volunteers, or maybe they will do nothing more than document my own story with volunteering, or perhaps something more. I’m not sure yet, but the point is that I have the images, ready for their time, whenever that is.
![essay for photos dog1](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/dog1.jpg?resize=400%2C600&ssl=1)
TIP: If you think there is something to it, there likely is. Even if it’s just a personal passion project. Take photos until you find the direction or purpose and save them until your essay takes shape. You may not end up using all, or any of the images, but in continuing to take photographs, your project will be defined.
3) Shoot every single thing
I’m the “World’s Worst Over-Shooter”. Need one image? Let me take a hundred so we know we have it. Luckily for my bad habit, the photographic essay needs over shooting. Whether you know what your plan is, or have no idea want your end result will look like, the more coverage you have, the better. This is one of the few times I push my luck and ask my subjects to work for me until they never want to see me again (I only photograph people though, so if you are photographing mountains or something, you have the added advantage of not pushing people until they cry or yell). Don’t be shy. Shoot everything you know you don’t need, just in case you need it. Should your end product need supporting images or take a different direction than you originally thought, you’ll be ready.
Take advantage of digital (if that’s how you shoot) and fill a memory card. You may end up trashing everything, or you may not. I had no idea that my Notes Girls Write project would span for as long as it did, but because I didn’t turn down anyone who was interested in the very beginning I ended up with some shots that told complete stories and expanded on the original concept.
![essay for photos sarah2](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sarah2.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
TIP: Think big. If you are shooting an essay where mountains are your subject matter, see the mountain in pieces and photograph the surrounding trees, rocks, and whatever else. This will save you having to return to the beginning of the project for supporting shots, or having to reshoot if your essay takes a different turn than you planned.
4) Ask for help with image selection
I struggle with this one–I let my personal feelings get involved. Throughout our Notes Girls Write project I was constantly picking images based on my personal feelings–the subjects that I had connected with more, and the girls that I knew were most interested in the project. This is where it is so helpful to have someone else help. Someone who has no personal feelings towards the images and will help you pick based only on the strength of the image and not your own feelings. Even if people were not involved as subjects, you tend to have personal feelings toward images that the general public may not see the power behind.
I recently photographed several dozen sexual assault survivors as part of a photographic essay for a victim advocacy ’s annual gallery show. This event is meant to put faces on the survivors and raise awareness, and has been a large local event for years. I was thrilled to be selected to be the exclusive photographer, though this was one of the hardest projects I’ve ever taken on. The photo sessions themselves, whether five minutes or 30, were extremely emotional for the survivors and in the time I spent with them, I often learned a lot about their journey and experience. This made it difficult for me to pick which final images would be used for the show, based only on the power of the image and not my personal feelings. In the end several select friends helped me narrow each survivor’s images down, and the subjects themselves selected which would be the final image used, as ultimately this is their story.
![essay for photos SAVA1](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SAVA1.jpg?resize=400%2C600&ssl=1)
TIP: All creative work is personal, and looking at photographs we take ourselves is incredibly hard to do with clear eyes. We see the mistakes, the personal feelings, the shot that could have been better. It’s impossible to always set these aside so when working on a project that is incredibly important to you, or large in scale. Have others help you decide what images to use for your final pieces. Bring in people who are interested in photography and people that aren’t. People that know about your subject matter and people that don’t understand it at all. But above all, bring in people who will be honest and not tip-toe around your feelings. Lastly, also bring a thick skin.
5) Tell your story, in fact shout it from the rooftops if you can
Maybe your original idea for your photographic essay was to post it on your blog. Awesome, nothing wrong with that, but are you sure it can’t be more? Shop it around, who can it help? Does this benefit a group, an organization, or a person? Could it inspire people? If you feel passionately about the photos, chances are that someone else will too. Your photographic eye doesn’t stop when your shooting is done. If you felt compelled to take the time to create a photographic essay, there are likely “readers” for your story.
![essay for photos img_6359b](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_6359b1.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1)
TIP: This isn’t the time to be humble. Taking on a photo essay is a large endeavour. While there’s nothing wrong with having it be something you only did for your own personal growth, showing it around can be helpful both in experience and longterm benefit. Post it on social media, find appropriate places your essay could be displayed, and think about how it helped you. Every single photo essay I have done has led to an outstanding connection, or more work, and there is nothing wrong with getting those things along with the personal gain of accomplishing something you’re proud of.
The ideas are truly for a photographic essay are limitless. Truly.
Want a few more ideas for projects, try these?
- Using a Photography Project to Spark your Creativity
- Photography projects that make you feel alive
- Jumpstart Your Photography – Start a 365 Project
- 8 Photo Projects in Your Own Backyard
Have you ever done a photographic essay? What is your experience? Share with in the comments if you have, or have considered it. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
![essay for photos 5 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay with a Purpose](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gracie.jpg?w=600&h=1260&ssl=1)
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photographs families, kids, couples, and other groups of people who, for whatever reason, kind of like each other. Her portrait work has been featured in People Magazine, Us Weekly, BBC Magazine, and on national TV including CNN, Oprah, and Ellen, but most importantly, in the personal galleries of clients across the country. Her photography can be viewed at www.lynseymattingly.com or on Facebook .
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- Photojournalism Links
The 10 Best Photo Essays of the Month
![Shejaiya, the destroyed neighborhood abutting the border fence with Israel, in Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Gaza war one year anniversary](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/gaza-ruins-tomas-munita.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
This month’s Photojournalism Links collection highlights 10 excellent photo essays from across the world, including Tomas Munita ‘s photographs from Gaza and Israel, made on assignment for the New York Times . The work, coinciding with the first anniversary of last year’s 50 day war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, consists of eight innovative stop-motion-sequences which take us to the streets, hospitals, and homes on both sides of the conflict, and provide an immersive glimpse of how the two groups of communities are coping, one year after.
Tomas Munita: Walking in War’s Path (The New York Times )
Brent Stirton: Tracking Ivory: Terror in Africa | Ivory’s Human Toll (National Geographic) Two strong sets of images for National Geographic magazine’s latest cover story.
Lynsey Addario: Inside the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Diamond Mines (TIME LightBox) Terrific set of images looking at Congo’s diamond mining communities.
Andres Kudacki: Spain’s Housing Crisis (TIME LightBox) Powerful three-year project on the country’s home evictions, now on show at Visa pour l’Image photojournalism festival.
Mary Ellen Mark: New Orleans (CNN Money) The legendary photographer’s final assignment, done ahead of Hurricane Katrina’s 10th anniversary.
Daniel Etter: Hands Across Water (Al Jazeera America) Moving series on a small Sea-Watch ship, with a rotating crew of just eight volunteers, trying to save refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean.
Sergey Ponomarev: On Island of Lesbos, a Microcosm of Greece’s Other Crisis: Migrants (The New York Times ) Dramatic photographs of refugees and migrants arriving to the Greek island.
Allison Joyce: Child Marriage Bangladesh (International Business Times) Heartbreaking pictures of a 15-year-old Bangladeshi girl’s wedding | See also Joyce’s other Bangladeshi child marriage series at Mashable .
Andrea Bruce: Romania’s Disappearing Girls (Al Jazeera America) The Noor photographer’s work shows how poverty and desperation drive Romanian girls into the arms of sex traffickers.
Matt Black: Geography of Poverty: Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 (MSNBC) Second and third chapters of the Magnum photographer’s ambitious project mapping poverty around the U.S.
Mikko Takkunen is an Associate Photo Editor at TIME. Follow him on Twitter @photojournalism .
![Shejaiya, the destroyed neighborhood abutting the border fence with Israel, in Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Gaza war one year anniversary](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/gaza-ruins-tomas-munita.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
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Photo Essay
Photo essay generator.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Photo-Essay.png)
We all know that photographs tell a story. These still images may be seen from various perspectives and are interpreted in different ways. Oftentimes, photographers like to give dramatic meaning to various scenarios. For instance, a blooming flower signifies a new life. Photographs always hold a deeper meaning than what they actually are.
