physics photo essay

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• 2019 Contest Winners 2019 Top 100 Photos
• 2023 Top 100 & Winning Photos
• The Top 100 photos were judged at the 2023 AAPT Summer Meeting in Sacramento, CA, July 15-19, 2023.

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2024 AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest

The AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest is an international challenge for high school students.  For many years this contest has provided teachers and students an opportunity to explore natural and contrived phenomena by creating visual illustrations and written analysis of various physical concepts.  Students participate in an international arena with more than 1,000 of their peers for recognition and prizes.

Sponsored in part by Vernier Software & Technology

Supported by the Committee on Physics in High Schools and the Committee on Educational Technologies.

Disclaimer: The accuracy of the photo essays submitted by the High School students in their explanation of the physics demonstrated by the photo is the responsibility of the students and their teachers. AAPT does not subject the essays to peer review.

The copyright to all photos submitted for this contest belongs to AAPT.  Use of the photos from the website for educational purposes is permitted.  However, all other print or digital use requires permission .

Past Winners - Photos and Posters

Photo Contest Registration is March 1 to May 15, 2024

The 2019 Photo Contest Registration is March 1 to May 15

For any questions regarding the contest or registration, please contact the AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest at [email protected] , or 301-209-3340.

High School Physics Photo Contest

Ages: High School

Scope: International

[email protected]

Participate

For many years this contest has provided teachers and students an opportunity to learn about the physics behind natural and contrived situations by creating visual and written illustrations of various physical concepts. Students compete in an international arena with more than 1,000 of their peers for recognition and prizes.

There is a limit of 15 entries per school each year.

Disclaimer: The accuracy of the photo essays submitted by the High School students in their explanation of the physics demonstrated by the photo is the responsibility of the students and their teachers. AAPT does not subject the essays to peer review.

The copyright to all photos submitted for this contest belongs to AAPT. Use of the photos from the website for educational purposes is permitted. However, all other print or digital use requires permission.

Step One: Teachers must register online first and will be provided with a payment confirmation code that the students from their class (teachers cannot share this confirmation code with other teachers at their school) will use to complete the registration process. There is a $5 charge per photo for non-members and AAPT members can submit photos free of charge. There is a limit of 15 entries per school each year. Step Two: Students will use the payment confirmation code provided by their teacher to go online and register and upload their photo. Step Three: Students must mail their photo, registration form and signed entry agreement to the address listed above.

Website: https://www.aapt.org/Programs/contests/photocontest.cfm

Managing Organization: American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)

Contact: [email protected]

Eligibility: The contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12 (or equivalent international grade level). Entries are welcome every year between March 1 and May 15 for that year's competition.

Registration Opens: March 1, 2019

Registration Closes: May 15, 2019

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How to Make a Photo Essay: 5 Tips for Impactful Results

A Post By: Christina N Dickson

Want to tell meaningful stories with your photos? That’s what a photo essay is all about: conveying concepts and narratives through a series of carefully chosen images.

While telling a story with photos can be a daunting task, there are several easy tips and techniques you can use in your photo essays to create striking, stunning, eye-opening results.

And that’s what I’m going to share in this article: five photo essay tips that you can immediately apply to your photography. You’ll leave as a better photo essayist than when you arrived!

Let’s get started.

What is a photo essay?

A photo essay is a collection of images placed in a specific order to convey certain emotions , specific concepts, or a progression of events.

In other words:

The photo essay tells stories just like a normal piece of writing , except with images instead of words. (Here, I’m using the term “story” loosely; as mentioned above, photo essays can encapsulate emotions or concepts in addition to traditional, time-based narratives.)

Plenty of world-class photojournalists use photo essays, including Lauren Greenfield, James Nachtwey, and Joachim Ladefoged. But the photo essay format isn’t exclusive to professionals, and photo essays don’t need to cover dramatic events such as wars, natural disasters, and social issues. Whether you are a complete beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional, the photo essay is a great way to bring your images to life, tell relevant stories about your own surroundings, and touch your family, friends, and coworkers.

So without further ado, let’s look at five easy tips to take your photo essays to the next level, starting with:

1. Find a topic you care about

Every good photo essay should start with an idea .

Otherwise, you’ll be shooting without a purpose – and while such an approach may eventually lead to an interesting series of photos, it’s far, far easier to begin with a topic and only then take out your camera.

As I emphasized above, a photo essay can be about anything. You don’t need to fixate on “classic” photo essay themes, such as war and poverty. Instead, you might focus on local issues that matter to you (think of problems plaguing your community). You can also think about interesting stories worth telling, even if they don’t have an activism angle.

For instance, is there an area undergoing major development? Try documenting the work from start to finish. Is there a particular park or nature area you love? Create a series of images that communicate its beauty.

One key item to remember:

Photo essays are most powerful when you, as the photographer, care about the subject. Whether you choose to document something major and public, like an environmental crisis, or whether you choose to document something small and intimate, like the first month of a newborn in the family, make sure you focus on a topic that matters to you .

Otherwise, you’ll struggle to finish the essay – and even if you do successfully complete it, viewers will likely notice your lack of passion.

2. Do your research

The best photo essays involve some real work. Don’t just walk around and shoot with abandon; instead, try to understand your subject.

That way, you can capture a more authentic series of photos.

For instance, if you document a newborn’s first month , spend time with the family. Discover who the parents are, what culture they are from, and their parenting philosophy.

If you cover the process of a school’s drama production, talk with the teachers, actors, and stagehands; investigate the general interest of the student body; find out how the school is financing the production and keeping costs down.

If you photograph a birthday party, check out the theme, the decorations they plan on using, what the birthday kid hopes to get for their gifts.

If you’re passionate about your topic, the research should come easy. You should enjoy learning the backstory.

And then, when it comes time to actually shoot, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of the topic. You’ll know the key players in the story, the key ideas, and the key locations. You’ll be able to hone in on what matters and block out the flashy distractions.

Make sense?

3. Find the right angle

Once you’ve done your research, you’ll know your topic inside and out.

At which point you’ll need to ask yourself:

What is the real, authentic story I want to tell?

Every story has a hundred different angles and perspectives. And trying to share the story from every perspective is a recipe for failure.

Instead, pick a single angle and focus on it. If you’re documenting a local issue, do you want to focus on how it affects children? The physical area? The economy? If you’re documenting a newborn’s first month, do you want to focus on the interaction between the newborn and the parents? The growth of the newborn? The newborn’s emotions?

As you’ll find out during your research, even stories that seem to be completely one-sided have plenty of hidden perspectives to draw on.

So think about your story carefully. In general, I recommend you approach it from the angle you’re most passionate about (consider the previous tip!), but you’re always free to explore different perspectives.

4. Convey emotion

Not all photo essays must convey emotion. But the most powerful ones do.

After all, think of the stories that you know and love. Your favorite books, movies, and TV shows. Do they touch you on an emotional level?

Don’t get me wrong: Every photo essay shouldn’t cover a sappy, heartstring-tugging tale. You can always focus on conveying other emotions: anger, joy, fear, hurt, excitement.

(Of course, if your story is sappy and heartstring-tugging, that’s fine, too – just don’t force it!)

How do you convey emotions, though? There’s no one set way, but you can include photos of meaningful scenes – human interactions generally work well here! – or you can simply show emotion on the faces of your photographic subjects . Really, the best way to communicate emotions through your photos is to feel the emotions yourself; they’ll bleed over into your work for a unique result.

5. Plan your shots

Once you’ve done the research and determined the angle and emotions you’d like to convey, I recommend you sit down, take out a pen and paper, and plan your photo essay .

Should you extensively visualize each photo? Should you walk through the venue, imagining possible compositions ?

Honestly, that’s up to you, and it’ll depend on how you like to work. I do recommend that beginners start out by creating a “shot list” for the essay. Here, you should describe the main subject, the narrative purpose of the image, plus any lighting or composition notes. Once you become more experienced, you can be looser in your planning, though I still recommend you at least think about the different shots you want to capture.

You can start by planning 10 shots. Each one should emphasize a different concept or emotion, but make sure to keep a consistent thread running through every composition; after all, the end goal is to create a powerful series of images that tell a story.

One final tip:

While you should stick to your plan pretty closely, at least at first, don’t ignore the potential for spontaneity. If you see a possible shot, take it! You can later evaluate whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your essay.

Photo essay tips: final words

Now that you’ve finished this article, you know all about what photo essays are, and – hopefully! – how to create a beautiful essay of your own.

Just remember: storytelling takes practice, but you don’t have to be an incredible writer to pull off a powerful photo essay. All you need is a bit of photographic technique, some creativity, and a lot of heart.

Once you start to tell stories with your photos, your portfolio will never be the same!

Now over to you:

Do you have any tips for doing photo essays? Do you have any essays you’re proud of? Share them in the comments below!

