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70 Picture Prompts for Creative Writing (with Free Slides)
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Visual writing prompts help young writers generate new ideas and overcome writer’s block. We’ve put together 70 picture prompts for creative writing that you can use for morning work or in your writing centers or lesson plans to get your students’ creative juices flowing.
![images to write an essay about 70 PICTURE PROMPTS FOR CREATIVE WRITING TEXT OVERLAY WITH TWO VISUAL WRITING PROMPTS](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/picture-writing-prompts-for-creative-writing-pin-683x1024.jpg)
The Benefits of Using Visual Writing Prompts
Writers of all ages and experience levels can get stuck thinking about what to write. Writer’s block is not just a challenge for reluctant writers. Even professional writers have days when they feel less than inspired.
Visual prompts can result in a vast array of story ideas. A single image viewed by ten writers will result in ten completely different short stories. Even if you use verbal cues to get students thinking about the picture, each student will still write a unique response to the image.
Visual creative writing prompts are fantastic for elementary school because younger students often relate more to a pictorial prompt than a written one, but don’t shy away from using these with high school and middle school students as well. Pictures make a fun alternative to your typical writing prompts and story starters and can help shake up your regular English language arts routine.
How to Use Picture Prompts for Creative Writing
There’s no limit to the ways you can use writing prompts. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate image prompts into your weekly lesson plans .
- Writing Center. Print cards or writing pages with these images on them and put them in a writing center for your students to discover at their own pace.
- Specific Skills. Use story picture prompts to help kids work on specific writing skills. For example, you could work on descriptive writing by having them describe the setting of the picture in detail, character development by having them make up a history for a person (or animal) in the picture, or narrative writing by having them make up a story based on the picture.
- Warm-up Activity: Download the slides that accompany this post and project an image on a screen or whiteboard for the first fifteen minutes of class and have students work on a short story as soon as they enter. This helps jumpstart the creative process before you move into your regular writing program.
- Independent Work: If you need a fun activity for kids to do when they’ve completed their assignment and are waiting for other students’ to finish, keep a supply of these images on hand and challenge them to write flash fiction of 250 words or less while they wait.
- Sub binders: Want to have some easy, no-prep projects on hand for those days when you’re unexpectedly away? Elementary picture writing prompts are perfect for substitute teachers to do with your students in your absence.
- Distance learning: If you are working with students whom you don’t see face-to-face, picture writing prompts are a great way to inspire them. You can use them in a virtual lesson to kickstart a discussion on brainstorming story ideas or post a few of these images to your learning management system and let students select the one they want to write about.
No matter how you decide to use them—whether at home or in the classroom—photographic writing prompts are a great way to cultivate a daily writing habit and encourage kids to explore new topics.
Picture Writing Prompts for Kids
We’ve selected 70 of the most interesting pictures we could find for this exercise. When choosing photos for writing prompts, we look for high-quality photos with intriguing subject matter, but we try to go beyond that. We want to share images that suggest a story, that make the viewer ask questions and wonder why things are the way they are.
We want to feel propelled to explore questions like, What happened before the photo that led to this moment? What are we witnessing in this photo? What’s about to happen?
A photo doesn’t make much of a story starter if it doesn’t suggest that there might be a bigger picture lurking beneath the surface.
We hope you and your students love these picture prompts for creative writing as much as we do. If you love them, go ahead and fill out the form below to grab your own copy.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](https://bucket.mlcdn.com/a/3066/3066349/images/be8bebde0a84b5bfb07120fb63c8b9f4a759d76d.png)
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We’ve included a couple of questions with each picture that you could use to spark pre-writing conversations in your classroom, which can be helpful when working with younger students who might need a little more direction.
Bear in mind though that some kids really struggle with these types of questions that ask them to make inferences about details that they can’t possibly know the ‘answer’ to. When you ask them things like, “What was the author probably trying to do?” they have no idea and won’t dare to hazard a guess. If you are working with kids who feel paralyzed by these questions, now is not the time to push them. Ignore the questions completely and have them simply focus on the picture.
It could be a good idea to write a few short stories yourself based on a single picture to show demonstrate how there are no wrong answers in this exercise—only endless possibilities.
70 Picture for Story Writing with Guiding Questions
- Whose cat is this? What is he looking at? Where is he?
![images to write an essay about a cat sits alone against a blue wall](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1.jpg)
2. What is the owl thinking about? Is he alone? What does he hope to eat for dinner?
![images to write an essay about an owl sits outside](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2.jpg)
3. Who are these frogs? What is their relationship with each other? Why are they taking photos?
![images to write an essay about two toy frogs stand in a field. One takes pictures of the other.](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/3.jpg)
4. How did the dog get a phone? Why is he taking selfies? What is he doing with the pictures he takes?
![images to write an essay about a dog lays on a field and takes selfies](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/4.jpg)
5. This cat doesn’t look too happy. What’s bugging him? Did he get too many phone calls or is he waiting on an important call that’s taking too long to come?
![images to write an essay about a black and white cat sits beside a phone](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6.jpg)
6. What do these chicks think of the dog? What does the dog think of the chicks? Do you think they can communicate with each other? If so, what would they say?
![images to write an essay about a dog lies beside two chicks](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/7.jpg)
7. Where do these lemurs live? What are they looking at? What is something unusual that might happen to them?
![images to write an essay about a lemur lies on a branch while another hides in the background](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/8.jpg)
8. What is this fox doing? Is he yawning and stretching or is he trying to scare someone away? What kind of mischief does he like to get up to?
![images to write an essay about a fox stretches and opens its mouth](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/9.jpg)
9. Is this wolf alone? If not, who is with him? What is he planning to do? Does he have a family to feed or protect?
![images to write an essay about a lone wolf stands in a misty clearing](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10.jpg)
10. What is this child doing on the laptop? Can he actually read and type or is he just playing? If he can read and type, how did he learn that at such a young age? What other cool things can he do?
![images to write an essay about a toddler wearing a toque and glasses types on a laptop](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/11.jpg)
11. Where is this woman? Is she lost? How did she get to this street? What interesting things might she discover as she explores this new city?
![images to write an essay about a woman stands in an empty street holding a map](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/12.jpg)
12. Why is the dog wearing glasses? Can he see through them? What are he and the girl doing? How does he feel about it?
![images to write an essay about a woman holds a dog. Both wear glasses.](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13.jpg)
13. Who are these two little boys? What is their relationship with each other? What is the teddy bear’s story?
![images to write an essay about two boys sit in a bath holding a teddy bear](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/14.jpg)
14. Who are these children? Why are they running? Is it a race or are they playing a game? Who’s going to win?
![images to write an essay about a group of children run across a field](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/15.jpg)
15. Whose horse is this? Does the little boy own it or does he just visit it? Can the horse talk? How does the boy feel when he’s with the horse?
![images to write an essay about a boy sits on a fence and feeds a horse](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16.jpg)
16. What is this boy reading? Does the book have a magical power? Does the boy? Do the stories in the book become real or does something else special happen?
![images to write an essay about a boy reads a book that has some magical elements in it](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/17.jpg)
17. Where is this man? How did he get there? What is he looking for?
![images to write an essay about a man dressed like a pirate looks through a telescope](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/18.jpg)
18. Who is walking over the bridge? What’s on the other side? Is it worth the risk?
![images to write an essay about a top-down view of a person crossing a bridge](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/19.jpg)
19. What are these people doing on the elephant? Where are they? Are they tourists or is the elephant their pet? What would life with an elephant be like?
![images to write an essay about two people ride an elephant through a field](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20.jpg)
20. Who made this map? It looks old. Has it been hidden away for a long time? Who discovered it and how? What does it lead to?
![images to write an essay about an old map](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/21.jpg)
21. Whose typewriter is this? What important or secretive thing might they be working on? What could happen if the wrong person finds their work?
![images to write an essay about an old typewriter](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/22.jpg)
22. Who are these three stuffed animals? Are they living? What is their story?
![images to write an essay about the backs of three stuffed animals](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/23.jpg)
23. Whose ukulele is this? Why did they leave it here? Who might find it?
![images to write an essay about a green ukulele sticks out of the sand](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/24.jpg)
24. Where is the owner of the bike? Where does this path lead? What if the bike’s not there when the owner returns?
![images to write an essay about a bike leans against a wooden railing](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/25.jpg)
25. Whose shoes are these? Why did they leave them here? Why are they so dirty?
![images to write an essay about a pair of dirty shoes in the mud](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/26.jpg)
26. Who was reading the newspaper? What was the most interesting thing they read? Where have they disappeared to?
![images to write an essay about a stack of newspapers, a white cup, and a pair of glasses](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27.jpg)
27. Who put this sign on the old truck? What do you think of it? How did the truck end up in its current condition and location?
![images to write an essay about a deserted old truck](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/28.jpg)
28. Who set the table? Who are they expecting? What special occasion are they celebrating? What could go wrong?
![images to write an essay about a fancy table setting](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/29.jpg)
29. Whose birthday cake is this? Are they having a party? Who is there? Who did they want to have there that didn’t show up?
![images to write an essay about a birthday cake](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30.jpg)
30. Who lives here? How do they access their home? What is their life like?
![images to write an essay about a home surrounded by water](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/31.jpg)
31. Who built the igloo? Where is it? How does it feel to spend the night inside it?
![images to write an essay about an igloo](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/32.jpg)
32. What is the history of this castle? Who lives in it now? Does it have any special or magical features?
![images to write an essay about a castle](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/33.jpg)
33. Is this barn abandoned or do people live on the property? What kind of animals might live here? How do they keep themselves entertained?
![images to write an essay about a big red barn](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/34.jpg)
34. What is it like living on a houseboat? What kind of community do you think forms among the neighbors? Imagine you live on one of these boats and think about how your daily life might change. What interesting things could you do if you lived here? What would you miss the most?
![images to write an essay about a row of houseboats](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/35.jpg)
35. Where is this hut? Who lives here? What mystery might unfold if a stranger came knocking at their door?
![images to write an essay about a round hut](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/36.jpg)
36. What is this lighthouse called? Who runs it? How often do they leave? What is the most memorable experience they’ve had as a lighthouse operator?
![images to write an essay about a lighthouse](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/37.jpg)
37. How did this house get here? Does anyone live in it? What would life be like here?
![images to write an essay about a house on a rock surrounded by water](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/38.jpg)
38. Where is this festive street? Are the people there celebrating something? Where is everybody?
![images to write an essay about a colorful European town](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/39.jpg)
39. Who lives here? How did they build this house? Are they hiding from something? What does it look like inside?
![images to write an essay about a hobbit house with a yellow door](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/40.jpg)
40. Whose notebook is this? Why did they leave it here? What’s written in it and how might it change the life of the person who finds it?
![images to write an essay about a notebook lying on a beach](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/41.jpg)
41. What are these women doing? What are they supposed to be doing? Will they be in trouble if they get caught?
![images to write an essay about two women playing on a piece of wood](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/42.jpg)
42. Who might be represented in this statue? Why is she being pulled by lions? What amazing things might she have done to deserve a statue in this prominent place?
![images to write an essay about a statue of a woman being pulled in a carriage by two lions](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/43.jpg)
43. Where is this? Who is riding in the hot air balloons? Where are they going and why?
![images to write an essay about hot air balloons fly over a town](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/44.jpg)
44. How old is this large tree? Where is it? What are some of the most fascinating stories it could tell?
![images to write an essay about an old oak tree](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/45.jpg)
45. Where is this carousel? Who is riding it? Can you think of a special or strange story about how it came to exist in this particular place?
