photo essay on flowers

23 Photo Essay Ideas and Examples (to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing!)

A Post By: Kevin Landwer-Johan

Looking for inspiration? Our 23 photo essay ideas will take your photography skills to new heights!

A single, strong photograph can convey a lot of information about its subject – but sometimes we have topics that require more than one image to do the job. That’s when it’s time to make a photo essay: a collection of pictures that together tell the bigger story around a chosen theme.

In the following sections, we’ll explore various photo essay ideas and examples that cover a wide range of subjects and purposes. From capturing the growth of your children to documenting local festivals, each idea offers an exciting opportunity to tell a story through your lens, whether you’re a hobbyist or a veteran professional.

So grab your camera, unleash your creativity, and let’s delve into the wonderful world of photo essay examples!

What is a photo essay?

Simply put, a photo essay is a series of carefully selected images woven together to tell a story or convey a message. Think of it as a visual narrative that designed to capture attention and spark emotions.

Now, these images can revolve around a broad theme or focus on a specific storyline. For instance, you might create a photo essay celebrating the joy of companionship by capturing 10 heartwarming pictures of people sharing genuine laughter. On the other hand, you could have a photo essay delving into the everyday lives of fishermen in Wales by following a single fisherman’s journey for a day or even a week.

It’s important to note that photo essays don’t necessarily have to stick to absolute truth. While some documentary photographers prefer to keep it authentic, others may employ techniques like manipulation or staging to create a more artistic impact. So there is room for creativity and interpretation.

Why you should create a photo essay

Photo essays have a way of expressing ideas and stories that words sometimes struggle to capture. They offer a visual narrative that can be incredibly powerful and impactful.

Firstly, photo essays are perfect when you have an idea or a point you want to convey, but you find yourself at a loss for words. Sometimes, emotions and concepts are better conveyed through images rather than paragraphs. So if you’re struggling to articulate a message, you can let your photos do the talking for you.

Second, if you’re interested in subjects that are highly visual, like the mesmerizing forms of architecture within a single city, photo essays are the way to go. Trying to describe the intricate details of a building or the play of light and shadows with words alone can be challenging. But through a series of captivating images, you can immerse your audience in the architecture.

And finally, if you’re aiming to evoke emotions or make a powerful statement, photo essays are outstanding. Images have an incredible ability to shock, inspire, and move people in ways that words often struggle to achieve. So if you want to raise awareness about an environmental issue or ignite a sense of empathy, a compelling series of photographs can have a profound impact.

Photo essay examples and ideas

Looking to create a photo essay but don’t know where to start? Here are some handy essay ideas and examples for inspiration!

1. A day in the life

Your first photo essay idea is simple: Track a life over the course of one day. You might make an essay about someone else’s life. Or the life of a location, such as the sidewalk outside your house. 

The subject matter you choose is up to you. But start in the morning and create a series of images showing your subject over the course of a typical day.

(Alternatively, you can document your subject on a special day, like a birthday, a wedding, or some other celebration.)

2. Capture hands

Portraits focus on a subject’s face – but why not mix it up and make a photo essay that focuses on your subject’s hands?

(You can also focus on a collection of different people’s hands.)

Hands can tell you a lot about a person. And showing them in context is a great way to narrate a story.

3. Follow a sports team for a full season

Sports are all about emotions – both from the passionate players and the dedicated fans. While capturing the intensity of a single game can be exhilarating, imagine the power of telling the complete story of a team throughout an entire season.

For the best results, you’ll need to invest substantial time in sports photography. Choose a team that resonates with you and ensure their games are within a drivable distance. By photographing their highs and lows, celebrations and challenges, you’ll create a compelling photo essay that traces their journey from the first game to the last.

4. A child and their parent

Photographs that catch the interaction between parents and children are special. A parent-child connection is strong and unique, so making powerful images isn’t challenging. You just need to be ready to capture the special moments as they happen. 

You might concentrate on a parent teaching their child. Or the pair playing sports. Or working on a special project.

Use your imagination, and you’ll have a great time with this theme.

5. Tell a local artist’s story 

I’ve always enjoyed photographing artists as they work; studios have a creative vibe, so the energy is already there. Bring your camera into this environment and try to tell the artist’s story!

An artist’s studio offers plenty of opportunities for wonderful photo essays. Think about the most fascinating aspects of the artist’s process. What do they do that makes their art special? Aim to show this in your photos.

Many people appreciate fine art, but they’re often not aware of what happens behind the scenes. So documenting an artist can produce fascinating visual stories.

6. Show a tradesperson’s process

Do you have a plumber coming over to fix your kitchen sink? Is a builder making you a new deck?

Take photos while they work! Tell them what you want to do before you start, and don’t forget to share your photos with them.

They’ll probably appreciate seeing what they do from another perspective. They may even want to use your photos on their company website.

7. Photograph your kids as they grow

There’s something incredibly special about documenting the growth of our little ones. Kids grow up so quickly – before you know it, they’re moving out. Why not capture the beautiful moments along the way by creating a heartwarming photo essay that showcases their growth?

There are various approaches you can take, but one idea is to capture regular photos of your kids standing in front of a distinct point of reference, such as the refrigerator. Over a year or several years, you can gather these images and place them side by side to witness your childrens’ incredible transformations.

8. Cover a local community event

A school fundraiser, a tree-planting day at a park, or a parade; these are are all community events that make for good photo essay ideas.