Read more from our Tips & Tutorials category

is a visionary artist and philanthropist in Portland Oregon. Her work includes wedding photography www.BrideInspired.com and leadership with www.RevMediaBlog.com .

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The Spherical Cow

A Physics Teacher's Resources, Ideas,  and  Soapboxing

• Jun 9, 2021
• 12 min read

Physics Photo Project

Updated: Aug 27, 2023

A great way to have your students connect their learning to real-world phenomena and beautify your room at the same time.

Want to skip straight to the student assignment sheet? Here it is!

Student Exemplars: Some of The Most Outstanding Work From This Year

Oscillating helix.

Theme: Change

Artist Statement: This photo illustrates a standing wave in a spring with evenly spaced lights over a 30 second long exposure. A standing wave is a phenomenon in which one end is the source of oscillations and the other is fixed, and the waves from the source interfere with the waves reflected off the fixed end to form a special pattern. The pattern formed has certain points that do not move, called nodes, and certain points that move between the maximum amplitudes, called antinodes. The photo is brighter at the narrowest points, the nodes, because at those points the spring does not move, so the light builds up in the long exposure photograph. At the antinodes and other moving points, the photo is brighter at the edges than near the center because at the edges the oscillator changes direction, which means it slows down and spends more time there.

We took a long-exposure photo of 30 seconds to be able to depict the motion of the spring in one photograph. By utilizing a dark room and lights spaced throughout the spring we were able to capture the harmonic motion of the spring.

Liquid Chandelier

Theme: Force Interactions

Artist Statement: The piece's composition is symmetrical, giving it a balanced look in midst of the unpredictable flow of the fluids. The green centerpiece is a different color as the background and is concentrated and darker, allowing it to stand out. Portrait view puts focus on the motion of the dye traveling down the water-filled tube. The parallel beams of light further emphasize the motion by leading the viewer's eyes in a vertical direction.

As the food dye enters the cool water, the water applies macroscopic forces and causes the dye to diffuse. This macroscopic force is from Brownian motion–water molecules erratically bouncing among each other–which is a result of the vibration of individual molecules interacting with other molecules in the fluid. While Brownian motion is occurring, the individual water molecules would exhibit an electrostatic force upon the food dye and the dye would exhibit an equal, but opposite electrostatic force upon the interacting water molecule.

Theme: Conservation

Artist Statement: This art piece captures the conservation of momentum in a closed system as well as the conservation of kinetic energy in an elastic collision. Due to the hardness of the billiard balls, and because they do not stick to one another, this is almost a perfectly elastic collision (assuming no friction). As the cue strikes the ball, it is propelled forward. This ball now has momentum transferred from the cue to the ball. When this ball strikes the “pyramid” of balls, this momentum is transferred over to the other balls and the total momentum is conserved. Due to the elastic nature of these collisions, the total kinetic energy can also be assumed to be conserved. To capture the movement of the ball, we intentionally lowered the shutter speed. Low shutter speed didn’t allow the camera to capture clear movement, showing the direction of the balls' movements.

Artist Statement: With this photo we hoped to demonstrate the relations between rotational inertia and angular speed.

As we spin the ⅓ full water bottle, the water that used to be concentrated around the bottom with a comparatively low rotational inertia splits into two relatively equal sections at each end of the bottle due to inertia. This increases rotational inertia as the mass is distributed much farther away from the axis of rotation. Since gravitational doesn't provide any torque on the bottle, the total angular momentum must be conserved, so as the rotational inertia of the bottle increases the angular velocity must inversely decrease. We can see this happen within our photograph: As the bottle goes upwards, it makes one rotation, but as it falls down, it needs to cover almost twice as much distance to make one rotation.

Our primary artistic quality present is the use of an overlay. We developed this through slow motion video and burst photography to pick out individual frames and overlay them over a single background.

Nocturne No.3

Artist Statement: This long exposure photograph, including still shots of the pendulum at equilibrium & maximum displacement, shows a pendulum over 30 seconds. This pendulum is not perfect and frictionless; thus, the energy of the pendulum-earth system is not conserved. The energy loss reduces the amplitude of the pendulum over time, and so again it spends more of the 30 seconds nearer to equilibrium, making the photo brighter there. There are two fainter outlines that naturally formed around the equilibrium; this is likely due to certain overlaps in the period of the pendulum(0.822s) and the 30 seconds over which the film was exposed.

Paldang Dam 2.0

Artist Statement: Paldang-dam 2.0 is a recreation of the Paldang river. The picture on the left depicts the water current of the river, the picture on the right is the Paldang hydroelectric dam, and the background of the collage is a front view of the mountain that surrounds the river. The scientific concept portrayed in this piece is a water-dam-earth system that contains kinetic energy from the water current and potential energy from the water in the reservoir. The water current from the river, consisting of water molecules with kinetic energy, results in water to be collected in a reservoir inside the dam. The collected water drops due to gravity, signifying that the water contains potential energy, and rotates the turbine propeller so that the shaft from the turbine turns the generator, which produces electricity. The artistic technique employed in this piece is the contrast between the black and white background and the picture of the dam and the water current. Contrast is a crucial element for this collage as it provides emphasis on the water current and the dam although the background consists of many elements.

AP teachers do all sorts of different things after the AP exam. In the past I stuck with with doing end-of-year projects where students were given a lot of choice. However, due to COVID restrictions, a partially virtual schedule, and wanting to do something that might get students outside, I chose to pursue a photography project with my students. I took a lot of inspiration from AAPT's annual Physics Photo Contest .

This project was aimed towards the 7th AP Physics Science Practice:

Making Connections: The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations in and across domains.

This is practice implicit in a lot of what I do throughout the year, but I never address it with much intention. Having this standard explicitly in the curriculum helped me feel justified in dedicating a few weeks to the project.

I also felt that students would appreciate the structured opportunity to improve their cell-phone photography technique. Cell phone cameras have really come a long way recently and given that you have sufficient light, you can take really great pictures. Most students like to take and share photos regularly, so I figured they would appreciate the opportunity to "up their game" a bit.

Project Description

Main Purpose: To find phenomena that embody key themes from this course and to capture and present them impactfully through photography.

Themes: Students were required to connect photos to three central themes from the course: Force Interactions, Change, and Conservation. I presented students with a list of some concepts from the class that connected to each theme as shown below.

Force Interactions: The interactions of an object with other objects can be described by forces.

Objects with Net Force = 0 are in equilibrium.

The acceleration of an object interacting with other objects can be predicted using a = F/m.

Objects interact through exerting equal and opposite forces on each other.

At the macroscopic level, forces can be categorized as either long-range (action-at-a-distance) forces or contact forces.

Massive objects interact over a distance through creating and interacting with gravitational fields.

Change: Interactions between systems can result in changes in those systems.

Work done on a system changes the energy of the system.

Impulse exerted on a system changes the momentum of the system.

Interactions with other systems can change the momentum or energy of a system.

Systems under the influence of restoring forces experience oscillatory motion governed by some of their properties.

Conservation: Changes that occur as a result of interactions are constrained by conservation laws.

The energy of a closed system is conserved.

The momentum of a closed system is conserved.

Systems consisting of multiple objects can contain potential energy and kinetic energy.

Energy can exist in both mechanical and non-mechanical forms.

I also encouraged them to consider topics that we hadn't learned about and to seek out new concepts that they could relate to the themes (like concepts in optics or fluids for example).

The First Day: Teaching Students to Use Their Phone Cameras

Most students have very basic familiarity with their phone cameras, but don't really know much more than how to adjust the zoom and maybe switch to portrait mode. On the first day of the project, I went over some basic cell phone photography tips. We discussed adjusting exposure, turning on the grid, and ensuring that you are shooting in the highest quality format that your phone will allow. After we went over the essentials, I turned them loose to watch YouTube tutorials that focused on cell phone photography tips. Here are the videos that I shared with my students.

Mobile Photography Tips and Tricks

5 Tips for Your BEST IPHONE Photography!

Take Better Shots with Your iPhone

8 IMPORTANT Composition Tips for Better Photos

For the last half of the block I sent them out with the task of taking one good photo-- not a physics photo--just one photograph that they thought looked good. Then they all dumped their one good photo in a shared google folder and we went through them together talking about composition strategies or techniques that they tried and what improvements could have been made. It was a very short lesson, but it served as a great "crash course" and a good starting point from which they could do more research on their own.

For the rest of the project we had open work time with periodic check-ins.

Submission Requirements and Assessment

Students working individually were required to submit four final photographs with at least one connecting to each theme. Students working in groups needed to have more. Additionally, students were required to write artist statements, craft reflections, and submit process photos.

Artist Statement: An artist statement is a statement that is intended be hung on the wall next to a piece of artwork. The purpose of the artist statements was to address how the photo connected to the theme, explain any important physics concepts, and describe the most important photography/composition techniques that they used. Students were directed to keep the artist statements short (about a paragraph).