![images to write an essay about a woman rides a carousel](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/46.jpg)
46. What are these people thinking about? What’s at stake for them? What happens if one of them sneezes?
![images to write an essay about tightrope walkers walk on tightropes](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/47.jpg)
47. Where are these penguins? What are they talking about? Which one of them is the leader?
![images to write an essay about 4 penguins stand in a huddle](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/48.jpg)
48. What is this place? Was it designed to be open like this or was it once part of someone’s home or a public building? How have people’s opinions of this place changed over time?
![images to write an essay about a room with statues in it](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/49.jpg)
49. Who are these kids? Is this what they’re supposed to be doing? What happens when their teacher sees them?
![images to write an essay about kids play around in a dance studio](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/50.jpg)
50. Who is supposed to ride in this boat? Where are they going? Will they make it there?
![images to write an essay about a small boat with a fancy seat](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/51.jpg)
51. Is this plane special to someone? What did they have to do to get it/build it? Where will they fly to in it?
![images to write an essay about a yellow plane](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/52.jpg)
52. Who decorated this train car? Which passengers will fill it up? What will they talk about?
![images to write an essay about an upscale train car with fancy seats](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/53.jpg)
53. Whose skis are these? Why are they sticking out of the snow? How did their owner get down the mountain without them?
![images to write an essay about two skis and two poles stick out of a snowbank](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/54.jpg)
54. Where does this gondola go? Who rides it? How does it feel to ride it?
![images to write an essay about a gondola](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/55.jpg)
55. Who’s driving the monster truck? Why is it at the beach? What is it going to crush? Who is watching?
![images to write an essay about a monster truck does tricks on a beach](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/56.jpg)
56. Where is the boat going? Who is on it? What is their mission?
![images to write an essay about a ship sails away from shore](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/57.jpg)
57. What city is the helicopter flying over? Why? Is the driver looking for something specific or do they have a special delivery?
![images to write an essay about a helicopter flies over a city](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/58.jpg)
58. What’s the little boy doing in the boat? Is he alone or is someone with him? Where is he trying to go?
![images to write an essay about a little boy holds an oar in a boat](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/59.jpg)
59. Who is in the sub? What’s it like inside? What are they doing?
![images to write an essay about a submarine](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/60.jpg)
60. Whose book is this? What’s it about? What’s happening to it?
![images to write an essay about a book that has water flowing out of it](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/61.jpg)
61. How did that piece of land with the house on it break off from the rest of the world? Why? Where is it going? Is anyone in the house?
![images to write an essay about a fantasy graphic with a piece of land separating from the earth and floating away](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/62.jpg)
62. Who is this girl? Where is she? Who is she shooting at?
![images to write an essay about a woman in the woods shoots a bow and arrow](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/63.jpg)
63. Where does this scene take place? Is the lizard/dragon good or bad? What is its relationship with the girl?
![images to write an essay about a girl standing on the tip of a cliff pats the nose of a giant lizard](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/64.jpg)
64. What do these books represent? What kind of world is this? What (or who) is inside the books?
![images to write an essay about a row of books designed to look like houses](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/65.jpg)
65. What are these dinosaurs discussing? Where are they? What do they do for fun?
![images to write an essay about two dinosaurs](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/66.jpg)
66. Whose cottage is this? Do they still live there? If not, where have they gone? If so, what do they do there?
![images to write an essay about a fairy tale cottage in the woods](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/67.jpg)
67. What is the moth thinking about? Is it alone? What’s the biggest challenge it faces in this moment?
![images to write an essay about a moth on a flower](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/68.jpg)
68. Who is the owl looking at? Has it read these books? What is its greatest talent?
![images to write an essay about an owl wearing beside a stack of books](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/69.jpg)
69. Where are these trees? Why are they pink? Do they have any special powers or features?
![images to write an essay about trees in a wood covered with something pink](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/70.jpg)
70. What are these best friends thinking about? Do they have something to hide? What adventures do they go on together?
![images to write an essay about a cat and a dog lie together on a book](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5.jpg)
What do you think? Which kind of pictures do you like best for creative writing prompts ? Let us know in the comments.
Thursday 9th of May 2024
I love this website because I was using it with my kindergartners and it work so so so well!!!!
Monday 20th of May 2024
That's wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
Tuesday 5th of March 2024
I LOVE these! My daughter has always struggled with written story prompts and an internet search this week convinced me of the value of picture prompts for reluctant readers/writers (https://youcanjournal.com/journal-picture-prompts/ if you're interested!). I'll definitely be using these to help improve her writing skills. Thanks so much!
Tuesday 26th of December 2023
I think the idea of using picture prompts is a great idea. It initiates oral language thus building vocabulary. It allows lends itself to students working in small groups to stimulate new ideas. The prompts engage the students and gives the teacher the opportunity to focus on specific writing skills.
luke elford
Wednesday 13th of December 2023
cloey mckay
Tuesday 17th of October 2023
I tried this with myself and my 6th-grade students, and they love it. it gives room for so much creativity.
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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
![images to write an essay about](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
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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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23 Photo Essay Ideas and Examples (to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing!)
A Post By: Kevin Landwer-Johan
![images to write an essay about Ideas for compelling photo essays](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/photo-essay-ideas-examples-1005.jpg?resize=1200%2C1164&ssl=1)
Looking for inspiration? Our 23 photo essay ideas will take your photography skills to new heights!
A single, strong photograph can convey a lot of information about its subject – but sometimes we have topics that require more than one image to do the job. That’s when it’s time to make a photo essay: a collection of pictures that together tell the bigger story around a chosen theme.
In the following sections, we’ll explore various photo essay ideas and examples that cover a wide range of subjects and purposes. From capturing the growth of your children to documenting local festivals, each idea offers an exciting opportunity to tell a story through your lens, whether you’re a hobbyist or a veteran professional.
So grab your camera, unleash your creativity, and let’s delve into the wonderful world of photo essay examples!
What is a photo essay?
Simply put, a photo essay is a series of carefully selected images woven together to tell a story or convey a message. Think of it as a visual narrative that designed to capture attention and spark emotions.
![images to write an essay about Karen woman portrait](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/z_KL52629.jpg?resize=1500%2C1000&ssl=1)
Now, these images can revolve around a broad theme or focus on a specific storyline. For instance, you might create a photo essay celebrating the joy of companionship by capturing 10 heartwarming pictures of people sharing genuine laughter. On the other hand, you could have a photo essay delving into the everyday lives of fishermen in Wales by following a single fisherman’s journey for a day or even a week.
It’s important to note that photo essays don’t necessarily have to stick to absolute truth. While some documentary photographers prefer to keep it authentic, others may employ techniques like manipulation or staging to create a more artistic impact. So there is room for creativity and interpretation.
Why you should create a photo essay
Photo essays have a way of expressing ideas and stories that words sometimes struggle to capture. They offer a visual narrative that can be incredibly powerful and impactful.
Firstly, photo essays are perfect when you have an idea or a point you want to convey, but you find yourself at a loss for words. Sometimes, emotions and concepts are better conveyed through images rather than paragraphs. So if you’re struggling to articulate a message, you can let your photos do the talking for you.
Second, if you’re interested in subjects that are highly visual, like the mesmerizing forms of architecture within a single city, photo essays are the way to go. Trying to describe the intricate details of a building or the play of light and shadows with words alone can be challenging. But through a series of captivating images, you can immerse your audience in the architecture.
And finally, if you’re aiming to evoke emotions or make a powerful statement, photo essays are outstanding. Images have an incredible ability to shock, inspire, and move people in ways that words often struggle to achieve. So if you want to raise awareness about an environmental issue or ignite a sense of empathy, a compelling series of photographs can have a profound impact.
Photo essay examples and ideas
Looking to create a photo essay but don’t know where to start? 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.
The subject matter you choose is up to you. But start in the morning and create a series of images showing your subject over the course of a typical day.
(Alternatively, you can document your subject on a special day, like a birthday, a wedding, or some other celebration.)
![images to write an essay about woman with a backpack getting on a train photo essay ideas](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/z_LJ12071.jpg?resize=1500%2C998&ssl=1)
2. Capture hands
Portraits focus on a subject’s face – but why not mix it up and make a photo essay that focuses on your subject’s hands?
(You can also focus on a collection of different people’s hands.)
Hands can tell you a lot about a person. And showing them in context is a great way to narrate a story.
![images to write an essay about people on a train](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/z_8LJ3158-Edit.jpg?resize=1500%2C998&ssl=1)
3. Follow a sports team for a full season
Sports are all about emotions – both from the passionate players and the dedicated fans. While capturing the intensity of a single game can be exhilarating, imagine the power of telling the complete story of a team throughout an entire season.
For the best results, you’ll need to invest substantial time in sports photography. Choose a team that resonates with you and ensure their games are within a drivable distance. By photographing their highs and lows, celebrations and challenges, you’ll create a compelling photo essay that traces their journey from the first game to the last.
4. A child and their parent
Photographs that catch the interaction between parents and children are special. A parent-child connection is strong and unique, so making powerful images isn’t challenging. You just need to be ready to capture the special moments as they happen.
You might concentrate on a parent teaching their child. Or the pair playing sports. Or working on a special project.
Use your imagination, and you’ll have a great time with this theme.
5. Tell a local artist’s story
I’ve always enjoyed photographing artists as they work; studios have a creative vibe, so the energy is already there. Bring your camera into this environment and try to tell the artist’s story!
An artist’s studio offers plenty of opportunities for wonderful photo essays. Think about the most fascinating aspects of the artist’s process. What do they do that makes their art special? Aim to show this in your photos.
Many people appreciate fine art, but they’re often not aware of what happens behind the scenes. So documenting an artist can produce fascinating visual stories.
![images to write an essay about artist at work with copper](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3LJ9644.jpg?resize=1500%2C998&ssl=1)
6. Show a tradesperson’s process
Do you have a plumber coming over to fix your kitchen sink? Is a builder making you a new deck?
Take photos while they work! Tell them what you want to do before you start, and don’t forget to share your photos with them.
They’ll probably appreciate seeing what they do from another perspective. They may even want to use your photos on their company website.
![images to write an essay about hot iron in crucible](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Hot-Silver.jpg?resize=1500%2C1001&ssl=1)
7. Photograph your kids as they grow
There’s something incredibly special about documenting the growth of our little ones. Kids grow up so quickly – before you know it, they’re moving out. Why not capture the beautiful moments along the way by creating a heartwarming photo essay that showcases their growth?
There are various approaches you can take, but one idea is to capture regular photos of your kids standing in front of a distinct point of reference, such as the refrigerator. Over a year or several years, you can gather these images and place them side by side to witness your childrens’ incredible transformations.
8. Cover a local community event
A school fundraiser, a tree-planting day at a park, or a parade; these are are all community events that make for good photo essay ideas.
Think like a photojournalist . What type of images would your editor want? Make sure to capture some wide-angle compositions , some medium shots, and some close-ups.
(Getting in close to show the details can often tell as much of a story as the wider pictures.)
9. Show fresh market life
Markets are great for photography because there’s always plenty of activity and lots of characters. Think of how you can best illustrate the flow of life at the market. What are the vendors doing that’s most interesting? What are the habits of the shoppers?
Look to capture the essence of the place. Try to portray the people who work and shop there.
![images to write an essay about woman at the fresh market](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Market-scene-in-Chiang-Mai-Moving-to-manual-mode.jpg?resize=1500%2C998&ssl=1)
10. Shoot the same location over time
What location do you visit regularly? Is there a way you can make an interesting photo essay about it?
Consider what you find most attractive and ugly about the place. Look for aspects that change over time.
