Scribd
Upload
127 views2 pages

Creating A Photo Essay

Creating a photo essay combines art and journalism to tell a visual story through a sequence of photographs. The photos should have a logical order that conveys the overall theme or narrative. Individual photos should be both artistically composed and informative. There are two main types - narrative essays tell a story through chronological events while thematic essays focus on a central topic. When creating either type, photographers should consider including a variety of shot types like wide angles, portraits, and details to engage and inform the viewer. Captions provide an opportunity to further describe the photos and ensure understanding.

Uploaded by

Aarti Chandrasekhar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
127 views2 pages

Creating A Photo Essay

Creating a photo essay combines art and journalism to tell a visual story through a sequence of photographs. The photos should have a logical order that conveys the overall theme or narrative. Individual photos should be both artistically composed and informative. There are two main types - narrative essays tell a story through chronological events while thematic essays focus on a central topic. When creating either type, photographers should consider including a variety of shot types like wide angles, portraits, and details to engage and inform the viewer. Captions provide an opportunity to further describe the photos and ensure understanding.

Uploaded by

Aarti Chandrasekhar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

CREATING A PHOTO ESSAY

Creating a photo essay is a


combination of art and journalism.
As with a written essay, the
elements of a photo essay should
be structured in a way that easily
conveys a story to the viewer. Each
individual photo contributes to the
overall story, theme, and emotions
of the essay. The photos you
choose must not only be
compositionally and artistically
strong, but also informative and
educational. Finding photos that
have both qualities can be very
challenging, but the result can be
very powerful.

There are two types of photo essays: the narrative and the thematic. The narrative
essay tells a story through a sequence of events or actions. They may follow an
individual or activity over a period of time and present this story in chronological
order. A thematic photo essay focuses on a central theme (e.g. homelessness, the
environment, etc.) and presents photos relevant to that theme.
Regardless of what type of photo essay you choose to present, the following
elements should be considered during its creation:

• The story- Your essay should be able to stand alone, without a written article,
and make logical sense to the viewer.
• A range of photos: A variety of photos (wide angle, detailed, portraits etc.)
should be included. See the types of photos section discussed below.
• The order of the photos: It is important that the order of your photos
effectively tell a story, in an interesting and logical sequence.
• Information and emotion: Your photos should include both informational and
emotional photos. Those essays that effectively evoke emotion while providing
information tend to convey their messages the best.
• Captions: In a photo essay, captions are your best opportunity to describe what
is happening in words and ensure that the viewer understands. Include
informational content in these captions if necessary.

Types of Photos

By including a variety of types of photos in your essay, you will ensure that it is
both interesting and informative. The following types of photos, presented together,
can create a successful photo essay. Not only is it important to choose powerful
photos, but also to present them in an effective order. While the order of some
photos (e.g. the lead photo, and the clincher) is set, the order of most types of
photos in your essay is your preference.
The Lead Photo: Similar to the first two sentences of a newspaper article, your
lead photo should effectively draw in your audience. This is usually the most
difficult photo to choose and should follow the theme of your essay. It could be an
emotional portrait or an action shot, but ultimately it should provoke the curiosity of
the viewer.

The Scene: Your second photo should set the stage and describe the scene of your
story. An overarching photo taken with a wide angle lens is often effective.

The Portraits: Your photo essay should include at least one portrait. Capturing an
emotional expression or telling action shot can effectively humanize your story.
These photos often evoke strong emotions and empathy in the viewer (whether it is
a positive and enthusiastic emotion, or a sympathetic and concerned emotion.)

The Detail Photos: Detail photos focus in on one element, be it a building, a face,
or a relevant object. These photos are your best opportunity to capture specific
objects. The captions of these photos should be informative and educational.

The Close-up Photos: Similarly, close-up photos provide an opportunity to focus


in on specific objects. These photos are tightly cropped, simple shots that present a
specific element of your story. Again, this is an excellent opportunity to present
information in the caption.

The Signature Photo:The signature photo summarizes the situation and captures
the key elements of your story in a telling moment.

The Clincher Photo: The final photo, the clincher, should evoke the emotion you
want the viewer to walk away with, be it a feeling of hope, inspiration, or sadness.
Decide on this mood before you select this photo.

Remember, these suggestions are only guidelines. Photo essays are a form of art,
and like any artistic creation, breaking the rules can sometimes create the most
powerful result. Don’t be afraid to try something different.

You might also like