Think like a photojournalist . What type of images would your editor want? Make sure to capture some wide-angle compositions , some medium shots, and some close-ups.

(Getting in close to show the details can often tell as much of a story as the wider pictures.)

9. Show fresh market life

Markets are great for photography because there’s always plenty of activity and lots of characters. Think of how you can best illustrate the flow of life at the market. What are the vendors doing that’s most interesting? What are the habits of the shoppers?

Look to capture the essence of the place. Try to portray the people who work and shop there.

10. Shoot the same location over time

What location do you visit regularly? Is there a way you can make an interesting photo essay about it?

Consider what you find most attractive and ugly about the place. Look for aspects that change over time. 

Any outdoor location will look different throughout the day. Also think about the changes that occur from season to season. Create an essay that tells the story of the place.

11. Document a local festival

Festivals infuse cities and towns with vibrant energy and unique cultural experiences. Even if your own town doesn’t have notable festivals, chances are a neighboring town does. Explore the magic of these celebrations by documenting a local festival through your lens.

Immerse yourself in the festivities, arriving early and staying late. Capture the colorful displays and the people who make the festival come alive. If the festival spans multiple days, consider focusing on different areas each time you visit to create a diverse and comprehensive photo essay that truly reflects the essence of the event.

12. Photograph a garden through the seasons

It might be your own garden . It could be the neighbor’s. It could even be the garden at your local park.

Think about how the plants change during the course of a year. Capture photos of the most significant visual differences, then present them as a photo essay.

13. Show your local town or city

After spending several years in a particular area, you likely possess an intimate knowledge of your local town or city. Why not utilize that familiarity to create a captivating photo essay that showcases the essence of your community?

Delve into what makes your town special, whether it’s the charming streets, unique landmarks, or the people who shape its character. Dedicate time to capturing the diverse aspects that define your locale. If you’re up for a more extensive project, consider photographing the town over the course of an entire year, capturing the changing seasons and the dynamic spirit of your community.

14. Pick a local cause to highlight

Photo essays can go beyond passive documentation; they can become a part of your activism, too!

So find a cause that matters to you. Tell the story of some aspect of community life that needs improvement. Is there an ongoing issue with litter in your area? How about traffic; is there a problematic intersection?

Document these issues, then make sure to show the photos to people responsible for taking action.

15. Making a meal

Photo essay ideas can be about simple, everyday things – like making a meal or a coffee.

How can you creatively illustrate something that seems so mundane? My guess is that, when you put your mind to it, you can come up with many unique perspectives, all of which will make great stories.

16. Capture the life of a flower

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the beauty that surrounds us. Flowers, with their mesmerizing colors and rapid life cycles, offer a captivating subject for a photo essay. Try to slow down and appreciate the intricate details of a flower’s existence.

With a macro lens in hand, document a single flower or a patch of flowers from their initial shoots to their inevitable wilting and decomposition. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to bring viewers into the enchanting world of the flower. By freezing these fleeting moments, you’ll create a visual narrative that celebrates the cycle of life and the exquisite beauty found in nature’s delicate creations.

17. Religious traditions

Religion is often rich with visual expression in one form or another. So capture it!

Of course, you may need to narrow down your ideas and choose a specific aspect of worship to photograph. Aim to show what people do when they visit a holy place, or how they pray on their own. Illustrate what makes their faith real and what’s special about it.

18. Historic sites

Historic sites are often iconic, and plenty of photographers take a snapshot or two.

But with a photo essay, you can illustrate the site’s history in greater depth.

Look for details of the location that many visitors miss. And use these to build an interesting story.

19. Show the construction of a building

Ever been away from a familiar place for a while only to return and find that things have changed? It happens all the time, especially in areas undergoing constant development. So why not grab your camera and document this transformation?

Here’s the idea: Find a building that’s currently under construction in your area. It could be a towering skyscraper, a modern office complex, or even a small-scale residential project. Whatever catches your eye! Then let the magic of photography unfold.

Make it a habit to take a photo every day or two. Watch as the building gradually takes shape and evolves. Capture the construction workers in action, the cranes reaching for the sky, and the scaffolding supporting the structure.

Once the building is complete, you’ll have a treasure trove of images that chronicle its construction from start to finish!

20. Document the changing skyline of the city

This photo essay example is like the previous one, except it works on a much larger scale. Instead of photographing a single building as it’s built, find a nice vantage point outside your nearest city, then photograph the changing skyline.

To create a remarkable photo essay showcasing the changing skyline, you’ll need to scout out the perfect vantage point. Seek high ground that offers a commanding view of the city, allowing you to frame the skyline against the horizon. Look for spots that give you an unobstructed perspective, whether a rooftop terrace, a hillside park, or even a nearby bridge.

As you set out on your photography expedition, be patient and observant. Cities don’t transform overnight; they change gradually over time. Embrace the passage of days, weeks, and months as you witness the slow evolution unfold.

Pro tip: To capture the essence of this transformation, experiment with various photographic techniques. Play with different angles, framing, and compositions to convey the grandeur and dynamism of the changing skyline. Plus, try shooting during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset , when the soft light bathes the city in a warm glow and accentuates the architectural details.

21. Photograph your pet

If you’re a pet owner, you already have the perfect subject for a photo essay!

All pets , with the possible exception of pet rocks, will provide you with a collection of interesting moments to photograph.

So collect these moments with your camera – then display them as a photo essay showing the nature and character of your pet.