In essay writing , photographs along with its supporting texts, play a significant role in conveying a message. Here are some examples of these kinds of photo-text combinations.
What is Photo Essay? A photo essay is a visual storytelling method that utilizes a sequence of carefully curated photographs to convey a narrative, explore a theme, or evoke specific emotions. It goes beyond individual images, aiming to tell a cohesive and impactful story through the arrangement and combination of pictures.
Photo Essay Format
A photo essay is a series of photographs that are intended to tell a story or evoke a series of emotions in the viewer. It is a powerful way to convey messages without the need for many words. Here is a format to guide you in creating an effective photo essay:
1. Choose a Compelling Topic
Select a subject that you are passionate about or that you find intriguing. Ensure the topic has a clear narrative that can be expressed visually.
2. Plan Your Shots
Outline the story you wish to tell. This could involve a beginning, middle, and end or a thematic approach. Decide on the types of shots you need (e.g., wide shots, close-ups, portraits, action shots) to best tell the story.
3. Take Your Photographs
Capture a variety of images to have a wide selection when editing your essay. Focus on images that convey emotion, tell a story, or highlight your theme.
4. Edit Your Photos
Select the strongest images that best convey your message or story. Edit for consistency in style, color, and lighting to ensure the essay flows smoothly.
5. Arrange Your Photos
Order your images in a way that makes sense narratively or thematically. Consider transitions between photos to ensure they lead the viewer naturally through the story.
6. Include Captions or Text (Optional)
Write captions to provide context, add depth, or explain the significance of each photo. Keep text concise and impactful, letting the images remain the focus.
7. Present Your Photo Essay
Choose a platform for presentation, whether online, in a gallery, or as a printed booklet. Consider the layout and design, ensuring that it complements and enhances the visual narrative.
8. Conclude with Impact
End with a strong image or a conclusion that encapsulates the essence of your essay. Leave the viewer with something to ponder , reflecting on the message or emotions you aimed to convey.
Best Photo Essay Example?
One notable example of a powerful photo essay is “The Photographic Essay: Paul Fusco’s ‘RFK Funeral Train'” by Paul Fusco. This photo essay captures the emotional journey of the train carrying the body of Robert F. Kennedy from New York to Washington, D.C., after his assassination in 1968. Fusco’s images beautifully and poignantly document the mourning and respect shown by people along the train route. The series is a moving portrayal of grief, unity, and the impact of a historical moment on the lives of ordinary individuals. The photographs are both artistically compelling and deeply human, making it a notable example of the potential for photo essays to convey complex emotions and historical narratives.
Photo Essay Examples and Ideas to Edit & Download
- A Day in the Life Photo Essay
- Behind the scenes Photo Essay
- Event Photo Essay
- Photo Essay on Meal
- Photo Essay on Photo walking
- Photo Essay on Protest
- Photo Essay on Abandoned building
- Education photo essay
- Photo Essay on Events
- Follow the change Photo Essay
- Photo Essay on Personal experiences
Photo Essay Examples & Templates
1. narrative photo essay format example.
![essay for photos Narrative Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Narrative-Photo-Essay.jpg)
nytimes.com
2. Student Photo Essay Example
![essay for photos Student Photo Example](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Student-Photo-Example.jpg)
3. Great Depression Essay Example
![essay for photos Great Depression Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Great-Depression-Essay.jpg)
thshistory.files.wordpress.com
4. Example of Photo Essay
![essay for photos Example of Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Example-of-Photo-Essay.jpg)
weresearchit.co.uk
5. Photo Essay Examples About Nature
![essay for photos Photo Essay Examples About Nature](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Photo-Essay-Examples-About-Nature.jpg)
cge-media-library.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com
6. Travel Photo Example
![essay for photos Travel Photo Example2](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Travel-Photo-Example2.jpg)
theguardian.com
7. Free Photo Essay Example
![essay for photos Free Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Free-Photo-Essay.jpg)
vasantvalley.org
Most Interesting Photo Essays of 2019
Now that you are educated with the fundamentals of photo essays, why not lay eyes on some great photo essays for inspiration. To give you a glimpse of a few epitomes, we collected the best and fascinating photo essays for you. The handpicked samples are as follows:
8. Toys and Us
![essay for photos Toys and Us](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Toys-and-Us.jpg)
journals.openedition.org
This photo essay presents its subject which is the latest genre of photography, toy photography. In this type of picture taking, the photographer aims to give life on the toys and treat them as his/her model. This photography follows the idea of a toy researcher, Katrina Heljakka, who states that also adults and not only children are interested in reimagining and preserving the characters of their toys with the means of roleplay and creating a story about these toys. This photo essay is based on the self-reflection of the author on a friend’s toys in their home environment.
9. The Faces of Nature Example
![essay for photos The Faces of Nature](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Faces-of-Nature.jpg)
godandnature.asa3.org
This photo essay and collection caters the creativity of the author’s mind in seeing the world. In her composition, she justified that there are millions of faces that are naturally made that some of us have not noticed. She also presented tons of photos showing different natural objects that form patterns of faces. Though it was not mentioned in the essay itself, the author has unconsciously showcased the psychological phenomenon, pareidolia. This is the tendency to translate an obscure stimulus that let the observer see faces in inanimate objects or abstract patterns, or even hearing concealed messages in music.
10. The Country Doctor Example
![essay for photos The Country Doctor](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Country-Doctor.jpg)
us1.campaign-archive.com
This photo essay depicts the medical hardships in a small rural town in Colorado called Kremling. For 23 days, Smith shadowed Dr. Ernest Ceriani, witnessing the dramatic life of the small town and capturing the woeful crisis of the region. The picture in this photographic essay was photographed by Smith himself for Life magazine in 1948 but remained as fascinating as it was posted weeks ago.
11. New York City Coffeehouses
![essay for photos New York City Coffeehouses](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/New-York-City-Coffeehouses.jpg)
lens.blogs.nytimes.com
Café Latte, cappuccino, espresso, or flat white—of course, you know these if you have visited a coffee shop at least once. However, the photographer of this photo essay took it to a whole new level of experience. Within two to three days of visiting various coffee places, Mr. Gavrysh stayed most of his day observing at the finest details such as the source of the coffee, the procedure of delivering them, and the process of roasting and grounding them. He also watched how did the baristas perfect the drinks and the reaction of the customers as they received their ordered coffee with delights in their faces. Gavrysh did not mean to compose a coffeehouse guide, but to make a composition that describes modern, local places where coffee is sipped and treated with respect.
12. Hungry Planet: What The World Eats
![essay for photos Hungry Planet What The World Eats](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hungry-Planet_-What-The-World-Eats.jpg)
13. Photo Essay Example
![essay for photos Photo Essay Example](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Photo-Essay-Example-.jpg)
cah.utexas.edu
14. Photo Essay in PDF
![essay for photos Photo Essay in PDF](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Photo-Essay-in-PDF.jpg)
condor.depaul.edu
15. Sample Photo Essay Example
![essay for photos Sample Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sample-Photo-Essay.jpg)
colorado.edu
16. Basic Photo Essay Example
![essay for photos Basic Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Basic-Photo-Essay.jpg)
adaptation-undp.org
17. Printable Photo Essay Example
![essay for photos Printable Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Printable-Photo-Essay.jpg)
One of the basic necessity of a person to live according to his/her will is food. In this photo essay, you will see how these necessities vary in several ways. In 2005, a pair of Peter Menzel and Faith D’ Aluisio released a book that showcased the meals of an average family in 24 countries. Ecuador, south-central Mali, China, Mexico, Kuwait, Norway, and Greenland are among the nations they visited. This photo essay is written to raise awareness about the influence of environment and culture to the cost and calories of the foods laid on the various dining tables across the globe.