Process Photos and Reflections: In the process photos and reflections, students were instructed to show and tell me everything from their ideation to how they managed to snap their final photograph. The process photos included things like rejected shots and pictures of them setting up contrived phenomena. I repeatedly emphasized that the purpose of this portion of the assignment was to demonstrate that they came to their final ideas and photos through a careful, conscientious process.

Assessment: Students were assessed on two separate rubrics to address two distinct skill sets: "Selecting and Connecting Phenomena" and "Employing Photography and Composition Techniques." Rather than scoring each photo separately, I did my best to assess each group's (or individuals) portfolio holistically.

Student Exemplar: Process Photos and Reflection

Shown below are the process photos and reflection that were written by the group that produced the piece "Oscillating Helix." Note that student were expected to submit these for each of their pieces.

After seeing Mr. Fazio demonstrate to us standing waves using a spring during a break, we wanted to capture this phenomenon in a photo. Initially, we tried to photograph the spring in regular daylight (photo 1). However, we found that it was difficult to see the spring, it did not illustrate standing waves well, and was not aesthetically pleasing. So we tried using a long exposure with a camera on a tripod high over the floor (photo 2). Again, visibility was an issue, because the spring was not sufficiently brighter than the background of the floor (photo 3). So we got a string of christmas lights and threaded it through the inside of the spring (photo 4). This made the standing wave motion of the spring visible in the dark conditions necessary for long exposure photography (photo 5). In order to maintain a consistent amplitude, we placed tape guides on the floor, and in order to maintain a constant period, we used a metronome.

Student Feedback

I got a lot of positive overall feedback from my students, however some students thought my expectations for aesthetics were a bit too high. One interesting idea that surfaced during while I collected feedback was that many students felt restricted by the requirement of using still images. Several students suggested that I allow GIFs next year. We had some discussion and they insisted that it would be much easier to illustrate objects in motion and systems undergoing changes.

Here are the feedback questions I asked my students and some of their responses:

What are some of the things that you learned by completing this project?

I learned that so many phenomenas are operated under the laws of physics. I also learned a lot of photography skills such as rule of thirds and Photoshop editing skills, especially since I have never taken an art course. It was a very unique experience to be able to integrate art with physics, and I was able to practice using the knowledge I learn in school to in real life scenarios.

I learned that almost, if not everything, can be recognized as a physics phenomenon. Everything is physics. I also learned a lot about the art of taking photos. I also learned just how creative my peers are!

It's difficult to identify a single physics phenomena in real life because so many different phenomena interact with each other. It's actually possible to take good photos without digital zoom. Background really matters (it can drastically change the mood of the photo).

I learned how to distinguish between trials and final images along with changing settings on my phone camera to take more professional and better photos. Along with learning about photographic elements during Mr. Fazio's Interesting/Fun Photograph Crash Course, I also learned how to precisely demonstrate and add onto ideas to show a unique physics phenomenon. In addition, I was able to write and develop the concepts gaining further connection of this class into the real life world.

By completing this project, I learned that there are many natural phenomena around us that we could apply physics concepts. Physics is all around us, and physics is a natural science that is really important.

From completing this project, I learned that there are a lot of physics phenomenons in our daily lives that we don't realize.

If I give this project again, what should I do differently? Are there other resources or pieces of advice that I should share with students?

If I work on this project again, I want to visit different places outdoors to take the photos. A piece of advice I want to share is try to focus on the physics concept. Sometimes we focused more on the artistic part of the photo. However, we must balance them to create a high-quality physics phenomenon photo.

I think you should give guidelines of a required # of contrived vs natural photos as most groups tended to stick to 1 theme, and weren't able to experience the nuances of each type photography.

One thing I would do differently is brainstorming more ideas first. I wish we had a bigger list because there were some ideas we had to ditch because they didn't look good on camera, so it would have been nice if we had some backup ideas. Also, I think we should've taken a bunch of photos first instead of asking for feedback after every photo. I wish we contrived a few more photos because after looking at some of my peers', I realized there are a lot of cool phenomenon I missed.

I don't have anything that I thought could be revised next year, but I would say that you should keep the instructions as flexible as possible so that students can be very creative with what they do.

I think if we can add videos as our submission, I think we can make more diverse results and portray the idea or concept better.

If I would do this project again, I would try to think of more creative phenomenon. The images I saw today truly inspired me.

I think that pointing them to the AAPT photo contest is a good place for examples (and also bc they can't copy them, because they're not about concepts taught in class).

I think we should be allowed to do GIF's - the single images limits us from choosing phenomenons of moving objects or unique phenomenons that cannot simply be captures in just one image.Overall, I thought this project was really engaging and fun to do- a great way to sum up this course. Advice: Start early and begin with a heavy list of brainstorming of phenonemons to test to see if it comes out the way you like. Pay attention to light source, exposure, and back/middle/and fore ground when taking the images.

I think showing an exemplary work can tell students as to how to approach the project; I had a hard time figuring out how to work on this project first. If giving exemplary examples should be uncomfortable, I felt like at least some exemplary photos would have been very helpful.

Dangers of the "we do it after the AP" mentality

In an AP course, teachers often tend to do fun and interesting stuff after the AP exam, but this can send the wrong message. When something is only done after the AP, we are implying that we don't value the associated skills as. I know that we need some way to fill the time after the AP, but it's also important that we show students that we value diverse skills throughout our courses. Integrating assignments like this throughout the year would emphasize that this kind of work is not secondary to what we do in a "typical unit." If these projects are sprinkled throughout the course, students will see that these skills are important and not just something that we do to fill the days at the end of the year.

I like the idea of requiring students to complete a "making connections" assignment at several different points in the year. Phenomenon photos could be one of multiple options for a project like this. Another option would be to have it as a standing opportunity for reassessment or enrichment.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope you found it valuable.

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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.

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.”

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.”

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.

From Taylor Dorrell’s photo essay Over the Rhine , featured in Vice.

Give your photo essay a title, and add a concise written statement.

Finally, you’ll want to create a title and written statement for your photo essay. This will help position your work and can enable the viewer to fully understand your intention, or at least guide their perspective.

A solid written statement and title will be relevant to your topic, detail your primary objective, and introduce your point of view. It’s an opportunity to clarify your intentions to the viewer and ensure they walk away with a clear interpretation of your work. Depending on your photo essay, you may want to include several paragraphs of text, but even just one or two sentences of background can be enough to expand the viewer’s understanding of your work.

Consider if you’d like to add the written statement at the beginning of your essay to introduce it, or at the end as a conclusion. Either one can be impactful, and it depends how you’d like people to experience your work.

For his photo essay White Fences, excerpted above, Taylor Dorrell wrote only one sentence of introduction. But for his series Over the Rhine, Dorell included a longer written statement to accompany the work, which is “an ongoing photo series that seeks to explore the Cincinnati neighborhood of the same name and its surroundings. The series was started in response to the shooting of Samuel DuBose, an unarmed black man, by officer Ray Tensing of the University of Cincinnati Police, which happened July 19th, 2015.” Dorell’s text goes on to offer more background on the project, setting up the viewer with all the information they need to understand the context of the photo essay.

Depending on the motivations behind your photo essay and what sort of subject it depicts, a longer text may be necessary—or just a few words might be enough.

Looking for a place to share your photo essays with the world? Take a look at our guide to creating a photography website for tips on showcasing your photos online.

Cover image by Taylor Dorrell, from his photo essay Hurricane Over Sugar .

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What is a Photo Essay? 9 Photo Essay Examples You Can Recreate

A photo essay is a series of photographs that tell a story. Unlike a written essay, a photo essay focuses on visuals instead of words. With a photo essay, you can stretch your creative limits and explore new ways to connect with your audience. Whatever your photography skill level, you can recreate your own fun and creative photo essay.

9 Photo Essay Examples You Can Recreate

• Photowalk Photo Essay
• Transformation Photo Essay
• Day in the Life Photo Essay
• Event Photo Essay
• Building Photo Essay
• Historic Site or Landmark Photo Essay
• Behind the Scenes Photo Essay
• Family Photo Essay
• Education Photo Essay

Stories are important to all of us. While some people gravitate to written stories, others are much more attuned to visual imagery. With a photo essay, you can tell a story without writing a word. Your use of composition, contrast, color, and perspective in photography will convey ideas and evoke emotions.

To explore narrative photography, you can use basic photographic equipment. You can buy a camera or even use your smartphone to get started. While lighting, lenses, and post-processing software can enhance your photos, they aren’t necessary to achieve good results.

Whether you need to complete a photo essay assignment or want to pursue one for fun or professional purposes, you can use these photo essay ideas for your photography inspiration . Once you know the answer to “what is a photo essay?” and find out how fun it is to create one, you’ll likely be motivated to continue your forays into photographic storytelling.