22. Tell the story of a local nature preserve

Ah, the wonders of a local nature preserve! While it may not boast the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, these hidden gems hold their own beauty, just waiting to be discovered and captured through the lens of your camera.

To embark on this type of photo essay adventure, start by exploring all the nooks and crannies of your chosen nature preserve. Wander along its winding trails, keeping an eye out for unique and captivating subjects that convey the essence of the preserve.

As you go along, try to photograph the intricate details of delicate wildflowers, the interplay of light filtering through a dense forest canopy, and the lively activities of birds and other wildlife.

23. Show the same subject from multiple perspectives

It’s possible to create an entire photo essay in a single afternoon – or even in a handful of minutes. If you don’t love the idea of dedicating yourself to days of photographing for a single essay, this is a great option.

Simply find a subject you like, then endeavor to capture 10 unique images that include it. I’d recommend photographing from different angles: up above, down low, from the right and left. You can also try getting experimental with creative techniques, such as intentional camera movement and freelensing. If all goes well, you’ll have a very cool set of images featuring one of your favorite subjects!

By showcasing the same subject from multiple perspectives, you invite viewers on a visual journey. They get to see different facets, textures, and details that they might have overlooked in a single photograph. It adds depth and richness to your photo essay, making it both immersive and dynamic.

Photo essay ideas: final words

Remember: Photo essays are all about communicating a concept or a story through images rather than words. So embrace the process and use images to express yourself!

Whether you choose to follow a sports team through a thrilling season, document the growth of your little ones, or explore the hidden treasures of your local town, each photo essay has its own magic waiting to be unlocked. It’s a chance to explore your creativity and create images in your own style.

So look at the world around you. Grab your gear and venture out into the wild. Embrace the beauty of nature, the energy of a bustling city, or the quiet moments that make life special. Consider what you see every day. What aspects interest you the most? Photograph those things.

You’re bound to end up with some amazing photo essays!

Now over to you:

Do you have any photo essay examples you’re proud of? Do you have any more photo essay ideas? Share your thoughts and images in the comments below!

Read more from our Tips & Tutorials category

Kevin Landwer-Johan is a photographer, photography teacher, and author with over 30 years of experience that he loves to share with others.

Check out his website and his Buy Me a Coffee page .

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Get special offers & updates delivered straight to your inbox, photo essay: anne belmont on flowers, velvet 56, and photographic magic.

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• May 11, 2017

Anne Belmont is a nature photographer specializing in flower photography. Her first career as an art therapist shaped the way that she views art and reinforced her belief in the healing power of both art and nature in our lives. Now, she shares her own vision of the natural world through photography. A regular at the Chicago Botanic Garden , she was commissioned by the Garden to do a solo exhibition of her orchid photography, displayed in 20 larger-than-life panels during the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Orchid Shows.

We asked Anne to pull together a number of her photos that resonated with her the most...to encapsulate her vision (and how Lensbaby affects it) in a photo essay for our blog.

I live by the belief that one needs to continually strive to learn, experiment, play and, most importantly, have fun with photography. If we always photograph in the same way, our photography will hit a creative bump in the road. Lensbaby lenses allow me to spread those creative wings and fly, to bring artistry and fun to my photography. And, yes, as Lensbaby so aptly says to see in a new way.

Although I began experimenting with Lensbaby early in my flower photography days, it wasnt until the Velvet 56mm came onto the scene in 2015 that I fell completely in love with Lensbaby. That lens had me head over heels from the first shot I took. It is the perfect companion for flower photography, allowing me to get in close to my subjects and create photographs with that signature ethereal glow that the Velvet is known for. I remember uploading those first images with the Velvet and gasping at the magic that lens captured. Since then, I have rediscovered the fun and creativity that the Composer Pro and the various optics can bring to my photography, as well.

I photographed this soft pink dahlia soon after I got the Velvet 56mm. I was stunned when I saw this image on my computer screen. Where did that color and beautiful light come from, let alone that background? This flower was shot in an indoor dahlia show at the Chicago Botanic Garden where the lighting was poor and backgrounds were difficult to control. I quickly realized the power of the Velvet for creating beautiful images straight out of camera, even in less than optimal lighting and conditions.

I approach each flower I photograph differently. I ask myself what story I want to tell about that flower. Do I want to bring your eye to the details throughout the flower or do I want to draw your eye to a particular part of the flower a curl of a petal or a drop of dew using selective focus? By using selective focus and isolating details I began to see flowers differently, to focus in on more abstract elements within the flower. Often, I simply want to draw your eye to a beautiful, graceful line, a curve, a pattern or a texture within the flower. Sometimes it is simply about capturing the essence of the flower in an ethereal way.

This Julia Coneflower, captured at the Chicago Botanic Garden, was another early image with the Velvet. I love this image because it shows the sharpness of the lens, while creating that magical glow and a perfect background straight out of camera.

Another dahlia captured with the Composer Pro, Sweet 50 optic with macro converters produced that sweet spot of focus surrounded by blur to create an abstract image reminiscent of flames. When I photograph flowers, I work my subject, composing in a variety of ways and from many different angles. Doing this has helped me to see flowers in a whole new way.

I love the way the Velvet created a painterly, impressionistic feel to this freshly watered dahlia. One of my favorite times to capture flowers is following a rain shower, after their early morning watering or while covered in morning dew. Water droplets and dew drops add such textural interest and character to a flower.

This rose was captured after its morning watering with the Composer Pro, Sweet 50 optic with macro converters.