Photo essays are not just about photographic aesthetics but also the stories that authors built behind those pictures. In this collection of captivating photo essays, reflect on how to write your own. If you are allured and still can’t get enough, there’s no need for you to be frantic about. Besides, there are thousands of samples and templates on our website to browse. Visit us to check them all out.
What are good topics for a photo essay?
- Urban Exploration: Document the unique architecture, street life, and cultural diversity of urban environments.
- Environmental Conservation: Capture the beauty of natural landscapes or document environmental issues, showcasing the impact of climate change or conservation efforts.
- Everyday Life in Your Community: Showcase the daily lives, traditions, and activities of people in your local community.
- Family Traditions: Document the customs, rituals, and special moments within your own family or another family.
- Youth Culture: Explore the lifestyle, challenges, and aspirations of young people in your community or around the world.
- Behind-the-Scenes at an Event: Provide a backstage look at the preparation and execution of an event, such as a concert, festival, or sports competition.
- A Day in the Life of a Profession: Follow a professional in their daily activities, offering insights into their work, challenges, and routines.
- Social Issues: Address important social issues like homelessness, poverty, immigration, or healthcare, raising awareness through visual storytelling.
- Cultural Celebrations: Document cultural festivals, ceremonies, or celebrations that showcase the diversity of traditions in your region or beyond.
- Education Around the World: Explore the various facets of education globally, from classrooms to the challenges students face in different cultures.
- Workplace Dynamics: Capture the atmosphere, interactions, and diversity within different workplaces or industries.
- Street Art and Graffiti: Document the vibrant and dynamic world of street art, capturing the expressions of local artists.
- Animal Rescues or Shelters: Focus on the efforts of organizations or individuals dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals.
- Migration Stories: Explore the experiences and challenges of individuals or communities affected by migration.
- Global Food Culture: Document the diversity of food cultures, from local markets to family meals, showcasing the role of food in different societies.
How to Write a Photo Essay
First of all, you would need to find a topic that you are interested in. With this, you can conduct thorough research on the topic that goes beyond what is common. This would mean that it would be necessary to look for facts that not a lot of people know about. Not only will this make your essay interesting, but this may also help you capture the necessary elements for your images.
Remember, the ability to manipulate the emotions of your audience will allow you to build a strong connection with them. Knowing this, you need to plan out your shots. With the different emotions and concepts in mind, your images should tell a story along with the essay outline .
1. Choose Your Topic
- Select a compelling subject that interests you and can be explored visually.
- Consider the story or message you want to convey. It should be something that can be expressed through images.
2. Plan Your Essay
- Outline your narrative. Decide if your photo essay will tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end, or if it will explore a theme or concept.
- Research your subject if necessary, especially if you’re covering a complex or unfamiliar topic.
3. Capture Your Images
- Take a variety of photos. Include wide shots to establish the setting, close-ups to show details, and medium shots to focus on subjects.
- Consider different angles and perspectives to add depth and interest to your essay.
- Shoot more than you need. Having a large selection of images to choose from will make the editing process easier.
4. Select Your Images
- Choose photos that best tell your story or convey your theme.
- Look for images that evoke emotion or provoke thought.
- Ensure there’s a mix of compositions to keep the viewer engaged.
- Sequence your images in a way that makes narrative or thematic sense.
- Consider the flow and how each image transitions to the next.
- Use juxtaposition to highlight contrasts or similarities.
6. Add Captions or Text (Optional)
- Write captions to provide context or additional information about each photo. Keep them brief and impactful.
- Consider including an introduction or conclusion to frame your essay. This can be helpful in setting the stage or offering a final reflection.
7. Edit and Refine
- Review the sequence of your photos. Make sure they flow smoothly and clearly convey your intended story or theme.
- Adjust the layout as needed, ensuring that the visual arrangement is aesthetically pleasing and supports the narrative.
8. Share Your Essay
- Choose the right platform for your photo essay, whether it’s a blog, online publication, exhibition, or print.
- Consider your audience and tailor the presentation of your essay to suit their preferences and expectations.
Types of Photo Essay
Photo essays are a compelling medium to tell a story, convey emotions, or present a perspective through a series of photographs. Understanding the different types of photo essays can help photographers and storytellers choose the best approach for their project. Here are the main types of photo essays:
1. Narrative Photo Essays
- Purpose: To tell a story or narrate an event in a chronological sequence.
- Characteristics: Follows a clear storyline with a beginning, middle, and end. It often includes characters, a setting, and a plot.
- Examples: A day in the life of a firefighter, the process of crafting traditional pottery.
2. Thematic Photo Essays
- Purpose: To explore a specific theme, concept, or issue without being bound to a chronological sequence.
- Characteristics: Centers around a unified theme, with each photo contributing to the overall concept.
- Examples: The impact of urbanization on the environment, the beauty of natural landscapes.
3. Conceptual Photo Essays
- Purpose: To convey an idea or evoke a series of emotions through abstract or metaphorical images.
- Characteristics: Focuses on delivering a conceptual message or emotional response, often using symbolism.
- Examples: Loneliness in the digital age, the concept of freedom.
4. Expository or Informative Photo Essays
- Purpose: To inform or educate the viewer about a subject with a neutral viewpoint.
- Characteristics: Presents factual information on a topic, often accompanied by captions or brief texts to provide context.
- Examples: The process of coffee production, a day at an animal rescue center.
5. Persuasive Photo Essays
- Purpose: To convince the viewer of a particular viewpoint or to highlight social issues.
- Characteristics: Designed to persuade or elicit action, these essays may focus on social, environmental, or political issues.
- Examples: The effects of plastic pollution, the importance of historical preservation.
6. Personal Photo Essays
- Purpose: To express the photographer’s personal experiences, emotions, or journeys.
- Characteristics: Highly subjective and personal, often reflecting the photographer’s intimate feelings or experiences.
- Examples: A personal journey through grief, documenting one’s own home during quarantine.
7. Environmental Photo Essays
- Purpose: To showcase landscapes, wildlife, and environmental issues.
- Characteristics: Focuses on the natural world or environmental challenges, aiming to raise awareness or appreciation.
- Examples: The melting ice caps, wildlife in urban settings.
8. Travel Photo Essays
- Purpose: To explore and present the culture, landscapes, people, and experiences of different places.
- Characteristics: Captures the essence of a location, showcasing its uniqueness and the experiences of traveling.
- Examples: A road trip across the American Southwest, the vibrant streets of a bustling city.
How do you start a picture essay?
1. choose a compelling theme or topic:.
Select a theme or topic that resonates with you and has visual storytelling potential. It could be a personal project, an exploration of a social issue, or a visual journey through a specific place or event.
2. Research and Conceptualize:
Conduct research on your chosen theme to understand its nuances, context, and potential visual elements. Develop a conceptual framework for your photo essay, outlining the key aspects you want to capture.
3. Define Your Storytelling Approach:
Determine how you want to convey your narrative. Consider whether your photo essay will follow a chronological sequence, a thematic structure, or a more abstract and conceptual approach.
4. Create a Shot List:
Develop a list of specific shots you want to include in your essay. This can help guide your photography and ensure you capture a diverse range of images that contribute to your overall narrative.
5. Plan the Introduction:
Think about how you want to introduce your photo essay. The first image or series of images should grab the viewer’s attention and set the tone for the narrative.
6. Consider the Flow:
Plan the flow of your photo essay, ensuring a logical progression of images that tells a cohesive and engaging story. Consider the emotional impact and visual variety as you sequence your photographs.
7. Shoot with Purpose:
Start capturing images with your conceptual framework in mind. Focus on images that align with your theme and contribute to the overall narrative. Look for moments that convey emotion, tell a story, or reveal aspects of your chosen subject.