Any outdoor location will look different throughout the day. Also think about the changes that occur from season to season. Create an essay that tells the story of the place.
11. Document a local festival
Festivals infuse cities and towns with vibrant energy and unique cultural experiences. Even if your own town doesn’t have notable festivals, chances are a neighboring town does. Explore the magic of these celebrations by documenting a local festival through your lens.
Immerse yourself in the festivities, arriving early and staying late. Capture the colorful displays and the people who make the festival come alive. If the festival spans multiple days, consider focusing on different areas each time you visit to create a diverse and comprehensive photo essay that truly reflects the essence of the event.
12. Photograph a garden through the seasons
It might be your own garden . It could be the neighbor’s. It could even be the garden at your local park.
Think about how the plants change during the course of a year. Capture photos of the most significant visual differences, then present them as a photo essay.
![images to write an essay about lotus flower](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Lotus-Flower.jpg?resize=1001%2C1500&ssl=1)
13. Show your local town or city
After spending several years in a particular area, you likely possess an intimate knowledge of your local town or city. Why not utilize that familiarity to create a captivating photo essay that showcases the essence of your community?
Delve into what makes your town special, whether it’s the charming streets, unique landmarks, or the people who shape its character. Dedicate time to capturing the diverse aspects that define your locale. If you’re up for a more extensive project, consider photographing the town over the course of an entire year, capturing the changing seasons and the dynamic spirit of your community.
14. Pick a local cause to highlight
Photo essays can go beyond passive documentation; they can become a part of your activism, too!
So find a cause that matters to you. Tell the story of some aspect of community life that needs improvement. Is there an ongoing issue with litter in your area? How about traffic; is there a problematic intersection?
Document these issues, then make sure to show the photos to people responsible for taking action.
15. Making a meal
Photo essay ideas can be about simple, everyday things – like making a meal or a coffee.
How can you creatively illustrate something that seems so mundane? My guess is that, when you put your mind to it, you can come up with many unique perspectives, all of which will make great stories.
![images to write an essay about plate of Thai curry photo essay ideas](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/KL42522.jpg?resize=1423%2C1500&ssl=1)
16. Capture the life of a flower
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the beauty that surrounds us. Flowers, with their mesmerizing colors and rapid life cycles, offer a captivating subject for a photo essay. Try to slow down and appreciate the intricate details of a flower’s existence.
With a macro lens in hand, document a single flower or a patch of flowers from their initial shoots to their inevitable wilting and decomposition. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to bring viewers into the enchanting world of the flower. By freezing these fleeting moments, you’ll create a visual narrative that celebrates the cycle of life and the exquisite beauty found in nature’s delicate creations.
17. Religious traditions
Religion is often rich with visual expression in one form or another. So capture it!
Of course, you may need to narrow down your ideas and choose a specific aspect of worship to photograph. Aim to show what people do when they visit a holy place, or how they pray on their own. Illustrate what makes their faith real and what’s special about it.
![images to write an essay about photo essay idea monks walking](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/KL57967.jpg?resize=1500%2C1001&ssl=1)
18. Historic sites
Historic sites are often iconic, and plenty of photographers take a snapshot or two.
But with a photo essay, you can illustrate the site’s history in greater depth.
Look for details of the location that many visitors miss. And use these to build an interesting story.
19. Show the construction of a building
Ever been away from a familiar place for a while only to return and find that things have changed? It happens all the time, especially in areas undergoing constant development. So why not grab your camera and document this transformation?
Here’s the idea: Find a building that’s currently under construction in your area. It could be a towering skyscraper, a modern office complex, or even a small-scale residential project. Whatever catches your eye! Then let the magic of photography unfold.
Make it a habit to take a photo every day or two. Watch as the building gradually takes shape and evolves. Capture the construction workers in action, the cranes reaching for the sky, and the scaffolding supporting the structure.
Once the building is complete, you’ll have a treasure trove of images that chronicle its construction from start to finish!
20. Document the changing skyline of the city
This photo essay example is like the previous one, except it works on a much larger scale. Instead of photographing a single building as it’s built, find a nice vantage point outside your nearest city, then photograph the changing skyline.
To create a remarkable photo essay showcasing the changing skyline, you’ll need to scout out the perfect vantage point. Seek high ground that offers a commanding view of the city, allowing you to frame the skyline against the horizon. Look for spots that give you an unobstructed perspective, whether a rooftop terrace, a hillside park, or even a nearby bridge.
As you set out on your photography expedition, be patient and observant. Cities don’t transform overnight; they change gradually over time. Embrace the passage of days, weeks, and months as you witness the slow evolution unfold.
Pro tip: To capture the essence of this transformation, experiment with various photographic techniques. Play with different angles, framing, and compositions to convey the grandeur and dynamism of the changing skyline. Plus, try shooting during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset , when the soft light bathes the city in a warm glow and accentuates the architectural details.
21. Photograph your pet
If you’re a pet owner, you already have the perfect subject for a photo essay!
All pets , with the possible exception of pet rocks, will provide you with a collection of interesting moments to photograph.
So collect these moments with your camera – then display them as a photo essay showing the nature and character of your pet.
![images to write an essay about Woman and elephant](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Thai-Model-and-Elephant-21a.jpg?resize=1500%2C1353&ssl=1)
22. Tell the story of a local nature preserve
Ah, the wonders of a local nature preserve! While it may not boast the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, these hidden gems hold their own beauty, just waiting to be discovered and captured through the lens of your camera.
To embark on this type of photo essay adventure, start by exploring all the nooks and crannies of your chosen nature preserve. Wander along its winding trails, keeping an eye out for unique and captivating subjects that convey the essence of the preserve.
As you go along, try to photograph the intricate details of delicate wildflowers, the interplay of light filtering through a dense forest canopy, and the lively activities of birds and other wildlife.
23. Show the same subject from multiple perspectives
It’s possible to create an entire photo essay in a single afternoon – or even in a handful of minutes. If you don’t love the idea of dedicating yourself to days of photographing for a single essay, this is a great option.
Simply find a subject you like, then endeavor to capture 10 unique images that include it. I’d recommend photographing from different angles: up above, down low, from the right and left. You can also try getting experimental with creative techniques, such as intentional camera movement and freelensing. If all goes well, you’ll have a very cool set of images featuring one of your favorite subjects!
By showcasing the same subject from multiple perspectives, you invite viewers on a visual journey. They get to see different facets, textures, and details that they might have overlooked in a single photograph. It adds depth and richness to your photo essay, making it both immersive and dynamic.
Photo essay ideas: final words
Remember: Photo essays are all about communicating a concept or a story through images rather than words. So embrace the process and use images to express yourself!
Whether you choose to follow a sports team through a thrilling season, document the growth of your little ones, or explore the hidden treasures of your local town, each photo essay has its own magic waiting to be unlocked. It’s a chance to explore your creativity and create images in your own style.
So look at the world around you. Grab your gear and venture out into the wild. Embrace the beauty of nature, the energy of a bustling city, or the quiet moments that make life special. Consider what you see every day. What aspects interest you the most? Photograph those things.
You’re bound to end up with some amazing photo essays!
Now over to you:
Do you have any photo essay examples you’re proud of? Do you have any more photo essay ideas? Share your thoughts and images in the comments below!
![images to write an essay about 23 Photo Essay Ideas and Examples (to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing!)](https://i0.wp.com/digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3LJ9644.jpg?w=600&h=1260&ssl=1)
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Kevin Landwer-Johan is a photographer, photography teacher, and author with over 30 years of experience that he loves to share with others.
Check out his website and his Buy Me a Coffee page .
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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 290,080 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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.
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](https://www.wikihow.com/images/f/f3/Meme_v07_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
![images to write an essay about 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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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.
![images to write an essay about 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.”
![images to write an essay about 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.”
![images to write an essay about 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.
![images to write an essay about 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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18 Immersive Photo Essay Examples & Tips
By Tata Rossi 13 days ago, Professional photography
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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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Exploring the Picture Essay: Tips, Best Practices, and Examples
April 18, 2023
Words by Jeff Cardello
A picture essay lets you harness the power of images to tell stories, evoke emotions, and convey a sense of place, time, and perspective.
Picture essays drop viewers right into the action, letting them see things through the camera’s lens, offering insights and understanding that isn’t possible through words alone. From static pages of photos, to carousels and animated articles, photo essays come in many forms. With no-code tools like Vev , it’s now easier than ever for journalists, designers, and publishers to create immersive, visually-led digital content to make their stories stand out from the crowd. Here’s everything you need to know about crafting stunning picture essays — from techniques and best practices through to world-class examples.
What is a Picture Essay?
Picture essays, also known as photo essays, are a form of visual storytelling . They are composed of a series of photos which together form a narrative or communicate information or ideas. They can have a clear beginning, middle, and end, but aren’t necessarily bound to linear narratives. Whether used for a chronological story or capturing a moment in time, all of the photos share a common theme that connects them.
Photo essays are often accompanied by text, providing context or conveying additional details. This can range from the most basic information such as titles, dates, or locations, or a caption helping to narrate the visual story. Some picture essays may rely solely on the imagery, while others may include more text to create a scrollytelling piece of content, with text even overlaid on the photos. The key to a picture essay is that the driver and focus is the visuals.
The Origins of the Picture Essay
Photography emerged as a documentary form at the beginning of the 20th century. Many cite Lewis Hine and the work he did between 1911 and 1916 in bringing attention to the harsh realities of child labor in the United States as one of the earliest examples of the picture essay. In 1948, the photographer W. Eugene Smith published a picture essay titled “Country Doctor” following a physician in rural Colorado and showing his work with the patients as well as what he did in his downtime. This is another notable example that elevated picture-taking into a journalistic art form.
Lewis Hine’s photos captured the hardships of children in the workplace and were instrumental in changing American labor laws.
Picture essays have remained an important part of journalism, having kept pace from its black-and-white beginnings to the high-resolution full-color images of today’s digital media.
Design Techniques for the Perfect Picture Essay
Scrollytelling images.
Scrollytelling images smoothly fade from one photo to the next as someone moves through a website, often with overlaid text to help describe what is happening in the images. This a subtle, yet effective way to break up content, and makes sure that each photo captures the attention of those scrolling.
Scroll Speed
Scroll speed is an effect that controls how reactive elements are to scrolling. Varying how reactive elements are to scrolling gives them a sense of distinction, rather than having them all lumped together in one long block. For example, a lower setting like 10% will make a photo move slower than one that’s set at 90%. This technique creates a scroll animation that keeps readers engaged in the picture essay.
Scroll Progress Bars
A website full of photos often presents a lengthy amount of content for visitors to navigate through, especially if it’s a single page. Scroll progress bars , often tucked into the top of the screen, show visitors where they’re at and urge them to keep scrolling to the end.
Image Comparison Slider
When you want to display photos that show the before and after of something, an image comparison slider makes it possible to communicate changes through a single interactive image.
Clickable Image Hotspots
Photo essays rely on images to tell much of their stories, but text also provides context and additional information, clickable hotspots, also known as labeled images , maximize screen space and give visitors control in revealing details.
Image Carousels
Image carousels let visitors click, scroll, or drag through a series of images and are generally navigated horizontally, but may take other forms.
Best Practices for Picture Essay Design
- Know the story you want to tell: Identify the main points you want to visually communicate. Photo essays can tell a linear story but also be used to convey a sense of atmosphere or feeling.
- Use different types of shots: Photographs can become monotonous when they’re all the same. Mix up things with different angles, close-up shots, different compositions, and other variations to keep your picture essays interesting.