Echinopsis or cactus flowers bloom during the summer months in our Arid Greenhouse at Chicago Botanic Garden. In the past I always photographed these flowers fully in focus to capture the details and texture of the magnificent blooms. Experimenting and trying new things is key, or we tend to come up with the same results again and again. I put on the Velvet, not sure whether I was going to like the effect with these flowers. I should have known what that lens was capable of!

So, what does a flower photographer do during the long winters of Chicago? We are blessed with conservatories, greenhouses and a world class Orchid Show. I am never at a loss for subjects even when I cant photograph flowers outdoors. Other botanical subjects such as ferns are wonderful subjects indoors. The Velvet creates the perfect amount of dreaminess for capturing ferns and brings a softness to orchids, one of the most difficult flowers to photograph.

Spring is upon us and I am busy capturing the graceful lines and curves of tulips and the bounty of new life and color that spring brings us. I hope this post will inspire you to photograph the beauty of spring and bring some artistry and fun to your work with Lensbaby.

You can read more about Anne Belmont and see more photos on her Chicago Botanic Garden workshop!

Interested in more on flower photography? Head over to Lensbaby University and check out Kathleen Clemons' Flower Photography lessons .

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The Photographic Journal

• Photo Essays

Flowers or Fruit

Essay 422 • jan 9th 2020.

• by Jason Travis

Ever since I first picked up a camera, it’s always been about connection. The more personal my work gets, the more I dig deeper for meaningful connections.

I’ve always loved creating themes, searching for big ideas. Sometimes they’re easy to find, other times it's a process. But experimentation is always a part of it. That’s how I keep everything fresh, exciting, and unknown.

This shoot—which happened in three parts—is an extension of my last two photo essays, which focused on utilizing my surroundings. I love creating a range with my subjects, and this was no exception. Abigail brought a playful enthusiasm everywhere we went.

I’m honored to be The Photographic Journal’s photographer-in-residence for 2020. Here's to the journey ahead.

Jason Travis  is a photographer, designer, illustrator, and musician based in Los Angeles. His work has been featured by CNN, USA Today, Gizmodo, BuzzFeed, BOOOOOOOM, and many more. He’s allergic to cats, carrots, and will forever love the 90s. He is currently TPJ’s Photographer-in-Residence. Website  |  Instagram

Model: Abigail VanSteenberghe Style Teammate: Bliss Katherine

Check out Jason’s other TPJ photo essays: Suburban Youth Lull Mind Glow Alliance Vanished Spirits Paradigm Sye Grlswirl Somewhere Ellissa & Harry Alley Cat

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The Refresh – Writing to refresh your mind and spirit

Photo essay: Garden inspiration

July 18, 2019 the refresh.

By Faith Pineo

Enjoy these colorful blooms captured by the photographer who brought us this gorgeous essay on the language of flowers, and get some inspiration for your current or future garden!

At her home in rural Maine, Faith Pineo can often be found puttering outside amongst the flowers and wildlife. She tends to talk with chipmunks and birds far more often than is likely good for her, but nevertheless finds them to be excellent conversationalists.

A curated take on South Asian art, literature, life and news

Photo Essay: Flower Memories & The Language Of Fallen Petals

Priyanka Sacheti

April 22, 2015

Literature , Photos

It is spring in Delhi.

I see a tree top feathered with pink flowers from my window; the other day, a rain-storm neatly plucked the flowers from the tree and scattered them all across the street. When I picked up one of them, I observed that the pink petals were actually more lilac-hued; one petal was covered with warm violet markings, as if a child had absently decided to wrought Magic Marker art upon it.

Another tree outside my apartment has sprouted fat, flamboyant orange and red flowers; I see crows snacking upon its buds in the mornings. These trees are the tallest and most majestic of them all; they also happened to be the first to begin blooming. In fact, I first saw their flowers fallen on the green grass, rather than on the branches. Afterward, the earth below those trees would become so densely carpeted with the blood-red flowers that it was almost as if a flower massacre had taken place.

I have to admit that I only became so interested in the business of blooming trees after I moved to Pittsburgh from Oman two winters ago. There’s something about being transplanted in a new country which compels you to be minutely aware of both its cultural and physical ecosystems: in case of the latter, its landscape, flora and fauna, and the visible, tangible transition of seasons. As I began to adapt to my new home, the trees outside my apartment balcony were my personal markers of the changing seasons; I first saw them winter-bare and snow-adorned before budding and eventually bearing leaves, flower, and fruit.

The other day, a Pittsburgh friend wrote to me, mentioning it was a lovely spring morning. I could easily conjure up the scene: the air’s promising, scented warmth, the tulips poking their heads through the soil, unmelting snowflakes of cherry blossom limning branches — and a magnolia-filled tree blooming in a churchyard. Before coming to the States, I had rarely seen magnolias; I made it a point to find out their name upon discovering this beautiful bloom. I wanted to populate the landscape I now called home with familiar faces, rather than faceless ones — and that included the foliage which grew and bloomed around me.

Watching the pink-lilac flower tree, I find myself thinking of the magnolias I glimpsed in Boston one spring afternoon last year.

I was eager to visit the city where so many beginnings and histories nested, in the country to which I would shortly be bidding adieu. I took the T to downtown one afternoon. In addition to experiencing the city’s elegant, history-drenched prettiness, I also yearned to see the sea, which I terribly missed in Pittsburgh after years of having lived in a sea-country, Oman.