8. Experiment with Perspectives and Techniques:
Explore different perspectives, compositions, and photographic techniques to add visual interest and depth to your essay. Consider using a variety of shots, including wide-angle, close-ups, and detail shots.
9. Write Descriptive Captions:
As you capture images, think about the accompanying captions. Captions should provide context, additional information, or insights that enhance the viewer’s understanding of each photograph.
What are the key elements of a photo essay?
1. Theme or Topic:
Clearly defined subject matter or theme that unifies the photographs and tells a cohesive story.
2. Narrative Structure:
An intentional narrative structure that guides the viewer through the photo essay, whether chronological, thematic, or conceptual.
3. Introduction:
A strong introduction that captures the viewer’s attention and sets the tone for the photo essay.
4. Captivating Images:
A series of high-quality and visually compelling images that effectively convey the chosen theme or story.
5. Variety of Shots:
A variety of shots, including wide-angle, close-ups, detail shots, and different perspectives, to add visual interest and depth.
6. Sequencing:
Careful sequencing of images to create a logical flow and emotional impact, guiding the viewer through the narrative.
7. Captions and Text:
Thoughtful captions or accompanying text that provide context, additional information, or insights, enhancing the viewer’s understanding.
8. Conclusion:
A concluding section that brings the photo essay to a satisfying close, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
Purpose of a Photo Essay
With good writing skills , a person is able to tell a story through words. However, adding images for your essay will give it the dramatic effect it needs. The photographs and the text work hand in hand to create something compelling enough to attract an audience.
This connection goes beyond something visual, as photo essays are also able to connect with an audience emotionally. This is to create an essay that is effective enough to relay a given message.
5 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Find the right angle and be dramatic with your description, just be creative.
- Pay attention to detail. Chances are, your audience will notice every single detail of your photograph.
- Shoot everything. Behind a single beautiful photo is a hundred more shots.
- Don’t think twice about editing. Editing is where the magic happens. It has the ability to add more drama to your images.
- Have fun. Don’t stress yourself out too much but instead, grow from your experience.
What is a photo essay for school?
A school photo essay is a visual storytelling project for educational purposes, typically assigned to students. It involves creating a narrative using a series of carefully curated photographs on a chosen theme.
How many pictures should be in a photo essay?
The number of pictures in a photo essay varies based on the chosen theme and narrative structure. It can range from a few impactful images to a more extensive series, typically around 10-20 photographs.
Is a photo essay a story?
Yes, a photo essay is a visual storytelling form. It uses a series of carefully curated photographs to convey a narrative, evoke emotions, or communicate a specific message or theme.
What makes a photo essay unforgettable?
An unforgettable photo essay is characterized by a powerful theme, emotionally resonant images, a well-crafted narrative structure, attention to detail, and a connection that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.
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Text prompt
- Instructive
- Professional
Create a Photo Essay on the theme of urban exploration.
Discuss the story of a local community event through a Photo Essay.
Pictures That Tell Stories: Photo Essay Examples
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Like any other type of artist, a photographer’s job is to tell a story through their pictures. While some of the most creative among us can invoke emotion or convey a thought with one single photo, the rest of us will rely on a photo essay.
In the following article, we’ll go into detail about what a photo essay is and how to craft one while providing some detailed photo essay examples.
What is a Photo Essay?
A photo essay is a series of photographs that, when assembled in a particular order, tell a unique and compelling story. While some photographers choose only to use pictures in their presentations, others will incorporate captions, comments, or even full paragraphs of text to provide more exposition for the scene they are unfolding.
A photo essay is a well-established part of photojournalism and have been used for decades to present a variety of information to the reader. Some of the most famous photo essayists include Ansel Adams , W. Eugene Smith, and James Nachtwey. Of course, there are thousands of photo essay examples out there from which you can draw inspiration.
Why Consider Creating a Photo Essay?
As the old saying goes, “a picture is worth 1000 words.” This adage is, for many photographers, reason enough to hold a photo essay in particularly high regard.
For others, a photo essay allow them to take pictures that are already interesting and construct intricate, emotionally-charged tales out of them. For all photographers, it is yet another skill they can master to become better at their craft.
As you might expect, the photo essay have had a long history of being associated with photojournalism. From the Great Depression to Civil Rights Marches and beyond, many compelling stories have been told through a combination of images and text, or photos alone. A photo essay often evokes an intense reaction, whether artistic in nature or designed to prove a socio-political point.
Below, we’ll list some famous photo essay samples to further illustrate the subject.
![woman-holding-polaroid-pictures-3967765 Women holding polaroid](https://colesclassroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/woman-holding-polaroid-pictures-3967765.jpg)
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Famous Photo Essays
“The Great Depression” by Dorothea Lange – Shot and arranged in the 1930s, this famous photo essay still serves as a stark reminder of The Great Depression and Dust Bowl America . Beautifully photographed, the black and white images offer a bleak insight to one of the country’s most difficult times.
“The Vietnam War” by Philip Jones Griffiths – Many artists consider the Griffiths’ photo essay works to be some of the most important records of the war in Vietnam. His photographs and great photo essays are particularly well-remembered for going against public opinion and showing the suffering of the “other side,” a novel concept when it came to war photography.
Various American Natural Sites by Ansel Adams – Adams bought the beauty of nature home to millions, photographing the American Southwest and places like Yosemite National Park in a way that made the photos seem huge, imposing, and beautiful.
“Everyday” by Noah Kalina – Is a series of photographs arranged into a video. This photo essay features daily photographs of the artist himself, who began taking capturing the images when he was 19 and continued to do so for six years.
“Signed, X” by Kate Ryan – This is a powerful photo essay put together to show the long-term effects of sexual violence and assault. This photo essay is special in that it remains ongoing, with more subjects being added every year.
Common Types of Photo Essays
While a photo essay do not have to conform to any specific format or design, there are two “umbrella terms” under which almost all genres of photo essays tend to fall. A photo essay is thematic and narrative. In the following section, we’ll give some details about the differences between the two types, and then cover some common genres used by many artists.
⬥ Thematic
A thematic photo essay speak on a specific subject. For instance, numerous photo essays were put together in the 1930s to capture the ruin of The Great Depression. Though some of these presentations followed specific people or families, they mostly told the “story” of the entire event. There is much more freedom with a thematic photo essay, and you can utilize numerous locations and subjects. Text is less common with these types of presentations.
⬥ Narrative
A narrative photo essay is much more specific than thematic essays, and they tend to tell a much more direct story. For instance, rather than show a number of scenes from a Great Depression Era town, the photographer might show the daily life of a person living in Dust Bowl America. There are few rules about how broad or narrow the scope needs to be, so photographers have endless creative freedom. These types of works frequently utilize text.
Common Photo Essay Genres
Walk a City – This photo essay is when you schedule a time to walk around a city, neighborhood, or natural site with the sole goal of taking photos. Usually thematic in nature, this type of photo essay allows you to capture a specific place, it’s energy, and its moods and then pass them along to others.
The Relationship Photo Essay – The interaction between families and loved ones if often a fascinating topic for a photo essay. This photo essay genre, in particular, gives photographers an excellent opportunity to capture complex emotions like love and abstract concepts like friendship. When paired with introspective text, the results can be quite stunning.
The Timelapse Transformation Photo Essay – The goal of a transformation photo essay is to capture the way a subject changes over time. Some people take years or even decades putting together a transformation photo essay, with subjects ranging from people to buildings to trees to particular areas of a city.
Going Behind The Scenes Photo Essay – Many people are fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes of big events. Providing the photographer can get access; to an education photo essay can tell a very unique and compelling story to their viewers with this photo essay.
Photo Essay of a Special Event – There are always events and occasions going on that would make an interesting subject for a photo essay. Ideas for this photo essay include concerts, block parties, graduations, marches, and protests. Images from some of the latter were integral to the popularity of great photo essays.