- Choose only the best images: Photos shouldn’t only look good, but be relevant to the story you’re telling.
- Know your audience: Keep in mind the target demographic the photo essay is intended for and make sure the style and tone are in line with who they are.
- Keep things moving: Utilize scroll-triggered transitions, animations, and other points of interactivity to guide visitors through and keep their attention.
10 Aspirational Picture Essay Examples
From egmont to taranaki.
From Egmont to Taranaki is a picture essay built with Vev that’s both a personal story and a history lesson. It recounts the author John Campbell’s travels through the New Zealand countryside with a terminally ill friend while also delving into the painful past of how the indigenous Maori became dispossessed of these very spaces. Much like the twists and turns of the road, this photo essay bounces back between John’s memories and the history of this land.
Along with photos showing the beautiful green landscape and delightfully greasy food that John enjoyed with his friend during their travels, there are also animated effects. Fade-ins, text scrolling over fixed images, and parallax break the content up and keep up your momentum as you move through it.
Food for Thought
From sheep grazing on the rocky hillsides of Kyrgyzstan to fishermen casting their nets into the blue waters off of Indonesia, Food for Thought depicts where food comes from across the globe. The photos are big and brilliant, capturing the people tasked with the hard work of food production, the geography, as well as the animals and crops they are responsible for.
Each section uses a fixed image parallax scrolling effect that functions as a sliding window drawing the next image into place. There’s also a great use of hot spots, represented by circular icons that visitors can click on in learning more.
With its handsome metallic luster and Art Deco geometry, Bialetti’s pots help so many start their days with an easy way to brew cups of dark and delicious coffee.
They have a long and interesting history that can be traced back to 1933 when Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti introduced its stovetop coffee maker. Bialetti tells its story through images showing where Alfonso drew his inspiration, product photos, and advertisements over the years. Along with a comprehensive timeline of visuals, you’ll also find plenty of motion in the form of parallax scrolling, animations, and other dynamic visuals. The scroll progress bar at the top is also a nice touch, showing people where they are in this one-page design.
Witnesses to History Keepers of Memory
Witnesses to History Keepers of Memory is an interactive photo essay put together by the Montreal Holocaust Museum. Pictured are Holocaust survivors along with the items they still have that accompanied them through detainment.
The main gallery of photos has much in terms of interactivity with hover-triggered animations, and a previous and next button letting you flip through them. The cursor turns into an eye icon, and clicking through on any of the photos brings you to a new screen that tells the story of the person pictured.
Seeing these people today, along with these personal items is a strong reminder that this terrible period of history wasn’t that long ago, and shows the strength and resilience of those who went through it.
Hakai Autonomous Ocean
Gliders are submersible robots used by scientists to explore what’s beneath the ocean and to gather data. They’re a relatively new technology, free from propellers, which harness ocean currents to move them through the water. The Autonomous Ocean begins with video footage of the sea rushing by and text telling how one of these $150,000 robots was experiencing trouble. It’s a dramatic opening that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happened.
Built with Vev, this single-page website is full of photographs showing oceanic gliders in action and how scientists use them. Scrollytelling images provide smooth transitions fading from one photo to the next, with accompanying text moving over them. This design also features a clever image comparison slider, displaying both the internal and external features of this submersible.
Moma Strange Brew
Viewed at a distance, John Klines’ art installation entitled Skittles looks like a refrigerator of fancy juices that you might find at any upscale grocer. The labels affixed to these juices reveal that inside these bottles are ingredients like yoga mat, fake plant, and shopping bag. All that looks delicious and nutritious from afar is something far grosser, making this art piece a funny and satirical take on consumerism.
This photo essay shows the steps involved in creating this piece, moving you through each stage of how this humorous and thought-provoking art piece came to be.
Picture essays are a documentary form of visual storytelling , and non-profits use them to bring attention to the problems of the world, and what they're doing to help solve them.
The United Nations Children’s Fund, more commonly known as UNICEF, is committed to the rights and health of children. This picture essay , featuring work by photographer Jan Grarup, covers UNICEF’s Denmark warehouse, where medicines and other essential goods are stored, and the people in countries like Haiti, Lebanon, and Uganda that these items reach.
Photos show shelves full of supplies, the places they’re sent out to, and the hospitals where they’re so desperately needed. You see the hardships that people face, and how UNICEF’s work helps improve their lives. It’s a breathtaking piece of photojournalism showing why their humanitarian work is so important.
The Guardian
Slippery slope? Alpine tourism in the face of climate crisis covers climate change and how it impacts the Alps. This photo essay not only shows scenes of winter tourism, but what the Alps are like year-round. This gives an in-depth look at the interrelationships between the people, landscape, and ecosystem and the cascade of effects that global warming causes.
Because this photo essay focuses on two very different times of the year, you’ll find several image comparison sliders showing what the Alps look like in the winter, and what they look like after the snow melts. Image comparison sliders work perfectly comparing different times of the year, and maximizing screen space.
The Naija Story
Since Nigeria declared its independence from Britain in October of 1960, they have had both turmoil and triumphs. Naija Story communicates Nigeria’s history, bringing visitors to who they are as a country today.
This design is divided into sections covering topics like politics, technology, and entertainment. Photo essays are an effective medium for history, and Naija Story uses them to highlight the events that have shaped Nigeria in these individual sections.
Along with photos, there are scroll-triggered animations that shift the visuals and text into place, as well as lines that connect all of these events making them simple to follow. There’s so much to learn about Nigeria, and it’s all conveyed in an artistic, yet easy-to-understand way.
Ukrainian Ballerina Uprooted by War Flies High Again
Ending our exploration of picture essays is this piece from Reuters, which tells the story of ballet dancer Ganna Muromtseva who fled from war-torn Ukraine, and whose journey brought her to the Hungary State Opera where she got to be a part of their performance of Swan Lake. With a well-balanced mix of writing and photos that show her life both on the stage and off, visitors get a personal look into her life.
Along with candid photography, there’s also a nice sense of interactivity. As visitors scroll text moves over the photos, giving context. There are also fade-ins as one moves from one image to the next, which also adds dynamics to the visuals.
Create Stunning Picture Essays in Vev
If you have a story you’d like to tell through photos, Vev offers a multitude of creative possibilities to bring it to life. With image comparison sliders, carousels, scroll animations, and other pre-built elements, we make it possible to create visually captivating editorial content just as you imagined it — without needing to write a line of code. When your design is ready, publish it to any existing website through Vev or embed your Vev project into your existing CMS.
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How to Create a Photo Essay in 9 Steps (with Examples)
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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.
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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.
![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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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...
![images to write an essay about How to Make Time for Photography (Even When Life Gets Busy)](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/low-key-wildlife-photography-4919-1080x675.jpg?lossy=1&fit=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
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...
![images to write an essay about 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
Your personal perspective and experiences can be a powerful storytelling strategy. But there are ways to do it right (and wrong). Here are my top 3 tips for what to keep in mind when photographing a story that's your own personal narrative so that your story is...
![images to write an essay about 6 Books That Forever Changed My Wildlife Conservation Photography](https://efirq7mmtwd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/minimalist-landscape-1449-1080x675.jpg?lossy=1&fit=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
6 Books That Forever Changed My Wildlife Conservation Photography
From how you approach being in the field and scouting locations, to how you approach the stories you photograph and communicate conservation issues, these 6 books are the (unconventional) must-read list for every conservation photographer. An...
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Jaymi Heimbuch
Next up….
![images to write an essay about 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.
![images to write an essay about 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.
![images to write an essay about 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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- Image Prompts
85+ Picture Writing Prompts For Kids (+ Free Printable)
A picture is worth a thousand words. So how many words can you write for these 85 picture writing prompts for kids and grow-ups alike! Pictures, whether something as simple as an apple or as complex as an action scene can spark the imagination in more ways than one.
Of course, when looking at pictures you can take the literal route, and describe whatever you see in front of you. Or you can explore your imagination, and think about the ‘What Ifs..’ of a picture. What if that person is actually upset? What if this picture is of a broken family? What if the world looked like this years ago? A picture can have so many hidden meanings and can hide so many secrets. The slightest detail could mean everything. Just imagine you’re a detective solving a crime from one picture alone. Examine every detail, write it down and think why? Only then can you fully understand a picture.
For more inspiration take part in our daily picture writing prompt challenge . Each day you will be given a new picture prompt to write about.
Picture Prompt Generator
In this post, we have included a mix of simple pictures, story picture prompts, photographs, fantasy images and even some action-packed images.
You can find the complete list of our picture writing prompts below. We’ve also created a smaller PDF version that includes 30 random picture prompts. Download the printable PDF here .
You might also be interested in the following posts:
- 30 Christmas Pictures To Get You Writing ‘Tis Jolly Season
- 25+ Halloween Image Prompts For Mastering Horror Stories
- How to Use Image prompts To Inspire You
150 Picture Prompts To Inspire
Over 85 picture prompts for creative writing, story-telling and descriptive writing assignments:
![images to write an essay about picture writing prompt 1](https://www.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/girl-6746028_640.jpg)
How to Use these Prompts
Picture prompts are the perfect writing stimulus especially when you hit writer’s block . Here are a number of ways you can use these picture writing prompts to spark your imagination:
- Descriptive Writing: Directly describe everything you see in extreme detail. You could even go beyond the physical appearance of things, and explore your other senses, such as smell, hear, feel and taste.
- Story-Telling: Pick just one image, and tell a whole story based on this one image.
- Story Starter: Similarly you can pick one image, and use it as the starting place of your story.
- Collaborative Story-Telling: In a group of 5 – 7 students, each student can have a random picture. The first student uses their picture as the story starter, and then the next student continues the story based on their own image. Keep going until the final student ends the story.
- Idea Generation: Pick one image and try to think of at least 3 story ideas related to that one image.
- Daily Writing Challenge: Give your students 7 images, and tell them to write a description for each image every day.
These are just some ways to use images as writing prompts. You can also check our post on 8 fun story-telling games using image prompts for more ideas. Did you find our picture writing prompts useful? Let us know in the comments below!
![images to write an essay about picture writing prompts](https://assets.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/picture-writing-prompts-683x1024.png)
Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.
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- Writing Tips
How and When to Use Images in an Essay
- 3-minute read
- 15th December 2018
Pages of text alone can look quite boring. And while you might think that ‘boring’ is normal for an essay, it doesn’t have to be. Using images and charts in an essay can make your document more visually interesting. It can even help you earn better grades if done right!
Here, then, is our guide on how to use images in an academic essay .
How to Use Images in an Essay
Usually, you will only need to add an image in academic writing if it serves a specific purpose (e.g. illustrating your argument). Even then, you need to make sure images are presently correctly. As such, try asking yourself the following questions whenever you add an image in an essay:
- Does it add anything useful? Any image or chart you include in your work should help you make your argument or explain a point more clearly. For instance, if you are analysing a film, you may need to include a still from a scene to illustrate a point you are making.
- Is the image clearly labelled? All images in your essay should come with clear captions (e.g. ‘Figure 1’ plus a title or description). Without these, your reader may not know how images relate to the surrounding text.
- Have you mentioned the image in the text? Make sure to directly reference the image in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of ‘An example of this can be seen in Figure 1’.
The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the arguments you make in the text.
Citing Images and Illustrations
If you have created all the images and charts you want to use in your essay, then all you need to do is label them clearly (as described above). But if you want to use an image found somewhere else in your work, you will need to cite your source as well, just as you would when quoting someone.