I examined a map-imprinted signboard on the top of Beacon Hill and figured out the direction I would need to walk in order to meet the sea. However, although proud of my map sense, that day I failed to realize that I was heading away from the sea and towards the river. I was completely unaware walking past the stately, beautifully proportioned homes, richly anticipating the sea with each step.

After a while, I paused and gazed into the distance; the street appeared seemingly endless while the sea was nowhere in sight. I asked a passerby for directions.

“You are by the river,” he said kindly. “You are a long way from the sea.”

Lost & Found

I eventually found myself on the river bank, unable to summon up the energy to walk all the way back to the sea. I sat on a stone bench beneath a kind weeping tree and watched the sunbeams dance on the river surface. I took out a book of Marquez short stories that I had brought along with me; I stopped reading after only a few paragraphs and examined the stone-colored waters lapping the bank’s edges.

I was lost.

Yet, I knew it was much more than just losing my physical bearings; I felt a strong sense of displacement, as if I had fallen off a grid and did not know how to put myself back in or — where. I began to wonder if the feeling had to do with the truth that I had been playing dodge-ball with all this time: I would eventually find myself in yet another new country, a country which was officially my home but felt nothing like it.

I had endlessly discussed the transition with my husband, family, friends…I had even written about it, thinking words would be the best ships with which to navigate the sea of confusion and fear churning inside my head. This afternoon, though, as I watched the river slowly inch its way towards the sea, it was as if I clearly saw the move and its solid implications for the first time, rather than the abstractions I had been drowning in all this time.

I started walking back to the T — and it was then I encountered the avenue of magnolia trees in full, thick, unbearably beautiful bloom. It was as if I had stumbled upon a river of magnolia blossom: creamy pink, pale yellow, almost white, almost red. Petals constantly drizzled down upon the brick ground. They were entirely another entity altogether up on the trees; here, scattered, broken, they formed the hieroglyphics of an arcane nature language. I did not attempt to translate. I simply soaked in their beauty, consoled in a way that only nature was capable of doing.

When I stood up, a fat butter-yellow petal detached itself it from a branch, whirling around in sunshine before resting on my shoulder. I opened the Marquez and placed the petal upon a bed of words. Many days later, when I opened the book, the petal was tea-brown — but in my eyes, it remained freshly yellow, a postcard from a day when flowers had gifted me with respite and hope amidst a sea of lost-ness.

I have been living in Delhi for almost five months now. I am only just beginning to understand its languages; some days, I speak it somewhat fluently, even enjoying doing so. Some days, it metamorphoses into Greek, and I long for the comfort of familiar tongues. I wake up feeling homesick, not knowing if it is the seas of Oman that I yearn for or Pittsburgh’s summer-green woods. However, once again, as in America, I find myself watching the trees outside my apartment.

I learn that the fat red flowers belong to the silk cotton tree and the pink-lilac one is kachnar, a type of an orchid. I become familiar with their blooms, watching them fall in the air before eventually gracing the ground with their presence.

No matter where I journey, despite the multiple lands I call home in my lifetime and all the different languages and landscapes I must learn to speak and inhabit — nature and its quiet rhythms will always be teacher, guide, and friend.

The fallen flower that I find goes inside a book too — and it will also become a memory of my new home, just like the magnolia petal from Boston represented a home from my yesterday.

We carry the chapters of homes and the passages in between as flower memories inside the books of our lives.

Photos and text by Priyanka Sacheti, an independent cultural writer living in Delhi. Her work has been featured in Gulf News, Khaleejesque, and Brownbook. When she’s not busy working on a collection of short stories or  Instagramming , she blogs at  I Am Just a Visual Person  and  Photo Kahanis . She tweets at  @priyankasacheti .

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How to Create an Engaging Photo Essay (with Examples)

Photo essays tell a story in pictures. They're a great way to improve at photography and story-telling skills at once. Learn how to do create a great one.

Learn | Photography Guides | By Ana Mireles

Photography is a medium used to tell stories – sometimes they are told in one picture, sometimes you need a whole series. Those series can be photo essays.

If you’ve never done a photo essay before, or you’re simply struggling to find your next project, this article will be of help. I’ll be showing you what a photo essay is and how to go about doing one.

You’ll also find plenty of photo essay ideas and some famous photo essay examples from recent times that will serve you as inspiration.

If you’re ready to get started, let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

What is a Photo Essay?

A photo essay is a series of images that share an overarching theme as well as a visual and technical coherence to tell a story. Some people refer to a photo essay as a photo series or a photo story – this often happens in photography competitions.

Photographic history is full of famous photo essays. Think about The Great Depression by Dorothea Lange, Like Brother Like Sister by Wolfgang Tillmans, Gandhi’s funeral by Henri Cartier Bresson, amongst others.

What are the types of photo essay?

Despite popular belief, the type of photo essay doesn’t depend on the type of photography that you do – in other words, journalism, documentary, fine art, or any other photographic genre is not a type of photo essay.

Instead, there are two main types of photo essays: narrative and thematic .

As you have probably already guessed, the thematic one presents images pulled together by a topic – for example, global warming. The images can be about animals and nature as well as natural disasters devastating cities. They can happen all over the world or in the same location, and they can be captured in different moments in time – there’s a lot of flexibility.

A narrative photo essa y, on the other hand, tells the story of a character (human or not), portraying a place or an event. For example, a narrative photo essay on coffee would document the process from the planting and harvesting – to the roasting and grinding until it reaches your morning cup.