1 . Photowalk Photo Essay

One popular photo essay example is a photowalk. Simply put, a photowalk is time you set aside to walk around a city, town, or a natural site and take photos. Some cities even have photowalk tours led by professional photographers. On these tours, you can learn the basics about how to operate your camera, practice photography composition techniques, and understand how to look for unique shots that help tell your story.

Set aside at least two to three hours for your photowalk. Even if you’re photographing a familiar place—like your own home town—try to look at it through new eyes. Imagine yourself as a first-time visitor or pretend you’re trying to educate a tourist about the area.

Walk around slowly and look for different ways to capture the mood and energy of your location. If you’re in a city, capture wide shots of streets, close-ups of interesting features on buildings, street signs, and candid shots of people. Look for small details that give the city character and life. And try some new concepts—like reflection picture ideas—by looking for opportunities to photographs reflections in mirrored buildings, puddles, fountains, or bodies of water.

2 . Transformation Photo Essay

With a transformation photography essay, you can tell the story about change over time. One of the most popular photostory examples, a transformation essay can document a mom-to-be’s pregnancy or a child’s growth from infancy into the toddler years. But people don’t need to be the focus of a transformation essay. You can take photos of a house that is being built or an urban area undergoing revitalization.

You can also create a photo narrative to document a short-term change. Maybe you want to capture images of your growing garden or your move from one home to another. These examples of photo essays are powerful ways of telling the story of life’s changes—both large and small.

3 . Day in the Life Photo Essay

Want a unique way to tell a person’s story? Or, perhaps you want to introduce people to a career or activity. You may want to consider a day in the life essay.

With this photostory example, your narrative focuses on a specific subject for an entire day. For example, if you are photographing a farmer, you’ll want to arrive early in the morning and shadow the farmer as he or she performs daily tasks. Capture a mix of candid shots of the farmer at work and add landscapes and still life of equipment for added context. And if you are at a farm, don’t forget to get a few shots of the animals for added character, charm, or even a dose of humor. These types of photography essay examples are great practice if you are considering pursuing photojournalism. They also help you learn and improve your candid portrait skills.

4 . Event Photo Essay

Events are happening in your local area all the time, and they can make great photo essays. With a little research, you can quickly find many events that you could photograph. There may be bake sales, fundraisers, concerts, art shows, farm markets, block parties, and other non profit event ideas . You could also focus on a personal event, such as a birthday or graduation.

At most events, your primary emphasis will be on capturing candid photos of people in action. You can also capture backgrounds or objects to set the scene. For example, at a birthday party, you’ll want to take photos of the cake and presents.

For a local or community event, you can share your photos with the event organizer. Or, you may be able to post them on social media and tag the event sponsor. This is a great way to gain recognition and build your reputation as a talented photographer.

5. Building Photo Essay

Many buildings can be a compelling subject for a photographic essay. Always make sure that you have permission to enter and photograph the building. Once you do, look for interesting shots and angles that convey the personality, purpose, and history of the building. You may also be able to photograph the comings and goings of people that visit or work in the building during the day.

Some photographers love to explore and photograph abandoned buildings. With these types of photos, you can provide a window into the past. Definitely make sure you gain permission before entering an abandoned building and take caution since some can have unsafe elements and structures.

6. Historic Site or Landmark Photo Essay

Taking a series of photos of a historic site or landmark can be a great experience. You can learn to capture the same site from different angles to help portray its character and tell its story. And you can also photograph how people visit and engage with the site or landmark. Take photos at different times of day and in varied lighting to capture all its nuances and moods.

You can also use your photographic essay to help your audience understand the history of your chosen location. For example, if you want to provide perspective on the Civil War, a visit to a battleground can be meaningful. You can also visit a site when reenactors are present to share insight on how life used to be in days gone by.

7 . Behind the Scenes Photo Essay

Another fun essay idea is taking photos “behind the scenes” at an event. Maybe you can chronicle all the work that goes into a holiday festival from the early morning set-up to the late-night teardown. Think of the lead event planner as the main character of your story and build the story about him or her.

Or, you can go backstage at a drama production. Capture photos of actors and actresses as they transform their looks with costuming and makeup. Show the lead nervously pacing in the wings before taking center stage. Focus the work of stagehands, lighting designers, and makeup artists who never see the spotlight but bring a vital role in bringing the play to life.

8. Family Photo Essay

If you enjoy photographing people, why not explore photo story ideas about families and relationships? You can focus on interactions between two family members—such as a father and a daughter—or convey a message about a family as a whole.

Sometimes these type of photo essays can be all about the fun and joy of living in a close-knit family. But sometimes they can be powerful portraits of challenging social topics. Images of a family from another country can be a meaningful photo essay on immigration. You could also create a photo essay on depression by capturing families who are coping with one member’s illness.

For these projects on difficult topics, you may want to compose a photo essay with captions. These captions can feature quotes from family members or document your own observations. Although approaching hard topics isn’t easy, these types of photos can have lasting impact and value.

9. Education Photo Essay

Opportunities for education photo essays are everywhere—from small preschools to community colleges and universities. You can seek permission to take photos at public or private schools or even focus on alternative educational paths, like homeschooling.

Your education photo essay can take many forms. For example, you can design a photo essay of an experienced teacher at a high school. Take photos of him or her in action in the classroom, show quiet moments grading papers, and capture a shared laugh between colleagues in the teacher’s lounge.

Alternatively, you can focus on a specific subject—such as science and technology. Or aim to portray a specific grade level, document activities club or sport, or portray the social environment. A photo essay on food choices in the cafeteria can be thought-provoking or even funny. There are many potential directions to pursue and many great essay examples.

While education is an excellent topic for a photo essay for students, education can be a great source of inspiration for any photographer.

Why Should You Create a Photo Essay?

Ultimately, photographers are storytellers. Think of what a photographer does during a typical photo shoot. He or she will take a series of photos that helps convey the essence of the subject—whether that is a person, location, or inanimate object. For example, a family portrait session tells the story of a family—who they are, their personalities, and the closeness of their relationship.

Learning how to make a photo essay can help you become a better storyteller—and a better photographer. You’ll cultivate key photography skills that you can carry with you no matter where your photography journey leads.

If you simply want to document life’s moments on social media, you may find that a single picture doesn’t always tell the full story. Reviewing photo essay examples and experimenting with your own essay ideas can help you choose meaningful collections of photos to share with friends and family online.

Learning how to create photo essays can also help you work towards professional photography ambitions. You’ll often find that bloggers tell photographic stories. For example, think of cooking blogs that show you each step in making a recipe. Photo essays are also a mainstay of journalism. You’ll often find photo essays examples in many media outlets—everywhere from national magazines to local community newspapers. And the best travel photographers on Instagram tell great stories with their photos, too.

With a photo essay, you can explore many moods and emotions. Some of the best photo essays tell serious stories, but some are humorous, and others aim to evoke action.

You can raise awareness with a photo essay on racism or a photo essay on poverty. A photo essay on bullying can help change the social climate for students at a school. Or, you can document a fun day at the beach or an amusement park. You have control of the themes, photographic elements, and the story you want to tell.

5 Steps to Create a Photo Essay

Every photo essay will be different, but you can use a standard process. Following these five steps will guide you through every phase of your photo essay project—from brainstorming creative essay topics to creating a photo essay to share with others.

Step 1: Choose Your Photo Essay Topics

Just about any topic you can imagine can form the foundation for a photo essay. You may choose to focus on a specific event, such as a wedding, performance, or festival. Or you may want to cover a topic over a set span of time, such as documenting a child’s first year. You could also focus on a city or natural area across the seasons to tell a story of changing activities or landscapes.

Since the best photo essays convey meaning and emotion, choose a topic of interest. Your passion for the subject matter will shine through each photograph and touch your viewer’s hearts and minds.

Step 2: Conduct Upfront Research

Much of the work in a good-quality photo essay begins before you take your first photo. It’s always a good idea to do some research on your planned topic.

Imagine you’re going to take photos of a downtown area throughout the year. You should spend some time learning the history of the area. Talk with local residents and business owners and find out about planned events. With these insights, you’ll be able to plan ahead and be prepared to take photos that reflect the area’s unique personality and lifestyles.

For any topic you choose, gather information first. This may involve internet searches, library research, interviews, or spending time observing your subject.

Step 3: Storyboard Your Ideas

After you have done some research and have a good sense of the story you want to tell, you can create a storyboard. With a storyboard, you can write or sketch out the ideal pictures you want to capture to convey your message.

You can turn your storyboard into a “shot list” that you can bring with you on site. A shot list can be especially helpful when you are at a one-time event and want to capture specific shots for your photo essay. If you’ve never created a photo essay before, start with ten shot ideas. Think of each shot as a sentence in your story. And aim to make each shot evoke specific ideas or emotions.