The exact format for this will depend on the referencing system you’re using. However, with author–date referencing, it usually involves giving the source author’s name and a year of publication:
![images to write an essay about Image plus caption.](https://proofed.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/image.png)
In the caption above, for example, we have cited the paper containing the image and the page it is on. We would then need to add the paper to the reference list at the end of the document:
![](http://writinghelp.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
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Gramblička, S., Kohar, R., & Stopka, M. (2017). Dynamic analysis of mechanical conveyor drive system. Procedia Engineering , 192, 259–264. DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.06.045
You can also cite an image directly if it not part of a larger publication or document. If we wanted to cite an image found online in APA referencing , for example, we would use the following format:
Surname, Initial(s). (Role). (Year). Title or description of image [Image format]. Retrieved from URL.
In practice, then, we could cite a photograph as follows:
Booth, S. (Photographer). (2014). Passengers [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebooth/35470947736/in/pool-best100only/
Make sure to check your style guide for which referencing system to use.
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Photo Essay
Photo essay generator.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about Narrative Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Narrative-Photo-Essay.jpg)
nytimes.com
2. Student Photo Essay Example
![images to write an essay about Student Photo Example](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Student-Photo-Example.jpg)
3. Great Depression Essay Example
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about Travel Photo Example2](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Travel-Photo-Example2.jpg)
theguardian.com
7. Free Photo Essay Example
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about Photo Essay Example](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Photo-Essay-Example-.jpg)
cah.utexas.edu
14. Photo Essay in PDF
![images to write an essay about 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
![images to write an essay about Sample Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sample-Photo-Essay.jpg)
colorado.edu
16. Basic Photo Essay Example
![images to write an essay about Basic Photo Essay](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Basic-Photo-Essay.jpg)
adaptation-undp.org
17. Printable Photo Essay Example
![images to write an essay about 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.
![images to write an essay about Twitter](https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/icon_5.png)
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.
- Learn Photography ▾
- Picfair Resources ▾
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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](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.
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Editor's tip: If you're not sure where to begin with pitching to publishers, be sure to check our how to pitch guide .
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When to Use an Image in an Essay
- 3-minute read
- 30th June 2019
Pages of text alone can look quite dull. And while “dull” may seem normal enough for an essay , using images and charts can make a document more visually interesting. It can even help you boost your grades if done right! Here, then, is our guide on how to use an image in academic writing .
Usually, you will only need to add an image in academic writing if it serves a specific purpose (e.g., illustrating your argument). Even then, you need to make sure images are presently correctly. As such, try asking yourself the following questions whenever you add picture or chart in an essay:
- Does it add anything useful? Any image or chart you include in your work should help you make your argument or explain a point more clearly. For instance, if you are analyzing a movie, you may need to include a still from a scene to illustrate your point.
- Is the image clearly labelled? All images in your essay should come with clear captions (e.g., “Figure 1” plus a title or description). Without these, your reader may not know how images relate to the surrounding text.
- Have you mentioned the image in the text? Make sure to reference any images you use in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of “An example of this can be seen in Figure 1.”
The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the arguments you make in the text.
Citing Images and Illustrations
If you have created all the images you are using in your essay yourself, then all you need to do is label them clearly (as described above). But if you want to use an existing image you found somewhere else, you will need to cite your source as well, just as you would when quoting someone.
The format for this will depend on the referencing system you’re using. However, with author–date referencing, it usually involves giving the source author’s name and a year of publication. For example:
![images to write an essay about Image plus caption.](https://proofed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image-768x390-2.png)
In the caption above, we have cited the page of the paper the image comes from using an APA-style citation. We would then need to add the full paper to the reference list at the end of the document:
Gramblička, S., Kohar, R., & Stopka, M. (2017). Dynamic analysis of mechanical conveyor drive system. Procedia Engineering , 192, 259–264. DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.06.045
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You can also cite an image directly if it not part of a larger publication or document. If we wanted to cite an image found online in APA referencing , for example, we would use the following format:
Surname, Initial(s). (Role). (Year). Title or description of image [Image format]. Retrieved from URL.
In practice, then, we could cite a photograph as follows:
Booth, S. (Photographer). (2014). Passengers [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebooth/35470947736/in/pool-best100only/
Make sure to check your style guide if you are not sure which referencing system to use when citing images in your work. And don’t forget to have your finished document proofread before you submit it for marking.
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How to create a photo essay: Step-by-step guide with examples
Published by Feature Shoot • 3 years ago
In the 1930s, Life magazine did something radical; while most magazines of the time prioritized words, its editors published pages and pages of photographs, sometimes accompanied only by brief captions.
Over the next few decades, Life ’s photographers—Gordon Parks, Margaret Bourke-White, and W. Eugene Smith among them—would help pioneer a new genre known as the “photo essay.” They often photographed ordinary people—families, midwives, laborers, and more—and shared their stories with an audience of millions.
By 1945, Life was the most popular magazine in America, read by an estimated 13.5 million people. Throughout its run, the magazine published 200,000 pages of photo essays, proving that often, images could tell stories, promote understanding, and inspire action at least as well as the written word.
75 years later, the photo essay remains a gold standard for photographers of all genres. While it’s a medium most commonly associated with photojournalism and documentary photography, modern photo essays can take many forms, from newspaper spreads to wedding albums. A photo essay is a collection of images that work together to tell a story.
Photo essays come in all forms, from day-in-the-life series to long-term documentaries; they can feature people, animals, events, or landmarks. They might capture international news and politics or uncover the lives of regular citizens overlooked by mainstream media. They can convey a narrative with a beginning, middle, and end, or they can be thematic, built around a common subject.
Below, we share our tips for how to make a photo essay, separated into eight steps, with inspiring examples from photo history as well as the 500px community.
Do your research
When finding a subject for your essay, it’s often a good idea to start close to home. Look for topics that are both original and accessible. Follow the local news, talk to members of your community, and keep an eye out for those untold, hidden stories. In 2018, for example, Skanda Gautam , a photojournalist with The Himalayan Times daily newspaper in Nepal, created a remarkable essay on air pollution in Kathmandu.
By then, the air quality was so poor that it posed serious threats to the public, and Skanda, who calls the city home, set out to document everyday life for its citizens. He photographed the polluted streets and activists crying out for change; the images were shared around the world, bringing much-needed attention to this pressing issue.
Stories like this one exist everywhere, if you’re willing to look for them. Find subjects that affect you personally or that resonate with you. Maybe it’s a protest taking place in your hometown or a community group making waves in your neighborhood. Once you find a subject that interests you, dig deeper and do some research. Check to see if any other photographers have already covered it, and if not, reach out to the people involved to see if you can learn more.
This news-gathering and research phase might take a while, but it’s the first step toward creating a meaningful photo essay.
Build trust
When we hear the term “photo essay,” one of the first works that comes to mind is Country Doctor , shot by W. Eugene Smith for Life magazine in 1948. The essay told the story of Dr. Ernest Ceriani, a general practitioner in Kremmling, Colorado, who served as the only physician across a 400-square-mile area.
Smith spent 23 days in the Rocky Mountains documenting Dr. Ceriani and his life’s work. In the beginning, he famously shot without film in his camera; the idea was to get Dr. Ceriani to feel comfortable with him before actually taking any pictures. Eventually, it was like Smith wasn’t even there; he faded into the background.
Trust forms the foundation of every great photo essay, so spend some time getting to know your subjects—without the camera. Take as much time as you need to do this, even if it’s weeks, months, or years. Tell your subject right off the bat what your intentions are, and keep the lines of communication open.
Keep an open mind
Sometimes, you’ll go into a project with an idea of what you want only to find another story lingering beneath the surface. In 2009, for instance, when the award-winning photojournalist Moe Zoyari was on assignment for United Press International (UPI) to cover the presidential election in Afghanistan, he also took the time to document daily life in its cities.
Over 44 days, he discovered a new project, ultimately titled Life After War , about the vibrancy of civilian life and the resilience of the people. He saw the scars of war, but he also found children playing and local businesses thrumming with life. Moe’s series is a testament to the importance of an open mind; allow your instincts to guide you, and take as many photos as possible, even if they aren’t what you originally planned.
The final story might reveal itself later, when you’re back home at the computer, but while you’re out there in the field, take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Look for overlooked details, interesting moments, and unexpected happenings.
Aim for variety
We’ve already mentioned the importance of taking as many photos as you can, but you also want to look for ways to make them all different. As the legendary photo editor Howard Chapnick once put it, great photo essays avoid redundancy, and every image captures a different perspective.
For some, that might mean using different lenses or angles, getting details as well as wide shots, and for others, it might mean capturing one subject in many different settings and scenarios. You can combine portraits and landscapes. In short, it’s not just about quantity; it’s also about diversity.
When the Australian photographer Drew Hopper documented life on the River Ganges, for example, he woke up early and stayed out late; he saw a man performing his morning prayers, women doing laundry, and boats heading out at dusk. In capturing all these moments, he painted a dynamic and nuanced portrait of a single place, rich with meaning and layers of understanding.
Limit yourself
In the heyday of Life magazine, photographers were at least somewhat beholden to editors in terms of image selection and layout. There was only room for a fixed number of images, and because they captured hundreds if not thousands of frames, many had to be cut.
Today’s photographers aren’t limited by the cost of film or limited space; using social media, they can publish as many images as they wish. But at the same time, editing remains at the heart of the photo essay, so be objective and ruthless. Sometimes, the most powerful stories are told with a select few images. Give yourself a number—say, ten to fifteen images—and then try to hold yourself to it.
Cut any images that don’t serve the larger story—or any that feel redundant—and then ask friends and colleagues for their opinions. Sometimes, seeking an outside perspective can be invaluable; you might be attached to an image emotionally, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the strongest of the bunch. Don’t rush the process; take several passes over several days or weeks, gradually narrowing down your images.
Also, keep in mind that even if you cut an image from your essay, that doesn’t mean you have to discard it completely. Parks, Smith, and Bourke-White had countless photos cut from publication; many have been published and exhibited throughout the decades.
Trust your gut
Photo essays require an investment of your time, energy, and empathy, so even if a friend suggests you cut this photo and keep that one, the final choice is yours. If you feel strongly about an element of your story, trust that instinct.
In 1961, Gordon Parks did just that. He’d spent weeks documenting the life of a boy named Flavio da Silva and his family, who lived in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, but when his editors saw the images, they initially wanted to include only one photo of Flavio. Still, Parks insisted, and in the end, he convinced them to publish a full ten-page spread focusing on Flavio and his family. They remained in touch for years afterward.
Trusting your gut can be especially important when it comes to the first and last image in your essay. These are your bookends; one introduces your audience to the subject, and the other leaves a final impression. Make sure to select images that pack an emotional punch and make a strong statement.
Incorporate text and captions
From 2014-2017, the architecture photographer Chris Forsyth created a captivating photo essay about the metro stations of Berlin, Montreal, Munich, and Stockholm. Part of the joy of discovery came in researching their history, designs, and nuances, and his captions always provide insight into the meaning and significance of each space.
There’s no rule that says you have to include text in your photo essay, but often, captions can go a long way. When documenting your story, keep a journal of some kind where you can jot down locations, dates, and descriptions. If you interview someone, take notes. You don’t have to publish these notes, but they’ll help you keep track of information as it comes.
Publish your images
In 1951, three years after C ountry Doctor , W. Eugene Smith photographed Maude Callen, a midwife and nurse in South Carolina, for Life . The piece inspired readers to make donations and send food; in the end, $20,000 was raised and used to open the Maude Callen clinic and support her work. One subscriber put it this way : “In all the years I have been reading Life , I have never been so moved or affected by anything as by your article on Maude Callen.”
