PHOTO ESSAYSHow to tell a really good story

VISUALLY

What is a Photo Essay

A photo essay is very simply a collection of images that are placed in a specific order to tell the progression of events, emotions, and concepts.

But, simple is not always exciting, so think way outside of your normal box!

Storytelling needs to be interesting whether it’s done with the written word or as in our case,

VISUALLY

Find your topic

Local Sports

Do your research

If your topic is more serious …. like SUSTAINABILITY

Be sure to ask questions and

follow the story from

beginning to end.

Emotions can be really fun to capture

Music

Don’t just capture the big show, go behind the scenes to capture all the details that lead up to the big show.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Lewis Hine

Plan your shots

If you will be using props, be sure to bring them to school. They can be stored in the classroom.

If you need specific people to pose in your pictures, say teachers, ask ahead of time for when they are free. DON’T INTERUPT THEIR CLASS!

Stay true to your theme. If you get stuck trying to get all 24 photos, ask for suggestions. Someone else’s perspective is always valuable.

Requirements

You will take 24 photos in manual mode You will edit your photos in Photoshop –

you can work in color or black and white You can use a poem or song lyrics for

inspiration or see list of topics on handout You will import best photos into Adobe

Premiere to create a slide show You will need to give your essay a title Remember to tell a great story VISUALLY!