Step 4: Capture Images

Your storyboard and shot list will be important guides to help you make the most of each shoot. Be sure to set aside enough time to capture all the shots you need—especially if you are photographing a one-time event. And allow yourself to explore your ideas using different photography composition, perspective, and color contrast techniques.

You may need to take a hundred images or more to get ten perfect ones for your photographic essay. Or, you may find that you want to add more photos to your story and expand your picture essay concept.

Also, remember to look for special unplanned, moments that help tell your story. Sometimes, spontaneous photos that aren’t on your shot list can be full of meaning. A mix of planning and flexibility almost always yields the best results.

Step 5: Edit and Organize Photos to Tell Your Story

After capturing your images, you can work on compiling your photo story. To create your photo essay, you will need to make decisions about which images portray your themes and messages. At times, this can mean setting aside beautiful images that aren’t a perfect fit. You can use your shot list and storyboard as a guide but be open to including photos that weren’t in your original plans.

You may want to use photo editing software—such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop— to enhance and change photographs. With these tools, you can adjust lighting and white balance, perform color corrections, crop, or perform other edits. If you have a signature photo editing style, you may want to use Photoshop Actions or Lightroom Presets to give all your photos a consistent look and feel.

You order a photo book from one of the best photo printing websites to publish your photo story. You can add them to an album on a photo sharing site, such as Flickr or Google Photos. Also, you could focus on building a website dedicated to documenting your concepts through visual photo essays. If so, you may want to use SEO for photographers to improve your website’s ranking in search engine results. You could even publish your photo essay on social media. Another thing to consider is whether you want to include text captures or simply tell your story through photographs.

Choose the medium that feels like the best space to share your photo essay ideas and vision with your audiences. You should think of your photo essay as your own personal form of art and expression when deciding where and how to publish it.

Photo Essays Can Help You Become a Better Photographer

Whatever your photography ambitions may be, learning to take a photo essay can help you grow. Even simple essay topics can help you gain skills and stretch your photographic limits. With a photo essay, you start to think about how a series of photographs work together to tell a complete story. You’ll consider how different shots work together, explore options for perspective and composition, and change the way you look at the world.

Before you start taking photos, you should review photo essay examples. You can find interesting pictures to analyze and photo story examples online, in books, or in classic publications, like Life Magazine . Don’t forget to look at news websites for photojournalism examples to broaden your perspective. This review process will help you in brainstorming simple essay topics for your first photo story and give you ideas for the future as well.

Ideas and inspiration for photo essay topics are everywhere. You can visit a park or go out into your own backyard to pursue a photo essay on nature. Or, you can focus on the day in the life of someone you admire with a photo essay of a teacher, fireman, or community leader. Buildings, events, families, and landmarks are all great subjects for concept essay topics. If you are feeling stuck coming up with ideas for essays, just set aside a few hours to walk around your city or town and take photos. This type of photowalk can be a great source of material.

You’ll soon find that advanced planning is critical to your success. Brainstorming topics, conducting research, creating a storyboard, and outlining a shot list can help ensure you capture the photos you need to tell your story. After you’ve finished shooting, you’ll need to decide where to house your photo essay. You may need to come up with photo album title ideas, write captions, and choose the best medium and layout.

Without question, creating a photo essay can be a valuable experience for any photographer. That’s true whether you’re an amateur completing a high school assignment or a pro looking to hone new skills. You can start small with an essay on a subject you know well and then move into conquering difficult ideas. Maybe you’ll want to create a photo essay on mental illness or a photo essay on climate change. Or maybe there’s another cause that is close to your heart.

Whatever your passion, you can bring it to life with a photo essay.

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Photo Essay

Photo essay generator.

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.

nytimes.com

2. Student Photo Essay Example

3. Great Depression Essay Example

thshistory.files.wordpress.com

4. Example of Photo Essay

weresearchit.co.uk

5. Photo Essay Examples About Nature

cge-media-library.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com

6. Travel Photo Example

theguardian.com

7. Free Photo Essay Example

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

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

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

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

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

13. Photo Essay Example

cah.utexas.edu

14. Photo Essay in PDF

condor.depaul.edu

15. Sample Photo Essay Example

colorado.edu

16. Basic Photo Essay Example

adaptation-undp.org

17. Printable Photo Essay Example

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.

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.

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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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a Campus Write n’ Read

National Photo Essay Competition on the theme World of Art and Physics

• 11 February 2023

Organizer: Fergusson College, Pune (Autonomous) and Bajaj College of Science, Wardha (Autonomous) In Association with Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)- Part of National Science Day 2023 Celebration

About the Competition

• No Registration Fee
• Last Date of Submission 25th February 2023
• Who can Participate: Undergraduate student/ Post Graduate Student/
• Research Scholar/Faculty
• from Indian Universities and Colleges

Cash Prizes and E Certificate

• Top three photo essay participants will be given cash prizes of Rs. 5000/, Rs. 3000/- and Rs. 2000/- respectively.
• Top 10 essays will be showcased on the youtube channel of Indian Association of Physics Teachers.
• Top 10 participants will be given an opportunity to present their essays in the Annual IAPT convention
• Each participant will get a certificate duly signed by the organizers through e-mail.

What is a Photo Essay?

A photo essay is a series of images that share an overarching theme and a visual and technical coherence that tells a story. This is commonly seen in photo contests. Thus, a photo essay tells a story through a series of photos, taking the viewer on a narrative journey.

How to Prepare and Participate?

Tell a diverse and confident concept/story on the theme through a series of photographs that represent what you are shooting and why. It’s important to find out what your message is and shoot it intentionally.

Register and submit your work only after preparing your photo essay through this Google form

Register Here

• You can collect images from the internet by citing the sources. With a huge collection of images to choose from, shooting them all gives you a lot of options when putting together a photo series.
• Collect/capture as many photos as you can.
• Choose your top 20 images and make sure each photo matches the original concept of your story.

Write captions . The final 20 images can be captioned to reinforce the visual narrative, but it’s not required. Add text if you think you can use it on your image. However, if you think the image can stand on its own, you can present it as is.

Don’t forget to mention references for the images downloaded from internet sources.

Arrange the photos along with the captions in the google slideshare (open access) one after another in the given template:

REMEMBER IT IS NOT JUST POSTING PICTURES. IT IS ABOUT WEAVING A VISUAL STORY WOVEN TOGETHER WITH PHYSICS AS THE GLUE. Your Submissions should tell a story/concept of physics through a series of pics.

Evaluation will be done by the team of experts from IAPT and winners will be announced in a private online programme on Zoom platform on 28th February 2023.

Event Conveners Dr. Nandkumar Mandlik , HOD, Physics Fergusson College, Pune Dr . Sanjay Bagade , HOD, Physics Bajaj College of Science, Wardha

Event Patrons Prof. PK Ahluwalia, President, IAPT Dr. Ravindrasing Pardeshi, Principal Fergusson College, Pune Prof. Pradeep Tekade , Principal Bajaj College of Science, Wardha

Event Co-ordinators Dr. Ashish Yengantiwar Fergusson College, Pune Dr. Govinda Lakhotiya Bajaj College of Science, Wardha

Dr. Ashish Yengantiwar: [email protected] , Whats App: 9970058332

Dr. Govinda Lakhotiya : [email protected] , Whats App: 9579194076

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How to Create a Photo Essay in 9 Steps (with Examples)

Photo Editing , Tutorials

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we fully support or use ourselves.  Our full disclaimer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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The Residences of Isaac Newton: a Glimpse into the Life of a Genius

This essay about Sir Isaac Newton explores his monumental contributions to science and the various residences that shaped his intellectual journey. From his birthplace at Woolsthorpe Manor to his influential years at Cambridge University, and finally his later life in London and Kensington, these settings provide insight into the environments where he developed his revolutionary ideas in physics, mathematics, and astronomy. Newton’s story is one of relentless curiosity and profound impact on our understanding of the natural world.

How it works

In the annals of scientific history, few figures are as monumental as Sir Isaac Newton. His groundbreaking contributions to physics, mathematics, and astronomy not only revolutionized our understanding of the natural world but also laid the foundation for centuries of scientific exploration. Yet, behind the towering intellect and transformative discoveries lies the story of a man who, like any of us, occupied various living spaces. These residences provide a unique lens into the life of a genius, revealing the environments where some of humanity’s most significant ideas were born.

Born on Christmas Day in 1642 at Woolsthorpe Manor, a modest estate in Lincolnshire, England, Newton’s early years were spent in a serene rural setting. The tranquility of the English countryside was the backdrop for his inquisitive young mind as he began to explore the mysteries of nature. The apple tree, under which legend claims he pondered the force of gravity, still stands as a silent testament to his early contemplations.