Photo essays still have the power to transform lives, except these days, you don’t need to be published in Life to reach millions of people. Whether you’re publishing with a magazine or sharing your work online, your images have the potential to create change and make a difference, so when you’re ready, don’t be afraid to share them with the world.
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How to Write an Argumentative Essay- Steps with Examples
Being a student and writing essays is not something everybody enjoys, but in my personal opinion as a writer, anyone can find contentment and pleasure in writing, especially when it comes to argumentative essays. While they may seem tricky to navigate, they offer this unique opportunity to express your opinions and make your voice heard. Consider this a growing process—once you overcome the challenges of writing argumentative essays, you will learn the art of agreeing or disagreeing with popular opinions and defending your stance. As far as the essay is concerned, I will show you how to master this process on how to write an argumentative essay.
When is an Argumentative Essay Written?
You will likely be required to write argumentative essays throughout your academic life, from high school to university. These assignments will present opportunities to develop and showcase your critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. Here are some scenarios where you might encounter the need to write argumentative essays:
Academic Assignments
Often assigned in school or college courses to help students develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. These assignments encourage students to research thoroughly, form coherent arguments, and present their viewpoints convincingly.
Debates and Discussions
Serve as the basis for presenting and defending viewpoints in academic or competitive settings. Argumentative essays provide a structured way to organize thoughts and evidence, helping participants articulate their arguments effectively during debates.
Opinion Pieces
Commonly used in newspapers, magazines, and online publications to influence public opinion on current issues. These essays allow writers to present their stance on controversial topics, backed by evidence and reasoning, to sway readers' views.
Policy Proposals
Utilized in government and policy-related fields to propose and defend specific policy changes or solutions to societal problems. Argumentative essays in this context present well-researched arguments to persuade policymakers and stakeholders of the necessity and viability of the proposed changes.
Persuasive Speeches
Prepared as a foundation for delivering persuasive speeches. Writing an argumentative essay helps speakers organize their thoughts and evidence logically, providing a solid framework for their oral presentations.
What is the Structure of an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay uses factual evidence and logical support to convince the reader of a particular point of view. Here's a breakdown of the structure and what goes into each part of an argumentative essay:
Basic Argumentative Essay Structure
1.Introduction
Purpose: Introduce the topic, present the thesis, and set up the argument.
Hook: A sentence to grab the reader’s attention.
Background Information: Brief context about the topic.
Thesis Statement: The main argument or claim.
2.Body Paragraphs
Purpose: Present arguments and evidence to support the thesis and refute opposing arguments.
Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Evidence and Analysis: Present facts, statistics, quotes, or examples to support the argument.
Counterarguments and Rebuttals: Address opposing views and explain why they are invalid or less significant.
3.Conclusion
Purpose: Summarize the arguments, restate the thesis in light of the evidence presented, and offer final thoughts.
Restate Thesis: Reiterate the main argument.
Summarize Key Points: Highlight the main points made in the body paragraphs.
Final Thought: A closing statement that underscores the importance of the topic
How to Write an Argumentative Essay [4 Steps with Examples]
As an experienced writer, I've come to understand the structure of argumentative essays quite well. But what I found truly challenging when I first started was nailing the right approach. Many beginners, myself included at one point, fall into traps like letting personal biases creep in or thinking that being argumentative means being aggressive. Trust me, that's not the case at all!
In this section, I'm going to lay out an effective approach on how to write an argumentative essay step by step for beginners. I'll break it down in a way that I wish someone had done for me when I was starting out. Plus, I'll share some insider tips on tools like WPS Office that I've come to rely on to streamline my writing process. So let's learn how to write an argumentative essay with a few examples.
1.Brainstorming
When I sit down to craft an argumentative essay, my first step is to engage in a comprehensive brainstorming session. This is your opportunity to let your creativity run wild and explore every angle of your topic. Write down every idea that comes to you, whether it supports or opposes your topic. Remember, at this stage, there are no bad ideas.
Now, while there's nothing wrong with the classic pen and paper approach, I've found that using WPS Office takes my brainstorming to a whole new level. It's not just about having a digital notepad; the AI features often toss out ideas that I might never have thought of on my own. It's like having a creative partner who never gets tired! Let me show you how I use it:
Let's say our topic is "Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?"
Step 1: Open WPS Office and type "@AI" on a blank document to activate WPS AI.
Step 2: Click on the "Brainstorm" option and enter your prompt. Make sure it's detailed and clearly explains what you want. Here's an example of an effective prompt:
"Generate a list of arguments both for and against the idea that electric cars are better for the environment. Consider factors like emissions, manufacturing processes, battery disposal, and energy sources"
Step 3: WPS AI will generate several arguments on both sides. If you want more, simply click "Rewrite”.
Jot down any valuable arguments before hitting "Rewrite", as you might not see the same ones again.
With these arguments in hand, you'll likely find yourself leaning towards one side of the debate. Armed with a variety of points and counterpoints, you'll be well-equipped to write an effective argumentative essay. Remember, a strong argumentative essay is built on a foundation of thorough preparation and diverse ideas.
2.Preparing
Now that we've generated our initial arguments and counterarguments, it's time to dive deeper into research to strengthen our position. Let's continue with our example topic: "Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?"
Let's continue with our example topic: "Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?" Our next step is to select the most impactful supporting arguments and conduct in-depth research to substantiate them with solid evidence. Simultaneously, we'll identify the strongest counterarguments and explore ways to address or neutralize them through our research.
All of this might seem a little overwhelming, but with the help of WPS AI, the research phase becomes significantly more manageable. As we gather research papers, we can upload them to WPS Office and quickly gain insights using the AI features.
Here's how to leverage WPS AI for efficient research:
Step 1: Open your research paper PDFs in WPS Office, then click on the WPS AI widget in the top right corner.
Step 2: In the WPS AI panel that appears on the right side of your screen, click "Upload" to add your PDF.
Step 3: Once processed, WPS AI will provide you with key insights from the PDF at a glance.
Step 4: For more specific information, click on the "Inquiry" tab and use the WPS AI chatbot to ask further questions about the PDF contents.
As you conduct your research, begin organizing your findings into an outline. Remember to structure your outline according to the elements we discussed in previous sections. This will ensure your outline contains all the necessary components for an effective argumentative essay.
3.First Drafting
Now that we have our research and outline ready, it's time to start writing our first draft. This is where your essay really starts to take shape. Don't worry about perfection at this stage—the goal is to get your ideas down coherently.
Using the outline we prepared during our research, you'll find it easier to organize your thoughts for your essay. To make things simpler, use WPS Office editing tools. When I write my essay, I always ensure it is properly formatted, giving it a cleaner look and helping me focus better.
Now, simply start your draft on WPS Office with an introduction, followed by a body paragraph, and conclude with a strong summary that reviews your main points and leaves the reader with something to think about.
Once you have your draft ready, make use of WPS Office's AI features, which can help you improve writing, shorten or elongate your paragraphs, and much more. Let's say you've written your first body paragraph, and it's a bit too long. So, let's shorten it with WPS AI:
Step 1: Select the paragraph you want to shorten, then click on the WPS AI icon in the hover menu.
Step 2: From the list of options, simply click on "Make shorter" to shorten your paragraph.
Step 3: WPS AI will display the shorter version on a small screen. Click on "Replace" to replace the original text with the shorter version.
4.Revising & Proofreading
Congratulations on completing your first draft! However, there is one crucial step remaining: revising and proofreading. Revising and proofreading are where good essays become great essays.
A method I find most effective for revising my essay is reading it aloud. This technique helps in identifying awkward phrasing and run-on sentences that may go unnoticed when reading silently. As you read, ask yourself:
Does my introduction effectively grab the reader's attention and clearly state my thesis?
Do my body paragraphs each focus on a single main idea that supports my thesis?
Have I provided enough evidence to support each of my arguments?
Have I addressed potential counterarguments?
Does my conclusion effectively summarize my main points and leave a lasting impression?
You might find that you need to make some structural changes. For instance, you might realize that your second body paragraph would be more effective if it came first. Don't be afraid to move things around!
Once you have made the necessary changes to your essay, the next step is to ensure it does not have any grammatical errors. For this, I use WPS AI's spell check feature. With just a single click, WPS AI spell check ensures that my essay is complete and ready to be submitted!
Bonus Tips: How to Polish your argumentative Essay with WPS AI
WPS Office is already a premium choice among students, offering all the features needed to write a perfect essay. With WPS Office, students can write better without payment issues, annoying ads, or difficulty navigating the tools. It's a free tool with advanced features, including WPS AI, which supports the entire writing process.
1.Check for Grammar and Spelling:
WPS AI carefully scans your essay for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, ensuring that your writing is polished and professional. This feature not only helps you avoid common errors but also enhances the readability and credibility of your work.
2.Seek Style and Tone Adjustments:
WPS AI offers suggestions to improve the style and tone of your writing, making it more engaging and suitable for your target audience. Whether your essay requires a formal academic tone or a more conversational approach, WPS AI tailors its recommendations to fit your needs, ensuring your writing is coherent and compelling.
Here's an example of WPS AI's 'Improve Writing' feature in action, enhancing the formality and persuasiveness of my body paragraph for the reader.
3.Writing Assistance:
From the initial brainstorming phase to the final touches, WPS AI provides comprehensive writing assistance. It helps you structure your arguments logically, develop clear and concise thesis statements, and refine your conclusions. WPS AI also offers suggestions for enhancing clarity and coherence, making the writing process smoother and more efficient.
With the assistance of WPS AI's 'Continue Writing' feature, we can extend our essays by seamlessly incorporating additional sections that complement the existing content's flow and tone.
FAQs about Writing an Argumentative Essay
1. what’s the difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay.
An argumentative essay is typically more extensive and requires independent research to establish a unique claim regarding a specific topic. It includes a thesis statement that presents a debatable assertion, which must be supported by objective evidence. In contrast, an expository essay strives for objectivity but does not propose an original argument. Instead, it aims to clarify and explain a topic straightforwardly, such as a process or concept. Generally, expository essays are shorter and do not rely as heavily on research.
2. When do I need to cite sources?
In a college environment, accurately citing sources is vital for essays, research papers, and other academic assignments, but this requirement does not extend to exams or in-class tasks. Proper citations are needed for direct quotes, paraphrased material, and summaries, and it is necessary to provide complete source information in a bibliography or reference list. Following the specified citation style, such as APA or MLA, is essential for maintaining academic integrity. Whenever you utilize information or ideas from another work in college-level writing, proper citation is required to acknowledge the original source.
3. What is an Argumentative essay?
An argumentative essay is a type of writing that asserts a specific stance on a debatable issue, backing it up with reasoning and evidence. The main objective is to convince the reader to accept or seriously consider the author's viewpoint. This essay usually contains a clear thesis statement and develops arguments while addressing opposing views to reinforce its position. Ultimately, it seeks to encourage critical engagement with the topic at hand.
Excel the Art of Persuasion With WPS Office
Argumentative essays are possibly the most thought-provoking when it comes to writing, presenting a higher difficulty level. Despite the challenge on how to write an argumentative essay, they are also the most fun to write, as they allow you to express your opinions in a highly opinionated form. WPS Office strives to enhance your writing experience, and as a writer, I can vouch for this. WPS Office not only offers advanced tools like WPS AI to help refine and improve your writing skills but also provides options to make your work as presentable as you want it to be. Download WPS Office today to experience the difference.
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Aug 12, 2024
8 Insightful Essay Ideas for Students
Independence Day commemorates our country’s journey to freedom and the enduring values that define it. For students, writing essays on this topic offers a unique opportunity to delve into the historical, cultural, and personal significance of this monumental day.