The Daily Life Photo Essay – This type of photo essay often focus on a single subject and attempt to show “a day in the life” of that person or object through the photographs. This type of photo essay can be quite powerful depending on the subject matter and invoke many feelings in the people who view them.
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Photo Essay Ideas and Examples
One of the best ways to gain a better understanding of photo essays is to view some photo essay samples. If you take the time to study these executions in detail, you’ll see just how photo essays can make you a better photographer and offer you a better “voice” with which to speak to your audience.
Some of these photo essay ideas we’ve already touched on briefly, while others will be completely new to you.
Cover a Protest or March
Some of the best photo essay examples come from marches, protests, and other events associated with movements or socio-political statements. Such events allow you to take pictures of angry, happy, or otherwise empowered individuals in high-energy settings. The photo essay narrative can also be further enhanced by arriving early or staying long after the protest has ended to catch contrasting images.
Photograph a Local Event
Whether you know it or not, countless unique and interesting events are happening in and around your town this year. Such events provide photographers new opportunities to put together a compelling photo essay. From ethnic festivals to historical events to food and beverage celebrations, there are many different ways to capture and celebrate local life.
Visit an Abandoned Site or Building
Old homes and historical sites are rich with detail and can sometimes appear dilapidated, overgrown by weeds, or broken down by time. These qualities make them a dynamic and exciting subject. Many great photo essay works of abandoned homes use a mix of far-away shots, close-ups, weird angles, and unique lighting. Such techniques help set a mood that the audience can feel through the photographic essay.
Chronicle a Pregnancy
Few photo essay topics could be more personal than telling the story of a pregnancy. Though this photo essay example can require some preparation and will take a lot of time, the results of a photographic essay like this are usually extremely emotionally-charged and touching. In some cases, photographers will continue the photo essay project as the child grows as well.
Photograph Unique Lifestyles
People all over the world are embracing society’s changes in different ways. People live in vans or in “tiny houses,” living in the woods miles away from everyone else, and others are growing food on self-sustaining farms. Some of the best photo essay works have been born out of these new, inspiring movements.
Photograph Animals or Pets
If you have a favorite animal (or one that you know very little about), you might want to arrange a way to see it up close and tell its story through images. You can take photos like this in a zoo or the animal’s natural habitat, depending on the type of animal you choose. Pets are another great topic for a photo essay and are among the most popular subjects for many photographers.
Show Body Positive Themes
So much of modern photography is about showing the best looking, prettiest, or sexiest people at all times. Choosing a photo essay theme like body positivity, however, allows you to film a wide range of interesting-looking people from all walks of life.
Such a photo essay theme doesn’t just apply to women, as beauty can be found everywhere. As a photo essay photographer, it’s your job to find it!
Bring Social Issues to Life
Some of the most impactful social photo essay examples are those where the photographer focuses on social issues. From discrimination to domestic violence to the injustices of the prison system, there are many ways that a creative photographer can highlight what’s wrong with the world. This type of photo essay can be incredibly powerful when paired with compelling subjects and some basic text.
Photograph Style and Fashion
If you live in or know of a particularly stylish locale or area, you can put together an excellent thematic photo essay by capturing impromptu shots of well-dressed people as they pass by. As with culture, style is easily identifiable and is as unifying as it is divisive. Great photo essay examples include people who’ve covered fashion sub-genres from all over the world, like urban hip hop or Japanese Visual Kei.
Photograph Native Cultures and Traditions
If you’ve ever opened up a copy of National Geographic, you’ve probably seen photo essay photos that fit this category. To many, the traditions, dress, religious ceremonies, and celebrations of native peoples and foreign cultures can be utterly captivating. For travel photographers, this photo essay is considered one of the best ways to tell a story with or without text.
Capture Seasonal Or Time Changes In A Landmark Photo Essay
Time-lapse photography is very compelling to most viewers. What they do in a few hours, however, others are doing over months, years, and even decades. If you know of an exciting landscape or scene, you can try to capture the same image in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, and put that all together into one landmark photo essay.
Alternatively, you can photograph something being lost or ravaged by time or weather. The subject of your landmark photo essay can be as simple as the wall of an old building or as complex as an old house in the woods being taken over by nature. As always, there are countless transformation-based landmark photo essay works from which you can draw inspiration.
Photograph Humanitarian Efforts or Charity
Humanitarian efforts by groups like Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders can invoke a powerful response through even the simplest of photos. While it can be hard to put yourself in a position to get the images, there are countless photo essay examples to serve as inspiration for your photo essay project.
How to Create a Photo Essay
There is no singular way to create a photo essay. As it is, ultimately, and artistic expression of the photographer, there is no right, wrong, good, or bad. However, like all stories, some tell them well and those who do not. Luckily, as with all things, practice does make perfect. Below, we’ve listed some basic steps outlining how to create a photo essay
Steps To Create A Photo Essay
Choose Your Topic – While some photo essayists will be able to “happen upon” a photo story and turn it into something compelling, most will want to choose their photo essay topics ahead of time. While the genres listed above should provide a great starting place, it’s essential to understand that photo essay topics can cover any event or occasion and any span of time
Do Some Research – The next step to creating a photo essay is to do some basic research. Examples could include learning the history of the area you’re shooting or the background of the person you photograph. If you’re photographing a new event, consider learning the story behind it. Doing so will give you ideas on what to look for when you’re shooting.
Make a Storyboard – Storyboards are incredibly useful tools when you’re still in the process of deciding what photo story you want to tell. By laying out your ideas shot by shot, or even doing rough illustrations of what you’re trying to capture, you can prepare your photo story before you head out to take your photos.
This process is especially important if you have little to no control over your chosen subject. People who are participating in a march or protest, for instance, aren’t going to wait for you to get in position before offering up the perfect shot. You need to know what you’re looking for and be prepared to get it.
Get the Right Images – If you have a shot list or storyboard, you’ll be well-prepared to take on your photo essay. Make sure you give yourself enough time (where applicable) and take plenty of photos, so you have a lot from which to choose. It would also be a good idea to explore the area, show up early, and stay late. You never know when an idea might strike you.
Assemble Your Story – Once you develop or organize your photos on your computer, you need to choose the pictures that tell the most compelling photo story or stories. You might also find some great images that don’t fit your photo story These can still find a place in your portfolio, however, or perhaps a completely different photo essay you create later.
Depending on the type of photographer you are, you might choose to crop or digitally edit some of your photos to enhance the emotions they invoke. Doing so is completely at your discretion, but worth considering if you feel you can improve upon the naked image.
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Best Photo Essays Tips And Tricks
Before you approach the art of photo essaying for the first time, you might want to consider with these photo essay examples some techniques, tips, and tricks that can make your session more fun and your final results more interesting. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best advice we could find on the subject of photo essays.
⬥ Experiment All You Want
You can, and should, plan your topic and your theme with as much attention to detail as possible. That said, some of the best photo essay examples come to us from photographers that got caught up in the moment and decided to experiment in different ways. Ideas for experimentation include the following:
Angles – Citizen Kane is still revered today for the unique, dramatic angles used in the film. Though that was a motion picture and not photography, the same basic principles still apply. Don’t be afraid to photograph some different angles to see how they bring your subject to life in different ways.
Color – Some images have more gravitas in black in white or sepia tone. You can say the same for images that use color in an engaging, dynamic way. You always have room to experiment with color, both before and after the shoot.
Contrast – Dark and light, happy and sad, rich and poor – contrast is an instantly recognizable form of tension that you can easily include in your photo essay. In some cases, you can plan for dramatic contrasts. In other cases, you simply need to keep your eyes open.
Exposure Settings – You can play with light in terms of exposure as well, setting a number of different moods in the resulting photos. Some photographers even do random double exposures to create a photo essay that’s original.
Filters – There are endless post-production options available to photographers, particularly if they use digital cameras. Using different programs and apps, you can completely alter the look and feel of your image, changing it from warm to cool or altering dozens of different settings.