Newton’s quest for knowledge eventually led him to Cambridge University, where he immersed himself in mathematics and studied the works of great thinkers like Galileo and Descartes. During his time at Cambridge, he began formulating his revolutionary theories on calculus, optics, and the laws of motion.

After completing his studies, Newton returned to Cambridge in 1667 as a professor of mathematics. His quarters in Trinity College, known as the “Newton Room,” became a hub of intellectual activity, drawing scholars and students eager to engage with the brilliant mind residing there.

Within the confines of Trinity College, Newton’s genius truly blossomed. He conducted his famous prism experiments, unraveling the mysteries of light and color that had puzzled scientists for centuries. His manuscripts on optics, filled with meticulous calculations and observations, provide a direct link to the thought processes of the man who transformed our understanding of the universe.

Cite this page

The Residences of Isaac Newton: A Glimpse into the Life of a Genius. (2024, May 28). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-residences-of-isaac-newton-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-a-genius/

"The Residences of Isaac Newton: A Glimpse into the Life of a Genius." PapersOwl.com , 28 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-residences-of-isaac-newton-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-a-genius/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Residences of Isaac Newton: A Glimpse into the Life of a Genius . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-residences-of-isaac-newton-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-a-genius/ [Accessed: 29 May. 2024]

"The Residences of Isaac Newton: A Glimpse into the Life of a Genius." PapersOwl.com, May 28, 2024. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-residences-of-isaac-newton-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-a-genius/

"The Residences of Isaac Newton: A Glimpse into the Life of a Genius," PapersOwl.com , 28-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-residences-of-isaac-newton-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-a-genius/. [Accessed: 29-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Residences of Isaac Newton: A Glimpse into the Life of a Genius . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-residences-of-isaac-newton-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-a-genius/ [Accessed: 29-May-2024]

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Photo essay: Houstonians mourn fallen members of the military on Memorial Day

Hundreds of Houstonians gathered at Houston National Cemetery on Monday to honor fallen members of the military on Memorial Day.

“Heroes are not exceptional people. They’re just regular people that do exceptional job,” said keynote speaker Brady Bailey, who had been awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during his multiple tours of duty with the Marine Corps.

Sherri Cruise wept while taking in the difficulty of the day. She sat next to the headstone of her late husband, Rickey Allen Cruise. 

She buried her husband just two months ago. 

“We used to always come out here and remember the buddies that he fought with, that he lost,” Cruise said.

The post Photo essay: Houstonians mourn fallen members of the military on Memorial Day appeared first on Houston Landing .

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Day to remember

‘be that voice for compassion, learning, understanding, and unity’.

Nicholas Burns.

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Alvin Powell

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Burns and others deliver call to action – and empathy – at Class Day ceremonies

Part of the commencement 2024 series.

A collection of stories covering Harvard University’s 373rd Commencement.

Students and families connected at Class Day ceremonies while speakers, including leaders in business and government, offered graduates perspective, inspiration, and the wisdom born of experience. Here’s a selection from Wednesday’s remarks:

Harvard Kennedy School

Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China, former HKS Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Relations

“It’s not, ‘What will I gain?’ It’s not, ‘What will I profit from?’ It’s not, ‘What’s in it for me?’ It’s, ‘Ask what you can do to make this a better world.’ The Kennedy School asks that you not just be involved in the world but be great in the world. As you graduate, consider how you, in small and big ways, can be a force for civil discussion, civil debate in a democracy. Can you be a force for unity in a world that sometimes it appears just wants to divide and even disintegrate? Be that voice for compassion, learning, understanding, and unity.”

Harvard College

William Fitzsimmons, Harvard Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

“I think the Class of 2024 is truly one of the greatest classes in Harvard history, but it’s not all their doing. What’s interesting is that many of them actually wrote essays about their parents, or their aunts and uncles or their grandparents or other significant people, but it usually came back to family and how family shaped them. … As amazing as the Class of 2024 is, we have to remember that Michael Sandel and my mother were right. My mother always told us we were born on third base, given the great family we had. And Michael Sandel always reminds us to be humble, which is great advice. … I think we have to understand exactly what our achievements are and what they aren’t. I think it’s also good for us to be reminded that there’s an enormous amount of talent outside of 02138.”

Harvard Medical School/Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Melissa Gilliam, M.D. ’93, incoming president, Boston University

“You have discovered abilities that you did not know you had. You speak new language — words like ‘bezoar,’ ‘satiety,’ and ‘caries,’ they roll off your tongue. To push yourself when you are very tired, you will tell yourself that you are strong, you do not need sleep, you do not need food, you do not need to sit, you do not need to rest. But one thing is for certain: you do need other people. Without the support and comfort of your relationships, it’s just not a long-term strategy for achieving your goals. So, my second message to you is, love your family and friends. And, really, that is not enough. It is easy — mostly — to love your family and friends. But I would challenge you to seek to love people who are not known to you and, even more so, who are different than you. If we are going to care for people, make scientific discoveries for people, then you must see people and hold their humanity in the highest regard.”

Harvard Law School

Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior

“Seize your newfound power, your influence, your hearts, and your expertise and put it to good use. Good use that will outlive each of us. Good use that will ensure future generations can live the prosperous lives they deserve. Good use that will make you proud to be a lawyer, because we can’t build the world we deserve without each of you. Be grateful for the gifts in the universe that have been prepared just for you so that you can regift. And remember that you are part of a community, today and every day, that is rooting for your success.” 

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Melissa Hoffer, Climate Chief, State of Massachusetts

“The worldview that conceives of humans as somehow exempt from the laws of chemistry and biology and physics — it is that idea that is now destabilizing the climate and threatening the ecosystems that support all life. That mindset allows many of us, especially the most privileged among us, to continue to live as if in a trance.”

Harvard Business School

Desiree Rogers, M.B.A. ’85, CEO of Black Opal

“I kept my mouth shut and did not speak in that first marketing class, but sitting through a few more classes and getting to know my classmates, I realized that what felt like a weakness was actually a strength. It was important that my voice was heard — and I did learn to comment in class — but it was also key that I listen. I already knew what I thought about a case, so hearing what others thought broadened my base of understanding. And that included opinions that I did not agree with. And as it worked out, that impulse to listen would not only make me a better leader, but help to make me a better friend and parent.”

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12 graduates awarded library prizes for best senior essays

Each year, the library invites Yale College seniors to submit their senior essays for consideration to win one of three prizes for excellence: the Harvey M. Applebaum ’59 Award, the Diane Kaplan Memorial Prize, and the Yale Library Map Prize. The winners are selected by librarians or faculty members, and the prizes are funded by Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

The prizewinners are each awarded a cash prize in the amount of $500 (honorable mention recipients receive $250), and all winners’ essays are published on EliScholar, Yale Library’s digital platform for scholarly publishing. As is the tradition, students receive their awards at their residential commencement ceremonies.

The Harvey M. Applebaum ’59 Award

The Harvey M. Applebaum ’59 Award recognizes a student whose senior essay or capstone project substantially draws on national government information or intergovernmental organization (IGO) information, including documents or data. Yale Library has been a designated federal depository library since 1859.

The Applebaum award was presented to Henry H. Carroll , Davenport College, for the essay “Ship Shaping: How Congress and Industry Influenced U.S. Naval Acquisitions from 1933—1938.” Read Henry Carroll’s essay .

Honorable mention was awarded to Nina Grigg , Benjamin Franklin College, for the essay “Surveyor: Scratching for a Wild Moon.” Read Nina Grigg’s essay .

The Diane Kaplan Memorial Prize

The Diane Kaplan Memorial Prize recognizes prizewinning students’ excellent use of research materials from the library’s diverse collections and also the high quality of their writing.

Three students received the Diane Kaplan prize this year:

Leo Egger , Trumbull College, for the essay “‘Living Its Strange Life’: A Literary Biography of Margery Latimer from the Archives in 18 Scenes.” Read Leo Egger’s essay .

AJ Laird , Benjamin Franklin College, for the essay “Whaling Logbooks: Colonial Knowledge Acquisition in the Pacific World.” Read AJ Laird’s essay and visit the related exhibit in Sterling Memorial Library exhibition corridor.

Shira Minsk , Pauli Murray College, for the essay “Steady through Time: Ella Barksdale Brown and the Perception-Based Politics of Black Women’s Racial Uplift in 20th-Century America.” Read Shira Minsk’s essay .

The Library Map Prize

The Library Map Prize recognizes students whose senior essays or projects make use of one or more maps or charts in substantive ways. Students may either create the maps or refer to maps found online or in the library’s special collections.

This year the Map Prize was awarded to two seniors:

Lisa Dong , Pierson College, for the interactive StoryMap essay “So, Where Are Your Really From?: A Digital Humanities Repository Mapping ‘Home, Identity, and Belonging’ within the Intimacies of the Fuzhounese Experience.” View Lisa Dong’s web-based essay .