Image Source: Canva
Modern-day relevance of Independence Day: Why it still matters in today's world
Independence Day comes as a powerful reminder of past victories and is also a living testament to the values etched in the history of our nation. This essay could explore how the ideals of freedom remain relevant in addressing the challenges of the modern world.
How diverse traditions enhance national unity
Picturing the multicultural fabric of the nation, this essay topic can highlight how diverse cultural traditions weave and strengthen the national bond. You can delve deeper by capturing the subtleties of each culture and its contribution to India’s cultural richness.
How Independence Day principles have influenced national policies and social change?
The principles of Independence Day such as freedom, equality, and justice have had a lasting impact on the development of national policies and social reforms. The essay can demonstrate how these ideals have translated into action over the years.
Post-Independence: The journey of India's educational system
Analyze how India’s education system has evolved since independence. This could include changes in curriculum, the introduction of new institutions, and the challenges and achievements in making education accessible to all.
Voices of the youth: What independence means today
Conduct interviews with students across India to understand what independence means to the younger generation. Explore their thoughts on freedom, national identity, and the challenges India faces in maintaining its independence in a globalized world.
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Traditions through time: evolution of independence day celebrations from past to present.
Chronicling the history of traditions, this essay can trace the changes in them over the years. You can also underscore how the traditional ceremonies have transformed into new forms, and what it reflects about the shifting priorities and values of our country.
Role of education in preserving Independence Day
Education is key to ensuring that the significance of Independence Day is passed down to future generations. The topic can explore the importance of integrating Independence Day into the curriculum and the role of schools, and teachers in fostering patriotic values in students.
Impact of media on Independence Day
The essay can talk about the role of media in instilling national pride and fostering a national bond in the nation. You can depict the efforts of media in reinforcing the narratives of Independence and its significant role in shaping the perceptions of the viewers.
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मराठीचे तपशील
१५ ऑगस्टसाठी निबंध लिहिताय? 'या' सोप्या सुटसुटीत मुद्यांचा समावेश केल्यास पहिला नंबर तुमचाच
Independence day marathi essay: १५ ऑगस्ट १९४७ हा दिवस भारताच्या इतिहासात सुवर्णाक्षरांनी लिहिला गेला आहे. या दिवशी भारताला ब्रिटीश राजवटीपासून स्वातंत्र्य मिळाले..
![Independence day 2024 Independence day 2024](https://images.hindustantimes.com/marathi/img/2024/08/14/400x225/15_august_1723602291693_1723602299154.jpg)
Independence day 2024: १५ ऑगस्ट हा दिवस प्रत्येक भारतीयासाठी एखाद्या उत्सवापेक्षा कमी नाही. यादिवशी भारताला इंग्रजांपासून स्वातंत्र्य मिळाले होते. भारतावर १५० वर्षे राज्य करणाऱ्या इंग्रजांच्या गुलामगिरीतून आपण मुक्त झालो होतो. त्यामुळे स्वातंत्र्य दिनाचे प्रचंड महत्व आहे. आजचा दिवस विविधप्रकारे साजरा केला जातो शाळेमध्येसुद्धा मुलांमध्ये स्वातंत्र्य दिनाची उत्सुकता लागून असते. शाळेमध्ये मुलांमध्ये देशप्रेम वाढीस लागावा, देशाच्या स्वातंत्र्य लढ्याबाबत मुलाना माहिती व्हावी, यासाठी विविध कार्यक्रमांचे आयोजन केले जाते. यामध्ये निबंध आणि भाषणाचा आवर्जून समावेश होतो. प्रत्येक पालक आपल्या मुलांना यामध्ये भाग घेण्यास आनंदाने तयार करतो. परंतु बऱ्याचवेळा लहान मुलांसाठी नेमका निबंध कसा दहावा? कोणते मुद्दे घ्यावे याबाबत संभ्रम असतो. तर आज आपनं याबाबतच जाणून घेणार आहोत. जेणेकरून सोप्या-सुटसुटीत भाषेत तुमच्या मुलांना निबंध लिहिता येईल.
तुम्हीसुद्धा स्वातंत्र्यदिनानिमित्त मराठीमध्ये एक प्रभावी आणि हृदयस्पर्शी निबंध लिहिण्याचा विचार करत असाल, तर येथे दिलेल्या मुद्द्यांतून तुम्ही निबंध कसा लिहावा याचा नेमका अंदाज येईल. शिवाय या प्रकारे निबंध लिहिल्यास १५ ऑगस्ट रोजी होणाऱ्या स्पर्धांमध्ये चांगले गुण मिळवून बक्षिसे देखील जिंकता येतील. स्वातंत्र्याची 78 वर्षे पूर्ण झाल्याचा आनंद साजरा करण्यासाठी, तुम्ही नेमके कशाप्रकारे निबंध लिहू शकता.
अशी करा प्रस्तावना-
१५ ऑगस्ट १९४७ हा दिवस भारताच्या इतिहासात सुवर्णाक्षरांनी लिहिला गेला आहे. या दिवशी भारताला ब्रिटीश राजवटीपासून स्वातंत्र्य मिळाले आणि जगाने प्रथमच भारताला एक देश म्हणून मान्यता दिली. स्वातंत्र्यदिन ही केवळ ऐतिहासिक घटना नसून, हा दिवस आपल्या स्वातंत्र्यसैनिकांच्या बलिदानाची आठवण करून देत. आणि देशाची एकता आणि अखंडतेसाठी प्रयत्नशील राहून एकत्रित राहण्याची प्रेरणाही देतो.
स्वातंत्र्य लढ्यापासून स्वातंत्र्य मिळेपर्यंतचा प्रवास संक्षिप्तरूपात-
स्वातंत्र्य हा केवळ एक दिवसाचा लढा नसून त्यासाठी तब्बल १५० वर्षांचा प्रयत्न आहे. स्वातंत्र्यप्राप्तीच्या प्रवासात जिवाची पर्वा न करता असंख्य स्वातंत्र्यसैनिक लढले. महात्मा गांधी, सुभाषचंद्र बोस, भगतसिंग, चंद्रशेखर आझाद, जवाहरलाल नेहरू, आणि राणी लक्ष्मीबाई यांसारख्या नेत्यांनी ब्रिटीश राजवटीविरुद्ध धाडसाने आवाज उठवला. गांधीजींनी अहिंसा आणि सत्याग्रहाचा मार्ग स्वीकारून स्वातंत्र्यलढ्याला नवी दिशा दिली. तर सुभाषचंद्र बोस आणि भगतसिंग यांसारखे क्रांतिकारक अधिक आक्रमक आणि प्रतिकारात्मक दृष्टिकोन घेऊन पुढे आले. या सर्वांच्या अथक प्रयत्नाने आज स्वातंत्र्य दिनाचा उत्सव प्रत्येक भारतीयांना साजरा करता येऊ लागला.
Independence Day 2024: या डिशेसने मजेदार होईल स्वातंत्र्य दिनाचा उत्सव, १५ ऑगस्टसाठी नोट करा तिरंगा रेसिपी
१५ ऑगस्टचे महत्व-
१५ ऑगस्ट हा दिवस भारत सरकार आणि नागरिकांसाठी अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा आहे. या दिवशी सकाळी, भारताचे राष्ट्रपती, पंतप्रधान आणि इतर वरिष्ठ अधिकारी दिल्लीतील लाल किल्ल्यावर ध्वजारोहण करतात.देशाचे पहिले पंतप्रधान पंडित जवाहरलाल नेहरू यांनी लाल किल्ल्याच्या तटबंदीवरून स्वातंत्र्याची घोषणा केली तेव्हापासून ही अर्थातच १९४७ पासून ही परंपरा सुरू आहे. ध्वजारोहण समारंभ हा एक प्रमुख राष्ट्रीय उत्सव आहे. ज्यामध्ये देशाच्या सशस्त्र सेना, शाळा आणि अनेक संघटनांद्वारे सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम आणि परेड आयोजित केल्या जातात. यादिवशी जिलेबीसारखा गॉड पदार्थ वाटून सर्वांना शुभेच्छा दिल्या जातात.
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Images from Kamala Harris’ Aug. 7 Detroit rally are real, not artificial intelligence
Local news reports and dozens of photos and videos from local and national media outlets documented the detroit metropolitan airport rally .
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AP24221044229380.jpg)
Former President Donald Trump is keen to boast about his crowd sizes and attack his political rivals over theirs. But his Aug. 11 claim that 2024 opponent Vice President Kamala Harris used artificial intelligence to paint a picture of a nonexistent crowd at one of her events upped the ante on election year attacks.
“Has anyone noticed that Kamala CHEATED at the airport?” Trump wrote in an Aug. 11 Truth Social post . “There was nobody at the plane, and she ‘A.I.’d’ it, and showed a massive ‘crowd’ of so-called followers, BUT THEY DIDN’T EXIST!”
Responding to a social media post he reshared that included a picture showing Harris’ plane surrounded by a large crowd of people — some with Harris-Walz campaign signs — Trump wrote that it amounted to a “fake crowd picture.”
“She had NOBODY waiting, and the ‘crowd’ looked like 10,000 people!” he wrote . One minute later, Trump posted again: “Look, we caught her with a fake ‘crowd.’ There was nobody there!”
Trump’s claim is baseless. Thousands of people attended the Aug. 7 Harris campaign event in Romulus, Michigan, a southwest suburb of Detroit.
Dozens of photos and videos of the event — including from journalists at Getty Images and The Associated Press — show that Harris-Walz supporters gathered at Michigan’s Detroit Metropolitan Airport for the rally .
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AP24220831286090.jpg)
Air Force Two with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz aboard arrive for a campaign rally Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Romulus, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Detroit News reported that Harris and allies “rallied thousands of supporters” Aug. 7 who were “packed inside and outside an airplane hangar.” The Detroit Free Press reported that “several thousand supporters” lined up hours in advance to get inside the airport for the event. Similarly, WDIV, a local TV channel, reported that “thousands of people were there.”
For those inquiring about Kamala Harris’ Michigan rally crowd size — here is the view of both inside and outside the hangar at DTW before, during and after the rally. 🎥: Kayman Whaley, TDN. Stay with us at https://t.co/SwQpP52S0b for live, accurate updates. pic.twitter.com/6K48qjKtfo — The Detroit News (@detroitnews) August 8, 2024
We contacted the Trump campaign for comment and received no response.
A Harris campaign spokesperson told PolitiFact that a campaign staff member took the crowd photo that Trump reshared and it was not generated or modified by AI.
“This is an actual photo of a 15,000-person crowd for Harris-Walz in Michigan,” the Harris campaign wrote in an Aug. 11 X post , sharing the contested photo.
Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Information and an expert on digital forensics and image analysis, said he has “no doubt that the photo is real.”
Farid said he analyzed the photo using two different computer models trained to detect patterns associated with generative AI images. Neither detected evidence of AI-generation or manipulation.
“The haloing effect around many of the heads/bodies is, I believe, due to the unusual lighting in the hangar,” Farid said in an email. Also, he said, “many other” videos and photos of the rally show “the same basic scene.”
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AP24222069440504.jpg)
People listen to Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speak at a campaign rally at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Romulus, MI. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
“Comparing several versions of this photo, I think the only alteration was some simple brightness/contrast and perhaps sharpening,” Farid said.
Lavora Barnes, Michigan’s Democratic Party chair , shared a photo on X of herself addressing the Aug. 7 crowd and joked about Trump’s AI-generated crowd claim.