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If you’re using traditional film instead of a digital camera, you’re going to want to stock up. Getting the right shots for a photo essay usually involves taking hundreds of images that will end up in the rubbish bin. Taking extra pictures you won’t use is just the nature of the photography process. Luckily, there’s nothing better than coming home to realize that you managed to capture that one, perfect photograph.
⬥ Set the Scene
You’re not just telling a story to your audience – you’re writing it as well. If the scene you want to capture doesn’t have the look you want, don’t be afraid to move things around until it does. While this doesn’t often apply to photographing events that you have no control over, you shouldn’t be afraid to take a second to make an OK shot a great shot.
⬥ Capture Now, Edit Later
Editing, cropping, and digital effects can add a lot of drama and artistic flair to your photos. That said, you shouldn’t waste time on a shoot, thinking about how you can edit it later. Instead, make sure you’re capturing everything that you want and not missing out on any unique pictures. If you need to make changes later, you’ll have plenty of time!
⬥ Make It Fun
As photographers, we know that taking pictures is part art, part skill, and part performance. If you want to take the best photo essays, you need to loosen up and have fun. Again, you’ll want to plan for your topic as best as you can, but don’t be afraid to lose yourself in the experience. Once you let yourself relax, both the ideas and the opportunities will manifest.
⬥ It’s All in The Details
When someone puts out a photographic essay for an audience, that work usually gets analyzed with great attention to detail. You need to apply this same level of scrutiny to the shots you choose to include in your photo essay. If something is out of place or (in the case of historical work) out of time, you can bet the audience will notice.
⬥ Consider Adding Text
While it isn’t necessary, a photographic essay can be more powerful by the addition of text. This is especially true of images with an interesting background story that can’t be conveyed through the image alone. If you don’t feel up to the task of writing content, consider partnering with another artist and allowing them tor bring your work to life.
Final Thoughts
The world is waiting to tell us story after story. Through the best photo essays, we can capture the elements of those stories and create a photo essay that can invoke a variety of emotions in our audience.
No matter the type of cameras we choose, the techniques we embrace, or the topics we select, what really matters is that the photos say something about the people, objects, and events that make our world wonderful.
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45 Photo Essay Topics
Most academic writing assignments involve just that – writing. But in the case of a photo essay, the assignment becomes one of both writing and photography. A photo essay is simply an essay that uses images instead of (or in addition to) words to tell a story or make a point.
A good photo essay will capture your audience’s attention and tell a story that resonates with them on an emotional level. To create a successful photo essay, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
This detailed guide will walk you through the essential steps of creating a photo essay and provide you with 45 photo essay topics to get you started.
What Is a Photo Essay?
A photo essay is a written piece that uses images to tell a story or make a point. In other words, it’s an essay that depends primarily on visuals rather than text to communicate its message.
Photo essays are usually themed around a particular subject or topic and can be created for a variety of purposes. They can be used to:
- Tell a news story
- Raise awareness about an important issue
- Share a personal experience
- Document a place or event
- Highlight the work of a specific artist or photographer
No matter what the purpose of your photo essay is, there are a few key elements that should be included in order to impact the audience to the best degree.
What Makes a Good Photo Essay?
A good photo essay will have a clear focus, with each image adding something new to the story. It should also be structured to make sense so that the viewer can easily follow along and understand the point you’re trying to make.
When choosing images for your photo essay, be sure to select ones that are high quality and have a consistent theme or style. This will help create a cohesive story that is visually pleasing and easy to follow.
It’s also important to ensure that your images are appropriately captioned and credited, especially if you’re using someone else’s work. This ensures that your photo essay is both accurate and legal.
Steps for Creating a Photo Essay
Creating a photo essay is a process that requires time, patience, and careful planning. Follow these steps to create a successful photo essay:
1. Choose a topic or theme
The first step in creating a photo essay is to choose the topic or theme you want to focus on. This can be anything from a place, an event, or even a person. Once you’ve decided on your subject, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas for your essay.
2. Do your research
If you’re documenting a place or an event, it’s important to do your research beforehand. This will help you understand your subject’s background and give you a better idea of what to include in your essay.
3. Gather your material
Now it’s time to start gathering the material for your essay. This includes both images and text. Remember, if you’re using someone else’s photos, be sure to get their permission first.
4. Choose a format
There are a few different ways you can format your photo essay. The most common is to create a series of images that progress in a linear fashion, such as from left to right or top to bottom.
Another option is to arrange your images more abstractly, such as in a grid or collage. This can help to add visual interest and variety to your essay.
5. Edit your material
Once you have all of your material gathered, it’s time to start editing. This includes both choosing which images to use and writing the accompanying text.
For the images, you’ll want to select those that are the most visually appealing and that best support the story you’re trying to tell. As you edit, also be sure to crop and resize your images as needed.
For the text, you’ll want to write a brief introduction and conclusion, as well as captions for each of your images. The goal is to provide just enough context and information to help viewers understand what they’re seeing.
6. Design your essay
Now it’s time to start putting your photo essay together. If you’re using a linear format, begin by arranging your images in the order you want them to appear. Then, add the accompanying text.
If you’re using a more creative format, start by playing around with different ways to arrange your images. Then, add the text once you’ve settled on a design you like.
7. Finalize and Hand it in
Once you’ve designed your photo essay, it’s time to finalize it and hand it in. Be sure to proofread the text for any errors and check the images to ensure they’re properly captioned. It is highly recommended to use a professional printing service to print your photo essay to ensure the best possible quality.
Understanding how to create a photo essay is only half the battle. The other half is finding a topic that you’re passionate about that will also interest your audience. To help get you started, here are 45 ideas for photo essay topics:
Photo Essay Topics About Places
- Your hometown
- A nearby city or town
- A favorite vacation spot
- An interesting landmark
- A place from your childhood
- A hidden gem in your town
- The most beautiful place you’ve ever been
- The most interesting place you’ve ever been
- The strangest place you’ve ever been
- A place that is significant to you for personal reasons
- A place that is significant to your family
- A place with a lot of history
- A place that is in danger of disappearing
Photo Essay Topics About Events
- A sporting event
- A music festival
- A parade or procession
- A protest or demonstration
- An annual celebration in your town
- A once-in-a-lifetime event that you witnessed
- An event that had a significant impact on you
- An event that had a significant impact on your community
- An event that is widely considered to be positive
- An event that is widely considered to be negative
- A controversial event
- A natural disaster
- A man-made disaster
Photo Essay Topics About People
- The people in your neighborhood
- The people at your job
- Your family
- Your friends
- The elderly
- A group of people with a common interest or hobby
- A group of people from a different culture than your own
- A group of people who are disadvantaged or marginalized in some way
- A group of people who are often misunderstood
- Celebrities
- Politicians
- Everyday people
Photo Essay Topics About Concepts
A photo essay is an interesting assignment that can help you express your creativity while also teaching you how to pay attention to detail, tell a story, and edit images. If you follow the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful photo essay.
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![essay for photos Group 6](https://essaystone.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Group-6.png)
Photo Essay
Juxtapose photos to tell a unique story.
A photo essay is a set of photographs shown in a specific sequence in order to explore a theme, tell a story, or evoke an emotional response. It can take the form of a published book, a feature in a paper magazine, an art gallery exhibit, or a web page. In this project you will use 6-12 twelve photos to tell a unique story, which you explain in a brief narrative and share online.
- Photography
Learning Goals
After you finish this activity you will be able to:
- Plan a photo essay using a shot list
- Write concise captions that complement your photos
- Produce well-composed photos that are sharp and well lit
- Demonstrate respect for privacy by obtaining photo releases
- Assignment Rubric
Instructions
Follow these steps to complete the project.
To track your progress, click each step as you finish.