Nick McGowan , Pauli Murray College, for the essay “Rebirth: Investigating Industrial Gentrification and the Land Use Policy in Chicago’s West Loop.” Read Nick McGowan’s essay .

The Department of History Prizes

The library also stewards the funds for three American History prizes, selected by faculty members in the Department of History. This year, five prizes were awarded for best senior essays.

Julia Aerin Hornstein , Ezra Stiles College, won the Howard R. Lamar Prize for the essay “Charles ‘Minnie’ Dole: The Peak of Masculinity and the Frontier of Western Snow”; AJ Laird , Benjamin Franklin College, won a David M. Potter Prize for “Whaling Logbooks: Colonial Knowledge Acquisition in the Pacific World”; Sydney Zoehrer , Silliman College, won a David Morris Potter Prize for the essay “Adobe: Material Histories at a Crossroads in Marfa, Texas; Hilary B. Griggs , Branford College, won a Walter McClintock Prize for the essay “Does a Man’s Word or a Nation’s Word Ever Become Obsolete?’: Fighting the Floodwaters on the Fort Berthold Reservation”; Teanna Hart (Sicangu Lakota), Silliman College, won a Walter McClintock Prize for the essay “Reconciliation Is Not Enough: Looking and/as Speaking Back at Portrayals of the American Indian”; and Taylor Rose won the Frederick W. Beinecke Dissertation Prize for the essay “Battle Born: Mining, Militarization, and Native Lands in the Nevada Desert, 1860–1990.”

Read more about the three Library Prizes and other Undergraduate Student Prizes. Read more about the History prizes.

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Here Comes Manhattanhenge’s 2nd Night: When and Where to Watch

The annual event brings New Yorkers together to celebrate longer days, warmer weather and epic summer sunsets.

By Katrina Miller

Katrina Miller recently reported on the April total solar eclipse from Carbondale, Ill. , and the May geomagnetic storm from Chicago.

A low cap of clouds toyed with New Yorkers on Tuesday as they attempted to take in the first night of the solar spectacle known as Manhattanhenge. On Wednesday evening, many may try to see the event again.

Each year at the end of May, and again in mid-July, residents and tourists alike flood the streets of Manhattan for a spectacular view of the sun setting in the west, flanked by the city’s famous streetscapes. The event attracts more people each year, some gathering in dense crowds as they dart in and out of the streets, their necks tilted and their camera lenses raised to catch a view.

“I think of it as astronomy in your face,” said Jackie Faherty, an astronomer at the American Museum of Natural History who computes the dates for Manhattanhenge each year . “It’s like a huge science party that will occur in the city.”

The event’s popularity most likely goes beyond an interest in science, Dr. Faherty added: People love a good photo op, and when the weather cooperates, Manhattanhenge delivers.

When is Manhattanhenge?

This year, Manhattanhenge’s first night occurred on Tuesday, May 28. More opportunities to see it will occur Wednesday, May 29, then again on July 12 and 13.

According to the American Museum of Natural History, Manhattanhenge will next reach its fullest effect at 8:12 p.m. on Wednesday, local time. In July, the event will occur at 8:21 p.m. on the 12th and 8:20 p.m. on the 13th.

The sunset will appear different on consecutive days. On May 28, the top half of the sun aligned with the city grid, although clouds obscured the full effect. On Wednesday, the full sun will be visible. Later in the summer, this pattern reverses: Viewers will see a full sun on July 12, and the top half of the sun on July 13.

Will clouds get in the way?

Probably. A National Weather Service forecast issued on Wednesday predicted that clouds would cover most of the skies in New York City at 8 p.m. this coming evening.

Why should I see it?

Like April’s solar eclipse and the sun’s dancing aurora , Manhattanhenge is another instance of our home star bringing people together.

Sunsets are one of the easiest ways to embrace “the wonder of the cosmos,” Dr. Faherty said, adding that each one is distinct. “You never know how the light is going to look or feel as it is setting, or what the atmosphere around you will be like.”

Longer days, warmer weather and the school year winding down in New York City make Manhattanhenge “just that extra notch up,” she said. “The whole thing is just a nice, relaxing summer party and celebration of astronomy.”

Why does Manhattanhenge happen?

The sun setting perfectly between New York’s urban canyons results from the geometry of the sun and Earth.

The sun sets in a different location every day because Earth is tilted on its axis as it orbits the sun, Dr. Faherty said. In the spring, she explained, if you watched the sun looking west from the same spot, you’d notice that the place where it sets moved a little north relative to the horizon each day.

After the summer solstice, which occurs on June 20 this year , the sun starts inching back south. “It pingpongs between solstices,” Dr. Faherty said. “And that’s because we’re going around the sun, like doing loops around a track.”

That’s also why there are two chances to see Manhattanhenge, in May and in July; the dates occur on either side of the summer solstice. Between these dates, viewers can still catch the sun emerge from behind the city’s skyscrapers as it sets, though it will appear at different heights in the sky.

It’s a season of “epic sunsets in New York City,” Dr. Faherty said.

How did Manhattanhenge start?

In the 1800s, city planners designed New York City as a grid: Its avenues run roughly north to south, and its cross streets are laid out at 90-degree angles, running approximately east to west.

As long as this grid has existed, people have likely noticed the phenomenon, Dr. Faherty said.

The earliest mention of this effect that Dr. Faherty has been able to track down is a 1997 comic strip published in Natural History magazine. Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, coined the name “Manhattanhenge” in 2002, inspired by the ancient Stonehenge monument in England.

Since then, excitement surrounding the event has grown every year. “People caught on and it lit like wildfire,” Dr. Faherty said.

Where can I see Manhattanhenge?

Among the most popular places to watch this special sunset is the Tudor City overpass, a pedestrian walkway above 42nd Street. The vantage point offers a good view of the Chrysler Building.

Another favored location for photographers is the Park Avenue Viaduct a few avenues west, near Grand Central Station. But pedestrians aren’t allowed up there, and police will likely show up to clear any gathering crowds.

But any street running east to west in Manhattan with good visibility of New Jersey is fair game. For the best views (and photos), Dr. Faherty recommends finding a wide road framed by notable city structures.

On 34th Street, you’ll see the Empire State Building; elsewhere on 42nd Street, you might be able to position Times Square in your frame. Wide roads like 14th Street, 23rd Street and 57th Street are also popular. Uptown on 145th Street and Hunters Point in Queens offer unconventional views.

“You have to be in the middle of the street to fully appreciate it,” Dr. Faherty said, so keep safety in mind when picking a spot.

Does the effect ever occur at sunrise?

A similar effect occurs at sunrise in November and January, roughly six months after the Manhattanhenge sunset dates. Dr. Faherty call this Reverse Manhattanhenge.

But the dates for Reverse Manhattanhenge are more difficult to calculate, she said, because the sun rises to the east over the city’s other boroughs.

“The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens — they’re big, they have a lot of topography to them,” Dr. Faherty said. “There’s a lot more things that get in the way.”

That adds challenges to determining when there will be a clear view of the rising sun. And because the weather isn’t as good, Reverse Manhattanhenge tends to draw a smaller crowd.

John Keefe contributed reporting.

Katrina Miller is a science reporter for The Times based in Chicago. She earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

Euclid, a European Space Agency telescope launched into space last summer, finally showed off what it’s capable of with a batch of breathtaking images  and early science results.

A dramatic blast from the sun  set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere, making the northern lights visible around the world .

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists who hunt killer asteroids churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal 27,500 overlooked space rocks in the solar system .

A celestial image, an Impressionistic swirl of color in the center of the Milky Way, represents a first step toward understanding the role of magnetic fields  in the cycle of stellar death and rebirth.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

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Best Physics Essay Examples

Expansion in physics: questions and answers.

246 words | 1 page(s)

Supposing that the measurement of time was less by a tenth, 0.1seconds, then the new value of g would be given as shown in the table below.

The new value of g obtain increase by a given a ratio. The average of the new value of g is 11.2182 m/s^2 which gives a new ∆% error of:

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∆% error=(9.80665-11.2182)/9.80665×100=-14.394%

The new ∆% error therefore becomes -14.394% which is 14.665% difference from the previous value.

Now, supposing that the measurement of time was more by a tenth, or 0.1seconds, then the new value of g would be given as shown in the table below.

The new value of g obtain increase by a given a ratio. The average of the new value of g is 8.61745 m/s^2 which gives a new ∆% error of:

∆% error=(9.80665-8.61745)/9.80665×100=12.126%

The new ∆% error therefore becomes 12.126% which is a 11.855% difference from the previous value.

From the example shown in question 1 time measurement is very sensitive. A small variation of 0.1seconds leads to a 14.665% (-0.1s) or 11.855% (0.1s) difference in the current ∆% error. The stopwatch is not an adequate instrument for the measurement of time, instead, sensors using infrared timers might be used to reduce the possibility of systematic errors. Such timers can measure up to microseconds and at the exact moment of release of the ball, or when the ball passes through a determined point.