“I’m honored that whoever made the AI image of 15,000 excited Democrats welcoming @kamalaharris and @tim_walz to Detroit was kind enough to include me at the lectern,” she wrote Aug. 11 on X . “That AI crowd was really loud, my ears just stopped ringing from their imaginary cheering.”
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AP24220832803068.jpg)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive for a campaign rally Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Romulus, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
How did the AI-generated photo narrative spread?
On Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot of conservative commentator Chuck Callesto’s Aug. 10 X post . Callesto — whose Instagram profile picture is a 2022 image of himself and Trump — posted his false claim that the Harris campaign was using a “FAKE crowd photo” at 2:47 p.m. ET. His post had been viewed more than 14.4 million times as of the evening of Aug. 12.
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/POF_Graphic_for_Trumps_claim_that_Harris_Michigan_rally_had_AI-gen_cro_RQmebQO.png)
(Screenshot/Truth Social)
Callesto was not the first person to use photos to sow doubt about the crowd size at Harris’ Michigan rally. Blog sites linked to Italy and India shared posts Aug. 8 and Aug. 9 that questioned the rally photos’ authenticity.
Paid X subscribers also shared close-up photos of Air Force Two at the rally as early as 12:46 p.m. ET on Aug. 10, claiming that the reflections on the plane proved there was no crowd.
Jake Shields, a mixed martial arts fighter with 735,000 followers on X, promoted this theory. “Harris is using AI to fake crowd size,” he posted at 4:46 p.m. Aug. 10. Just after 6 p.m., conservative commentator and Trump supporter Dinesh D’Souza amplified the claim.
Trump said a photo of Harris’ Aug. 7 rally near Detroit was AI-generated, that “there was nobody there” and the attendees pictured “didn’t exist.”
Local news organizations reported that thousands of people attended the rally, and photos and videos show the same scene at the airplane hangar. An expert on detecting manipulated images analyzed the photo and found no evidence it was AI-generated or manipulated.
We rate the claim Pants on Fire!
PolitiFact researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.
This fact check was originally published by PolitiFact , which is part of the Poynter Institute. See the sources for this fact check here .
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Madison_Czopek.jpeg)
Opinion | When will Kamala Harris meet the press?
Eventually, Harris will have to sit down for a one-on-one interview or press conference. But, so far, not doing so hasn’t hurt her.
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-13-at-19.52.02.png)
‘Full-circle’ moment: Asian American journalists get engaged while co-emceeing gala
Jason Nguyen surprised Rosie Nguyen during the closing of the Asian American Journalists Association annual convention
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AP23060858980665.jpg)
Did Tim Walz discriminate against white people over COVID-19 treatments? Claims of such distort his plan
Minnesota’s health department had a centralized program to refer patients for monoclonal antibody treatments based on clinical need
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/unnamed-94.jpg)
Opinion | Donald Trump returned to X and Elon Musk greeted him with open arms
In an ‘interview’ delayed due to technical glitches Monday night, Musk teed up Trump to say pretty much whatever he wanted
![images to write an essay about](https://www.poynter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Election_2024_Misinformation_Latinos_24082613079680.jpg)
Journalists should be mindful of evangelical Latinos’ impact on this year’s election
Analysts cite a variety of reasons why some Latino voters are switching to support a Republican candidate for president
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PICTURE PROMPTS
144 Picture Prompts to Inspire Student Writing
A school year’s worth of short, accessible image-driven posts that invite a variety of kinds of writing.
![images to write an essay about images to write an essay about](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/04/28/travel/28illustrated-map-video-promo/28illustrated-map-video-promo-square640.jpg)
By The Learning Network
We’ve been publishing our Picture Prompts series four days a week since 2016. These short, accessible, image-driven prompts invite students to create short stories, poems and memoirs; share experiences from their lives; analyze illustrations, graphs and charts; and weigh in on hot-button issues.
Here, we’ve rounded up all the Picture Prompts we published for the 2019-20 school year and organized them by the type of writing they ask students to do. You can find even more in our roundups for the 2016-17 , 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years. That’s over 600 prompts in all. And many are still open for comment by students 13 and up.
To learn how you can use Picture Prompts to build literacy skills, promote critical thinking, spark discussion and foster creativity in your classroom — physical or virtual — watch our on-demand webinar, “ A Picture Prompt Is Worth a Thousand Words .” For dozens more ideas, see our lesson plan, “ How to Teach With Our Picture Prompts (and Other Times Images) .”
If you use this feature with your students, or if you have other ideas for how to use photos, illustrations and graphics to encourage writing, let us know in the comments.
What story does this image inspire for you?
Trapped Inside Wilderness Wayfaring Magical Chores I’m Sorry Dollar Bills Dinosaurs Endless Conversation Looking Back Social Distancing Vibrant Youth Fake Ice United States of Love Over the Falls Marching Band Heavy Head Night Circus Submerged Subway Ride Subway Balloons Under the Ice Resourceful Raccoon Calendar Vivid Voices Writing a Novel Passport Scramble Racing Pug Castle on a Hill Clowns Travel In the Hallway Striking Out Meeting in the City
Share experiences from your own life.
Collect Them All The Stories Maps Can Tell Strange Times, Strange Dreams Songs of Hope Drawing Ramadan in Isolation Across Divides Instagram Challenges Book Updates Funny Flicks Stuck in Paradise Pandemic Projects Home Cooking Your Learning Space Empty Spaces Helpers Favorite Flops St. Patrick’s Day Birthdays The Agony of Defeat Alligators in the Sewers In Memoriam Sibling Dynamics Slumber Parties Food Favors Super Bowl LIV Morning Moods Lunar New Year Internet Affirmation Pet Keepsakes Stargazing New Year, New You? Last-Minute Shopping Car-Free Travel Feasting With Family Mister Rogers ‘No.’ Dream House Strange Cuisine Multitasking Headless Horseman Music Therapy The Heroic Ideal A Place of Solace Pet Pampering Notes of Lavender Neighborhood Celebrations Fashion Idols Tributes Family Cooks Favorite Season Back to School
What do you think this image, chart or cartoon is saying?
‘OK Boomer’ Shadows Open and Shut Baseball Eyeballs Protesting Carrying the Weight Music Notes Flickering Sign Helping Hands Brick Wall Inside a Book Talking and Listening Maze Credit and Blame Newspaper City Pack of People ‘A 📖 of Two 🏙’ Head Spinning You Love You, Bro The President’s Tweets Split Reflections Forest in a Stadium Chasing ‘They’ Missiles, Hummers and Tanks Looking Over the Edge
What’s your opinion on this issue?
Masks The Front Page Teenage Drivers Graduation in a Pandemic Most Challenged Books Brady’s Big Move Mascot Working From Home Mall Rats ‘Bracelet of Silence’ Optimism Government Buildings Valentine’s Day Prizewinning Poodle Library Books Oscar Nominations 2020 Hologram Musicians Baby Yoda Hit Holiday Songs 2019 in Pictures World’s Big Sleep Out Snow Days Tesla’s ‘Cybertruck’ Fortune Tellers Scooters Everywhere Popeyes Chicken Sandwich World Series Champions Small Talk Big City, Small Town Tipping Summer Hits
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COMMENTS
Since 2016, we've been featuring these images in our daily Picture Prompts: short, image-driven posts that invite a variety of kinds of student writing. Teachers tell us they use these prompts ...
We also have over 1000 Student Opinion questions we've asked over the years, gathered together in two lists: 650 prompts for narrative and personal writing and 401 prompts for argumentative ...
19. Snail Mail: Do you think handwritten cards and letters still have value in the digital age? 20. Cyberbullying: Should social media companies do more to prevent online harassment? 21. Phone ...
I tried this with myself and my 6th-grade students, and they love it. it gives room for so much creativity. Use these 70 picture prompts for creative writing to get your students' creative juices flowing. 1. ALLEY CAT.
How to Create a Photo Essay: Step-by-Step Guide With Examples. 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. Photo ...
150 Inspiring Picture Writing Prompts To Spark Creativity (Free Google Slides) Use a picture to write a thousand words! Creative writing is a challenge for many students, often because they can't come up with anything to write about. That's why we love picture writing prompts. Each one sparks the imagination and helps young writers jump ...
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. ... Write a summary or statement. Photo essays are always accompanied by some text. You can do ...
If you want to use picture writing prompts for your budding writers, here are some tips to get you started. 1. Pick pictures that your writers can relate to. One of the most important advice to writers is: "Write what you know.". Bear this in mind when picking picture writing prompts, particularly for younger writers.
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.
7. Include a clincher. This image may not be apparent to you in the beginning, but most photographers say they know it when they see it. It's an image that wraps up the essay for the viewer. This image should say "the end," give a call to action, or show the end result of a day in the life or how to sequence.
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.
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. 6.
Exploring the Picture Essay: Tips, Best Practices, and Examples. April 18, 2023. Words by Jeff Cardello. A picture essay lets you harness the power of images to tell stories, evoke emotions, and convey a sense of place, time, and perspective. Picture essays drop viewers right into the action, letting them see things through the camera's lens ...
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 ...
Here are a number of ways you can use these picture writing prompts to spark your imagination: Descriptive Writing: Directly describe everything you see in extreme detail. You could even go beyond the physical appearance of things, and explore your other senses, such as smell, hear, feel and taste.
Make sure to directly reference the image in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of 'An example of this can be seen in Figure 1'. The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the ...
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.
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 ...
Write a short story, poem or memoir inspired by this photograph. | Related Picture Prompt Andrew Testa for The New York Times. Phone Booth in the Wilderness. Roller Coasters. In the Waves. In the ...
1. Follow the Works Cited format for citing an image, which is as follows: Creator's Last Name, First Name. "Image Title.". Website Name, Day Month Year, URL. 2. Provide key information about the source, such as the creator, title, and year. In this case, we have followed option 1: Fig. 1.
Make sure to reference any images you use in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of "An example of this can be seen in Figure 1.". The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the ...
Writing the personal essay for your college application can be tough, but we're here to help. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started, but the sooner you begin, the more time and thought you can put into an essay that stands out. Check out some tips: 1. Keep it real.
The impact of social media on adolescent mental health is devastating due to the rising cases of cyberbullying and body images that are unachievable. "Expository Essay. Expository Essay. On the other hand, the thesis statement for an expository essay aims to explain or describe the topic in a neutral way and is not argumentative.
A photo essay is a collection of images that work together to tell a story. Photo essays come in all forms, from day-in-the-life series to long-term documentaries; they can feature people, animals, events, or landmarks. They might capture international news and politics or uncover the lives of regular citizens overlooked by mainstream media.
An argumentative essay is a type of writing that asserts a specific stance on a debatable issue, backing it up with reasoning and evidence. The main objective is to convince the reader to accept or seriously consider the author's viewpoint. This essay usually contains a clear thesis statement and develops arguments while addressing opposing ...
8 Insightful Essay Ideas for Students. Independence Day commemorates our country's journey to freedom and the enduring values that define it. For students, writing essays on this topic offers a ...
Sometimes, writing about poems here at CNN, I felt like a stealth poetry whisperer. But those of you who joined me in this space seemed to savor the whispering, writes Tess Taylor.
Independence Day Marathi Essay: १५ ऑगस्ट १९४७ हा दिवस भारताच्या इतिहासात ...
Callesto was not the first person to use photos to sow doubt about the crowd size at Harris' Michigan rally. Blog sites linked to Italy and India shared posts Aug. 8 and Aug. 9 that questioned ...
Write a short story, poem or memoir inspired by this illustration. Related Picture Prompt Glenn Harvey. Trapped Inside. Wilderness Wayfaring. Magical Chores. I'm Sorry. Dollar Bills. Dinosaurs ...