Get inspired
An excellent first step in creating any media work is to examine exemplary works of the same type. Make a list for yourself of what makes these examples strong and inspiring.
Don't skip this step!
1 | Peruse any or all of the links in the box. |
Tame your tools
By growing your skills in the tools used in any project, you save yourself time and produce stronger work.
2 | Peruse any or all of the tutorials in the box. |
Create a folder to store project resources
When beginning a new media project, it's best to organize your resources in a single location.
3 | Create a folder on your Desktop named something memorable, such as . In this folder you'll organize all your resources for this project. |
4 | Create sub-folders in your project folder titled and . You will use these folders to store research notes, and all project images, respectively. |
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/photo-essay/create-folder.png)
Alternate File Storage You may also organize your documents in cloud storage, such as Box or Google Drive .
Choose a topic and research it
The research phase will help you clearly identify and focus your photo essay around a single topic.
5 | Start by narrowing your focus. This background will help you choose the angle you will take in telling the story and planning the kinds of shots you will need. Will you focus on...? |
6 | Learn as much as you can about how others 'see' your topic. Begin by performing a Google Images search and gather those images you find inspirational for how they visually of their topic. Save them in your subfolder. |
Google Image Search Image Repositories There are many other image repositories online offering free strock images, including Pixabay , Unsplash , and Pexels . ">
Example | Chinese New Year festival
7 | Now, learn everything you can about the topic—dive deep! A simple internet search may produce enough information, but you might also consider . Save all notes and supporting materials in your subfolder. |
Google Search
Prepare for your photo shoot.
Now that you have researched your topic, you will prepare for your photo shoot by creating a Story Outline and Shot List , and obtaining Signed Releases from anyone you will record. You will also gather your equipment and any props you will need.
8 | Your photo essay is going to tell a story. That means it needs a beginning, middle and ending. Answer the questions in the and save it to your subfolder. |
9 | Next, navigate to our . Select > to copy the template to your own Google Drive. Creating a shot list helps you plan deliberately for your shoot. You may with to consider using these common . Make sure to save your completed Shot List to your subfolder. |
10 | Note that privacy rights vary by country. You will want to be aware of local laws and cultural norms when photographing. We recommend you read to learn more. Get signed talent releases as necessary and save them to your subfolder. |
11 | Gather your equipment. You may take quality photos with a phone or mobile device. However, for the highest quality images, we recommend reserving from OIT, such as the . |
Conduct the photoshoot
Now that you have planned and prepared well for your photoshoot, you will travel to your planned locations and conduct the shoot. If do use a phone or mobile device, you may wish to review these Tips for taking great photos with your phone .
12 | Take of photographs: 100 or more! Capture multiple versions of each shot. Preview the results at the location to ensure you've captured what you needed. In some cases you may not have a second chance to take a photo. Upload a copy of each useful image to your Google Drive or other storage space . Your device stores the first copy of each image, but devices and cards get lost. |
13 | If you decide to use previously printed photos, you may digitize them with the scanners in the Hesburgh Library. |
14 | Save all images to your subfolder and credit any authors whose resources require attribution. |
Select and caption your photos
In this step, you will select, edit and caption the photos from your photoshoot to include in your essay.
15 | Pick the 6-12 images that best tell the story with a clear beginning and ending. Include a variety of categories, sizes, angles, and shots. Make copies of them and move the copies to a new folder inside your project folder. You will edit photos ONLY from this folder. |
16 | For any photos which require editing, we recommend you use a photo editing application such as Adobe Photoshop to make minor adjustments. The most common adjustments include: |
17 | Create captions for your chosen photos. Aim to write 50-100 words that give the viewer information they see. Save your captions text in your subfolder. |
Create and title a new Adobe Spark project
Now that you've written your script and gathered your edited and captioned images, you're ready to create your photo essay on the Adobe Spark platform.
18 | First, review best practices in . We highly recommend the course on LinkedIn Learning "> if you intend to do advanced editing. |
19 | . Click to use your Notre Dame Google account. |
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/digital-story/login-to-spark.jpg)
20 | Click the create new project icon ( ) to create a new project. |
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/digital-story/blue-plus.jpg)
21 | Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select . |
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/digital-story/create-video.jpg)
22 | Enter the and (optional) of your essay and click the photo icon ( ) to add a background. We recommend selecting the most iconic/representative photo from your photo essay as the background. |
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/photo-essay/enter-title.png)
Add photos to your photo essay
In this step you'll add the photos that make up the story (main content) of your photo essay.
23 | To begin adding your photos, captions and other supporting essay text, click the new photo icon ( ). From the pop-up menu, click the photo icon ( ) to add a new photo. Finally, select a photo source at right or upload a photo directly. |
× Use 'Photo' Option Only Do not choose the 'photo grid', 'slideshow', or 'split layout' options.
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/photo-essay/add-photos.png)
24 | For each photo you add, select a placement style ('inline', 'fill screen', 'window', etc.) and paste in the caption you wrote earlier for that photo. |
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/photo-essay/add-first-photo.png)
Preview and share your photo essay
After you've finished adding photos, you'll perform a final review of your photo essay and share it to the cloud.
25 | Click the ( ) button to preview your photo essay. |
26 | Click the ( ) button and select to open the sharing dialog. Fill in the information on the Publish screen and click the button, at bottom. On the Share screen, copy the shareable link to your photo essay and email it to others. You may also share your project on popular social media. |
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/project-screen-caps/photo-essay/share.png)
Congratulations!
You've grown your multimedia literacy while creating cool things! Well done, you!
You might consider nominating work you are proud of to the Remix Project Showcase !
![essay for photos essay for photos](https://remix.nd.edu/img/example-images/photo-essay.jpg)
Walkthrough
Watch a walkthrough for this project.
Get Inspired
Explore examples of similar projects.
- H[U.S.]TLE Cindy Giron
- behiND the scenes Adriana Maria Perez
- Journey on Foot Across the Nepal Himalaya Lizzy
- An Immigrant's Dream for a Better Life David Gonzalez
- A Photo Essay on the Great Depression Modern American Poetry
- Life on London's First AIDS Ward Excerpted from The Ward by Gideon Mendel
Tame Your Tools
Master the skills used in this project.
- Adobe Spark Tutorial
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a paid service. However, as a faculty, staff, or student at Notre Dame you are eligible for free access. For more information, see our FAQ on LinkedIn Learning
Adobe Spark Accounts
When creating an Adobe Spark account, users who do not already have an Adobe ID should log in under their Notre Dame account by selecting:
Continue with Google
- Compiling an Engaging Photo Essay Rachel Bartlett
- Phone Photography 101: How to Take Good Pictures With Your Phone Lindsay Kolowich
Notre Dame has many helpful resources, including our Media Corps coaching staff , located in the Hesburgh Library.
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- Published: 28 August 2024
Choroidal metastases secondary to lung carcinoma: photo essay
- Abhishek Gupta ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6141-7887 1 ,
- Prabhakar Singh 1 ,
- Mahesh Ravikumar Jansari 2 ,
- Sudip Ghosh 2 ,
- Prabrisha Banerjee 1 ,
- Sweksha Priya 1 ,
- Mahuya Chattopadhyay 1 ,
- Subodh Lakra 1 ,
- Sidharth Sharma ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2415-121X 1 ,
- Shreeyaa Mohanty 1 &
- Anjali Choudhary 1
Eye ( 2024 ) Cite this article
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- Respiratory tract diseases
- Uveal diseases
Our second case is of a 40 year old male who presented with complaint of gradual diminution of vision RE for 1 month. He was known case of lung adenocarcinoma. He was under targeted chemotherapy. Vision in RE-5/60, LE-6/6. Intraocular pressure RE- 16, LE- 17 mm Hg on applanation tonometry. On examination of RE, anterior segment was within normal limits. RE Fundus evaluation revealed a bright yellow choroidal mass above the macula along the superotemporal arcade (Fig. 1c ). There were mottled pigmentary changes over the macula. There was subretinal fluid over the macula which was confirmed on optical coherence tomography. USG B scan showed a dome shaped mass with medium internal reflectivity. He was diagnosed to have choroidal metastases secondary to lung adenocarcinoma. He was advised to continue the chemotherapy and to follow up after 1 month. After 1 month RE vision improved to 6/12. Fundus evaluation revealed complete regression of the choroidal mass with mottled retinal pigmentary changes (Fig. 1d ).