What are some of the key elements of a photo essay?

• Tell a unique story – A unique story doesn’t mean that you have to photograph something that nobody has done before – that would be almost impossible! It means that you should consider what you’re bringing to the table on a particular topic.
• Put yourself into the work – One of the best ways to make a compelling photo essay is by adding your point of view, which can only be done with your life experiences and the way you see the world.
• Add depth to the concept – The best photo essays are the ones that go past the obvious and dig deeper in the story, going behind the scenes, or examining a day in the life of the subject matter – that’s what pulls in the spectator.
• Nail the technique – Even if the concept and the story are the most important part of a photo essay, it won’t have the same success if it’s poorly executed.
• Build a structure – A photo essay is about telling a thought-provoking story – so, think about it in a narrative way. Which images are going to introduce the topic? Which ones represent a climax? How is it going to end – how do you want the viewer to feel after seeing your photo series?
• Make strong choices – If you really want to convey an emotion and a unique point of view, you’re going to need to make some hard decisions. Which light are you using? Which lens? How many images will there be in the series? etc., and most importantly for a great photo essay is the why behind those choices.

9 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay

Credit: Laura James

1. Choose something you know

To make a good photo essay, you don’t need to travel to an exotic location or document a civil war – I mean, it’s great if you can, but you can start close to home.

Depending on the type of photography you do and the topic you’re looking for in your photographic essay, you can photograph a local event or visit an abandoned building outside your town.

It will be much easier for you to find a unique perspective and tell a better story if you’re already familiar with the subject. Also, consider that you might have to return a few times to the same location to get all the photos you need.

2. Follow your passion

Most photo essays take dedication and passion. If you choose a subject that might be easy, but you’re not really into it – the results won’t be as exciting. Taking photos will always be easier and more fun if you’re covering something you’re passionate about.

3. Take your time

A great photo essay is not done in a few hours. You need to put in the time to research it, conceptualizing it, editing, etc. That’s why I previously recommended following your passion because it takes a lot of dedication, and if you’re not passionate about it – it’s difficult to push through.

4. Write a summary or statement

Photo essays are always accompanied by some text. You can do this in the form of an introduction, write captions for each photo or write it as a conclusion. That’s up to you and how you want to present the work.

5. Learn from the masters

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Making a photographic essay takes a lot of practice and knowledge. A great way to become a better photographer and improve your storytelling skills is by studying the work of others. You can go to art shows, review books and magazines and look at the winners in photo contests – most of the time, there’s a category for photo series.

6. Get a wide variety of photos

Think about a story – a literary one. It usually tells you where the story is happening, who is the main character, and it gives you a few details to make you engage with it, right?

The same thing happens with a visual story in a photo essay – you can do some wide-angle shots to establish the scenes and some close-ups to show the details. Make a shot list to ensure you cover all the different angles.

Some of your pictures should guide the viewer in, while others are more climatic and regard the experience they are taking out of your photos.

7. Follow a consistent look

Both in style and aesthetics, all the images in your series need to be coherent. You can achieve this in different ways, from the choice of lighting, the mood, the post-processing, etc.

8. Be self-critical

Once you have all the photos, make sure you edit them with a good dose of self-criticism. Not all the pictures that you took belong in the photo essay. Choose only the best ones and make sure they tell the full story.

9. Ask for constructive feedback

Often, when we’re working on a photo essay project for a long time, everything makes perfect sense in our heads. However, someone outside the project might not be getting the idea. It’s important that you get honest and constructive criticism to improve your photography.

How to Create a Photo Essay in 5 Steps

Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh

1. Choose your topic

This is the first step that you need to take to decide if your photo essay is going to be narrative or thematic. Then, choose what is it going to be about?

Ideally, it should be something that you’re interested in, that you have something to say about it, and it can connect with other people.

2. Research your topic

To tell a good story about something, you need to be familiar with that something. This is especially true when you want to go deeper and make a compelling photo essay. Day in the life photo essays are a popular choice, since often, these can be performed with friends and family, whom you already should know well.

3. Plan your photoshoot

Depending on what you’re photographing, this step can be very different from one project to the next. For a fine art project, you might need to find a location, props, models, a shot list, etc., while a documentary photo essay is about planning the best time to do the photos, what gear to bring with you, finding a local guide, etc.

Every photo essay will need different planning, so before taking pictures, put in the required time to get things right.

4. Experiment

It’s one thing to plan your photo shoot and having a shot list that you have to get, or else the photo essay won’t be complete. It’s another thing to miss out on some amazing photo opportunities that you couldn’t foresee.

So, be prepared but also stay open-minded and experiment with different settings, different perspectives, etc.

5. Make a final selection

Editing your work can be one of the hardest parts of doing a photo essay. Sometimes we can be overly critical, and others, we get attached to bad photos because we put a lot of effort into them or we had a great time doing them.

Try to be as objective as possible, don’t be afraid to ask for opinions and make various revisions before settling down on a final cut.

7 Photo Essay Topics, Ideas & Examples

Credit: Michelle Leman

• Architectural photo essay

Using architecture as your main subject, there are tons of photo essay ideas that you can do. For some inspiration, you can check out the work of Francisco Marin – who was trained as an architect and then turned to photography to “explore a different way to perceive things”.

You can also lookup Luisa Lambri. Amongst her series, you’ll find many photo essay examples in which architecture is the subject she uses to explore the relationship between photography and space.