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‘May With Mary’ in the Vatican Gardens

PHOTO ESSAY: Throughout the month of May, the Vatican Gardens is open to pilgrims from around the world for a special tour in honor of the Blessed Mother.

ROME — Created last year in collaboration with the Vatican Museums, the “May With Mary” pilgrimage includes 10 stops at some of the most important images and statues of the Madonna in the Gardens, which are all replicas or miniatures of existing sanctuaries across the world.

Offered every Wednesday and Saturday, the tour led by Sister Emanuela Edwards of the Missionaries of Divine Revelation allows pilgrims to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Vatican Gardens by walking through the various Marian images, which have all been gifted to or from popes, found throughout the Vatican's beautiful grounds.

“There are about 27 images of Our Lady that adorn the Vatican Gardens, which reflect the many ways in which the Holy Fathers wanted to honor our Blessed Mother throughout the centuries,” Sister Emanuela, head of the Educational Activities Office of the Vatican Museums, told the Register.

“Because we have apparitions of Our Lady from all parts of the world in the Vatican Gardens, we are reminded of the many ways in which Our Lady has tried to tell people to come back to her Son.”

The Marian grottos, frescos and statues featured in the “May With Mary” tour are connected to the devotions of people across the globe who have turned to the Queen of Peace in times of war and struggle. For this reason, the pilgrims stop at each shrine to pray for this same intention: peace.

“Given the state of our world today and the call from our Holy Father, being so incessant for peace, we have decided this year to offer the pilgrimage for peace,” Sister Emanuela explained. “At each sanctuary of Our Lady, we say a Hail Mary for peace, and throughout the visit, I underline where and how Our Lady has intervened in the story of humanity to bring about peace.”

Our Lady of the Watch (Italy)

According to tradition, on Aug. 29, 1490, the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant, Benedetto Pareto, near Genoa in Italy and asked him to build a chapel on a local mountain.

The Italian name of the shrine is Madonna della Guardia, meaning “Our Lady of the Watch.” The shrine is so called because in the Middle Ages, the mountain on which the shrine is built was a strategic observation station for monitoring the movement of armies and ships.

“Genoa is also the place where Pope Benedict XV came from,” Sister Emanuela pointed out. At the time, because of the unresolved dispute between Church and state in Italy, “the popes couldn’t leave the Vatican, and so the people of Genoa sent a part of Genoa to the Holy Father, to give him consolation.”

“Just as mountains were used in antiquity to watch over the city, so Our Lady of the Watch is here in this high point of the Vatican, to look over the Holy Father and all who come to visit the gardens.”

Our Lady of Lourdes (France)

Between Feb. 11 and July 16, 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to 13-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in the Massabielle grotto near her home. According to Bernadette, the Lady she saw was a young woman of 16 or 17 clothed in a white robe and a blue sash, with yellow roses covering her feet and a large rosary on her right arm. On March 25, she told the young, poor and uneducated girl: “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Since 1858, thousands of pilgrims have come to Lourdes every year, seeking a cure for their illnesses and asking for the intercession of Our Lady.

“This grotto was a gift for Pope Leo XIII, who was very devoted to Our Lady and who wrote a Marian encyclical every year of his pontificate,” Sister Emanuela explained. “Also, he was involved in the Roman question and couldn’t leave the Vatican during his pontificate. Because he couldn’t visit Lourdes, the bishop of Tarbes made this wonderful grotto, and it was brought here into the Vatican so that the Pope, although being here, could visit the grotto of Lourdes.”

“Many of the Holy Fathers have been particularly devoted to this grotto,” Sister Emanuela shared, noting that Pope Benedict XVI would often come here to pray the Rosary. Something unique about it, she added, is that the altar in the grotto is the actual altar that was placed in the Massabielle grotto after the apparitions. It was gifted to the Vatican in 1965 by Pope St. John XXIII.

Another “curious thing,” Sister Emanuela continued, is that Our Lady “doesn’t have a rosary with the typical five decades. She has a rosary with six decades, because in that place in France, where Our Lady appeared, there was a practice of saying an extra decade for the holy souls. So when Our Lady appeared to speak to a young girl of that place, she appeared with a rosary that she recognized.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico)

According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared five times to Mexican peasant St. Juan Diego and his uncle, Juan Bernardino, in December 1531. She identified herself as “the Mother of the True God” and instructed St. Juan to have the local bishop build a church on the site. As a sign for the bishop, she left an image of herself imprinted miraculously on his tilma , a poor-quality “cactus-cloth” garment.

“The moment we see on the statue,” Sister Emanuela pointed out, “is the moment when Juan Diego finally arrives to see the bishop, and he lets his tilma fall down. The roses, as you can see, fall to the ground, and on his tilma we see an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is miraculous in many ways.”

“Our Lady, who we can call the first evangelist, is quite rightly celebrated as the patron of the Americas since she appeared to convert the whole of the Americas,” Sister Emanuela also said, pointing out that “Our Lady appeared with the look of the Indigenous people of that place because she is the Mother of All Nations.”

“At a time when we’re praying for peace, I think it’s very important to remember that Our Lady appeared as an Indigenous person to remind us that she is the mother of everyone and, therefore, that we are all in the great family of God.”

Our Lady of Fátima (Portugal)

One of the best-known modern apparitions of the Virgin Mary occurred in Fátima, Portugal, in 1917, on the 13th day of each month for six months, when Our Lady appeared to three Portuguese children: Siblings Sts. Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Venerable Lúcia dos Santos.

“On this statue, we can see Our Lady, who bends over towards the shepherd children,” Sister Emanuela said, noting that the halos around the Virgin Mary’s head are “an allusion to the Miracle of the Sun” that occurred during her final apparition on Oct. 13, 1917. The statue also has the date “13 May 1981” engraved on it, in memory of the attempted assassination of Pope St. John Paul II, who claimed that “a Mother’s hand” had deflected the bullet.

“Our Lady appeared in Fátima with a peace plan for the world, to call people back to the Gospel, and to consecrate themselves to her Immaculate Heart,” Sister Emanuela emphasized, underlining that Pope Francis followed the Fátima appeal by consecrating the cause of peace to the Queen of Peace.

“When war between Russia and Ukraine broke out, Pope Francis consecrated the world to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. It is very beautiful to think that even today Our Lady’s message resonates in the lives of these Holy Fathers, who have listened to the call of our Blessed Mother and acted just as she said.

“And so we invite all our guests to pray for peace in the world and in these war-torn places, exactly as Our Lady asked of the three Shepherd children long ago in Fátima.”

Santa María la Antigua (Panama)

“This is a statue inspired from a devotion that started in Seville, but which later got taken to Panama, of which she [Santa Maria la Antigua] is the patron. You can see that Our Lord looks like a little man. This is because, in the Middle Ages, they wanted to show that although he was a child, Jesus was still God.”

“With one hand he is blessing, but in the other hand, he holds a robin red breast,” Sister Emanuela pointed out. “This a reference to the homilies of St. Isidore of Seville, who told the story of how a robin came to visit Christ while he was on the cross. The robin tried to remove the thorns from his head but instead injured himself, and that is how he got his red breast.”

“Our Lady is holding a rose because she is the Immaculate Conception. The rose doesn’t have any thorns: It is as it would have been in paradise, before original sin.”

Other Statues/Images in the Gardens

Our Lady of Częstochowa (Poland) : At the heliport stands a statue of the Queen of Poland, donated by the Pauline Fathers to Pope St. John Paul II, so that Our Lady could greet him as he traveled to and from the Vatican by helicopter.

Nuestra Señora de Luján (Argentina) — Our Lady of Luján

La Madonna del Divino Amore (Italy) — Our Lady of Divine Love

Virgen de los Treinta y Tres (Uruguay) — Virgin of the Thirty-Three

Nuestra Señora de Caacupé (Paraguay) — Our Lady of Caacupé

Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquirá (Colombia) — Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá

Virgen del Rosario (Guatemala) — Virgin of the Rosary

Santissima Virgen de El Quinche (Ecuador) — Most Holy Virgen of El Quinche

Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles (Costa Rica) — Virgin of the Angels

Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (El Salvador) — Our Lady Queen of Peace

Virgen del Carmen (Chile) — Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Philippines) — Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Our Lady of Mercy

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Bénédicte Cedergren Bénédicte Cedergren is an Associate Producer for EWTN News Nightly. She is Swedish-French and grew up in Stockholm. After graduating from the University of Stockholm with a degree in Journalism, Bénédicte moved to Rome where she earned a degree in Philosophy at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. She also sings sacred music and works as a photographer. Passionate about spreading the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith, Bénédicte enjoys sharing the testimonies of others and writing stories that captivate and inspire.

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