This photo essay is presented to highlight the importance of thorough ocular examination to detect choroidal metastases in patients of lung cancer. If diagnosed early, targeted chemotherapy can lead to visual improvement with complete regression of ocular metastases.
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Authors and affiliations.
Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Kalyani, Kalyani, India
Abhishek Gupta, Prabhakar Singh, Prabrisha Banerjee, Sweksha Priya, Mahuya Chattopadhyay, Subodh Lakra, Sidharth Sharma, Shreeyaa Mohanty & Anjali Choudhary
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Kalyani, Kalyani, India
Mahesh Ravikumar Jansari & Sudip Ghosh
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Contributions
AG—photo documentation. PS—data collection. MJ—editing of pictures. SG—data compilation. SL—data compilation. SP—preparation of manuscript. PB—manuscript writing. MC—photo documentation. SS—photo editing. SM—preparation of manuscript. AJ—photo editing.
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Gupta, A., Singh, P., Jansari, M.R. et al. Choroidal metastases secondary to lung carcinoma: photo essay. Eye (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-024-03316-6
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Received : 14 July 2024
Revised : 06 August 2024
Accepted : 23 August 2024
Published : 28 August 2024
DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-024-03316-6
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
Take your time. A great photo essay is not done in a few hours. You need to put in the time to research it, conceptualizing it, editing, etc. That's why I previously recommended following your passion because it takes a lot of dedication, and if you're not passionate about it - it's difficult to push through. 4.
Here are some handy essay ideas and examples for inspiration! 1. A day in the life. Your first photo essay idea is simple: Track a life over the course of one day. You might make an essay about someone else's life. Or the life of a location, such as the sidewalk outside your house.
Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 5 min read. Photo essays tell a story in pictures, and there are many different ways to style your own photo essay. With a wide range of topics to explore, a photo essay can be thought-provoking, emotional, funny, unsettling, or all of the above, but mostly, they should be unforgettable.
Here are six steps to follow to create a photo essay that tells a memorable story. Choose a specific topic or theme for your photo essay. There are two types of photo essays: the narrative and the thematic. Narrative photo essays focus on a story you're telling the viewer, while thematic photo essays speak to a specific subject.
Choose an idea, hone your unique perspective on it, then start applying the 9 simple steps from above. The life of a plant or animal (your favorite species, a species living in your yard, etc) The many shapes of a single species (a tree species, a bird species, etc) How a place changes over time.
These photo essay topics show other people that it is okay to go out of their comfort zone and run against the wind. 10. Social Issues. View the "Juveniles in Prison" photo essay by Isadora Kosofsky. The best photo essay examples for students are related to social issues, like unemployment, domestic violence, gender discrimination, and more ...
A photo essay is composed of a diversity of views, angles, and focal lengths. While masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson could capture a photo essay with a single prime lens, in his case a 50mm, the ...
4. Event Photo Essay. Events are happening in your local area all the time, and they can make great photo essays. With a little research, you can quickly find many events that you could photograph. There may be bake sales, fundraisers, concerts, art shows, farm markets, block parties, and other non profit event ideas.
Simply put, a photo essay is a way of telling a story through a series of photographs, by one photographer, and may be as little as three or four images or as many as 20-30 or even more. A picture story, on the other hand, is usually a series of photographs by two or more photographers. The images in a photo essay are ordered in a specific way ...
Top 17 Photo Essay Examples. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you inspired to create your own photo essays! 17. Photograph a Protest. Protests tend to be lively events. You will find people standing, moving, and holding banners and signs. This is a great way to practice on a moving crowd.
Take more photos than you need. If you're hoping to get ten to fifteen good shots for the essay, you may need to take several hundred photos to get exactly what you want. Capture each image from a variety of angles. Climb up high or take images from the ground to provide a variety of perspectives for your viewers.
1. Find a topic you care about. Every good photo essay should start with an idea. Otherwise, you'll be shooting without a purpose - and while such an approach may eventually lead to an interesting series of photos, it's far, far easier to begin with a topic and only then take out your camera. As I emphasized above, a photo essay can be ...
Taking a look at how other photographers have approached the same - or similar - subjects can help you figure out the angle you wish to take. This photo essay by Maximilian M. Meduna takes an alternative approach to a popular photo topic - the United States 3 Make a structured plan . Once your research is complete, it's time to make a detailed and structured plan about how you're going to ...
2. A Day in the Life Photo Essay. Highlight a typical day in the life of a person, family, or community. This photographic essay gives you an opportunity to capture the reality of daily life and routines. Focus on the small moments that give insight into the subject's personality and relationships. 3.
Step 1: Read the Where We Are series closely. Step 2: Decide what local community will be the subject of your photo essay. Step 3: Take photos that show both the big picture and the small details ...
Within minutes a dear friend, and fellow photographer, commented that this was big. Bigger than just the two pictures. She and I would spend the next year working on a photo essay that became a blog, that in turn became a book entitled Notes Girls Write.We photographed hundreds of women of all ages with their notes, each one later expressing having their portrait taken with their own words was ...
This month's Photojournalism Links collection highlights 10 excellent photo essays from across the world, including Tomas Munita's photographs from Gaza and Israel, made on assignment for the ...
Photo essays typically open with an establishing shot followed by images ranging from "environmental" and "eyes are the window to the soul" portraits to reportage-style imagery and detail shots. They then wrap up with an appropriate closing shot. The types of photographs vary with the story, while the basic pacing of the presentation ...
6. Include Captions or Text (Optional) Write captions to provide context, add depth, or explain the significance of each photo. Keep text concise and impactful, letting the images remain the focus. 7. Present Your Photo Essay. Choose a platform for presentation, whether online, in a gallery, or as a printed booklet.
Famous Photo Essays. "The Great Depression" by Dorothea Lange - Shot and arranged in the 1930s, this famous photo essay still serves as a stark reminder of The Great Depression and Dust Bowl America. Beautifully photographed, the black and white images offer a bleak insight to one of the country's most difficult times.
Creating a photo essay is a process that requires time, patience, and careful planning. Follow these steps to create a successful photo essay: 1. Choose a topic or theme. The first step in creating a photo essay is to choose the topic or theme you want to focus on. This can be anything from a place, an event, or even a person.
10 Ideas for Creative Photo Essays - Improve Photography. 10 Ideas for Creative Photo Essays. What is the difference between a photo essay and a photo project? In "15 Creative Photography Project Ideas to Get.
A photo essay is a set of photographs shown in a specific sequence in order to explore a theme, tell a story, or evoke an emotional response. It can take the form of a published book, a feature in a paper magazine, an art gallery exhibit, or a web page. In this project you will use 6-12 twelve photos to tell a unique story, which you explain in ...
A photo essay is a form of visual storytelling that develops a narrative across a series of photographs. It originated during the late 1920s in German illustrated journals, initially presenting stories in the objective, distanced tone of news reporting. The photo essay gained wide popularity with the growth of photographically illustrated magazines such as VU (launched in Paris in 1928), LIFE ...
This photo essay is presented to highlight the importance of thorough ocular examination to detect choroidal metastases in patients of lung cancer. If diagnosed early, targeted chemotherapy can ...
See all of the sights and sounds in our photo essay below. Images courtesy of Tijmen Berens. Danny Klein. Share This Tags: Reinier Zonneveld, R² AI Live Music Project.