• Process and transformation photo essay

This is one of the best photo essay topics for beginners because the story tells itself. Pick something that has a beginning and an end, for example, pregnancy, the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the life-cycle of a plant, etc.

Keep in mind that these topics are linear and give you an easy way into the narrative flow – however, it might be difficult to find an interesting perspective and a unique point of view.

• A day in the life of ‘X’ photo essay

There are tons of interesting photo essay ideas in this category – you can follow around a celebrity, a worker, your child, etc. You don’t even have to do it about a human subject – think about doing a photo essay about a day in the life of a racing horse, for example – find something that’s interesting for you.

• Time passing by photo essay

It can be a natural site or a landmark photo essay – whatever is close to you will work best as you’ll need to come back multiple times to capture time passing by. For example, how this place changes throughout the seasons or maybe even over the years.

A fun option if you live with family is to document a birthday party each year, seeing how the subject changes over time. This can be combined with a transformation essay or sorts, documenting the changes in interpersonal relationships over time.

• Travel photo essay

Do you want to make the jump from tourist snapshots into a travel photo essay? Research the place you’re going to be travelling to. Then, choose a topic.

If you’re having trouble with how to do this, check out any travel magazine – National Geographic, for example. They won’t do a generic article about Texas – they do an article about the beach life on the Texas Gulf Coast and another one about the diverse flavors of Texas.

The more specific you get, the deeper you can go with the story.

• Socio-political issues photo essay

This is one of the most popular photo essay examples – it falls under the category of photojournalism or documental photography. They are usually thematic, although it’s also possible to do a narrative one.

Depending on your topic of interest, you can choose topics that involve nature – for example, document the effects of global warming. Another idea is to photograph protests or make an education photo essay.

It doesn’t have to be a big global issue; you can choose something specific to your community – are there too many stray dogs? Make a photo essay about a local animal shelter. The topics are endless.

• Behind the scenes photo essay

A behind-the-scenes always make for a good photo story – people are curious to know what happens and how everything comes together before a show.

Depending on your own interests, this can be a photo essay about a fashion show, a theatre play, a concert, and so on. You’ll probably need to get some permissions, though, not only to shoot but also to showcase or publish those images.

4 Best Photo Essays in Recent times

Now that you know all the techniques about it, it might be helpful to look at some photo essay examples to see how you can put the concept into practice. Here are some famous photo essays from recent times to give you some inspiration.

Habibi by Antonio Faccilongo

This photo essay wan the World Press Photo Story of the Year in 2021. Faccilongo explores a very big conflict from a very specific and intimate point of view – how the Israeli-Palestinian war affects the families.

He chose to use a square format because it allows him to give order to things and eliminate unnecessary elements in his pictures.

With this long-term photo essay, he wanted to highlight the sense of absence and melancholy women and families feel towards their husbands away at war.

The project then became a book edited by Sarah Leen and the graphics of Ramon Pez.

Picture This: New Orleans by Mary Ellen Mark

The last assignment before her passing, Mary Ellen Mark travelled to New Orleans to register the city after a decade after Hurricane Katrina.

The images of the project “bring to life the rebirth and resilience of the people at the heart of this tale”, – says CNNMoney, commissioner of the work.

Each survivor of the hurricane has a story, and Mary Ellen Mark was there to record it. Some of them have heartbreaking stories about everything they had to leave behind.

Others have a story of hope – like Sam and Ben, two eight-year-olds born from frozen embryos kept in a hospital that lost power supply during the hurricane, yet they managed to survive.

Selfie by Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman is an American photographer whose work is mainly done through self-portraits. With them, she explores the concept of identity, gender stereotypes, as well as visual and cultural codes.

One of her latest photo essays was a collaboration with W Magazine entitled Selfie. In it, the author explores the concept of planned candid photos (‘plandid’).

The work was made for Instagram, as the platform is well known for the conflict between the ‘real self’ and the one people present online. Sherman started using Facetune, Perfect365 and YouCam to alter her appearance on selfies – in Photoshop, you can modify everything, but these apps were designed specifically to “make things prettier”- she says, and that’s what she wants to explore in this photo essay.

Tokyo Compression by Michael Wolf

Michael Wolf has an interest in the broad-gauge topic Life in Cities. From there, many photo essays have been derived – amongst them – Tokyo Compression .

He was horrified by the way people in Tokyo are forced to move to the suburbs because of the high prices of the city. Therefore, they are required to make long commutes facing 1,5 hours of train to start their 8+ hour workday followed by another 1,5 hours to get back home.

To portray this way of life, he photographed the people inside the train pressed against the windows looking exhausted, angry or simply absent due to this way of life.

You can visit his website to see other photo essays that revolve around the topic of life in megacities.

Final Words

It’s not easy to make photo essays, so don’t expect to be great at it right from your first project.

Start off small by choosing a specific subject that’s interesting to you –  that will come from an honest place, and it will be a great practice for some bigger projects along the line.

Whether you like to shoot still life or you’re a travel photographer, I hope these photo essay tips and photo essay examples can help you get started and grow in your photography.

Let us know which topics you are working on right now – we’ll love to hear from you!

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Ana Mireles is a Mexican researcher that specializes in photography and communications for the arts and culture sector.

Penelope G. To Ana Mireles Such a well written and helpful article for an writer who wants to inclue photo essay in her memoir. Thank you. I will get to work on this new skill. Penelope G.

Herman Krieger Photo essays in black and white

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Hello to all photography lovers! It’s been a while since our last photo gallery and this time we are getting into plants. Photographing plants has this calming effect, so I recommend it to all photographers out there. Just take your camera and visit the nearest grassland or botanical garden if you are in the city. Strongly recommended. Alright, enough words! Please be my guests and enjoy our first and certainly not last plants gallery.

It starts with the roots

To grow a beautiful flower

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Beauty has many shapes

Lovely, right?

Just so you know. You won’t be the only visitor.

This is the end of our first plants photo gallery. Thank you for your attention. I hope you liked this gallery. See you next time. Stay safe!

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Flowers Essay

500 words essay on flowers.

There are many things in nature for which we should be thankful. One of them definitely has to be flowers. There are many types of flowers which we see in our environment. The beautiful fragrances and flowers enhance the beauty of our planet earth. Through flowers essay, we will look at what these beautiful things do and how much joy they bring.

Importance of Flowers

Flowers carry a lot of importance in our lives. In India, no worship of God is complete without some kind of flower. Devotees make a garland of flowers to dedicate it to God. In addition, we also use flowers for special occasions like weddings.

The bride and groom wear garlands of flowers to signify their marriage. In addition, flowers smell so good that we use it in different places by planting them in our garden. This way, the beauty of our place enhances.

Flowers carry importance in each nook and corner of the world. They also come in use for making medicines. Similarly, we also make difference in fragrance perfumes from the flowers. Further, the butterflies, birds and bees take the flowers as food.

In many weddings, the bride carries a bouquet of flowers when she walks down the aisle. Thus, it is very symbolic in that sense. On special occasions of valentines and anniversary, we gift our partners’ beautiful flowers as a symbol of our love.

Similarly, we send flowers for someone who is sick to brighten their day. We also send flowers as a token of condolence during funerals. Thus, we see they have so many uses in so many areas.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

My Favourite Flower

My favourite flower is rose. I like other flowers too but I find the rose to be the most beautiful among all flowers. It is also called the king of flowers. They come in many colours so it offers great variety.

For instance, they are available in red, pink, white, yellow, blue and more. My favourite is the white rose. Even though the rose has small and sharp thorns on its stem, people love picking roses.

It looks beautiful when it blooms in the garden or is kept at the florist’s shop. Often we see the rose as a symbol of beauty and love. The rose has soft petals and a very sweet fragrance. It comes in use in many ceremonies for decorations purposes.

Moreover, garlands of roses are used in places of worship. Similarly, it is a great flower which always stands out from the rest of the flowers. I have planted roses in my garden as well with the help of my grandfather.

Conclusion of Flowers Essay

Therefore, flowers are an essential part of our lives. They are responsible for bringing happiness in our lives and making our surrounding environment a prettier place to live in. Thus, we must all plant flowers at homes and in our neighbourhood to beautify the place and bring happiness and joy for everyone passing by.

FAQ of Flowers Essay

Question 1: Why flowers are important in our life?

Answer 1: The importance of flowers is everywhere. From nature to human use, they are important. They can feed insects, birds, animals and humans. Further, they provide natural medicines for humans and some animals. Most importantly, without flowers, plants would simply be green, and the world would be a duller place.

Question 2: How do flowers help humans?

Answer 2: Flowers increase levels of positive energy in humans . Moreover, they also help us feel relaxed and secure. Similarly, they add beauty to our environment and reduce stress levels at our home or workplace by making us feel happy.

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Essay on Flowers

Students are often asked to write an essay on Flowers in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Flowers

Introduction.

Flowers, nature’s beautiful gift, color our world with their stunning hues and enchanting fragrances. They are not just pleasing to the eyes but also play a vital role in our ecosystem.

Types of Flowers

There are countless types of flowers, each unique in color, shape, and size. Some common types include roses, lilies, daisies, and sunflowers. Each has its own significance and symbolism.

The Role of Flowers

Flowers are crucial for pollination, helping plants reproduce. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with their color and scent.

Flowers in Culture

Flowers hold special meanings in different cultures. They are used in ceremonies, for decoration, and even to express emotions.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Flowers
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250 Words Essay on Flowers

Flowers, the vibrant and diverse offspring of nature, play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve as the reproductive structures of flowering plants, contributing to biodiversity.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Flowers have been symbols of emotions, ideas, and cultural practices across civilizations. They represent love, friendship, sadness, and even death, bridging gaps between human emotions and nature. The lotus in Buddhism symbolizes purity, while red roses are universal tokens of love.

Ecological Importance

Flowers are vital for the survival of many species. They attract pollinators with their scent and color, facilitating the transfer of pollen, thus ensuring the propagation of plant species. This interaction also supports food chains, contributing to overall biodiversity.

Medicinal Value

Flowers like chamomile, lavender, and marigold have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They offer remedies for ailments ranging from insomnia to skin conditions, highlighting their significance in healthcare.

Economic Impact

The floriculture industry contributes significantly to economies worldwide. Flowers are cultivated for decorative purposes, perfumery, and even the food industry. This sector provides employment opportunities and contributes to the GDP of many nations.

Flowers, in their silent beauty, play multiple roles – from being symbols of human emotions to being vital cogs in ecological cycles. Their importance transcends aesthetics, and their study can offer insights into nature’s intricate design, making them a fascinating subject for exploration.

500 Words Essay on Flowers

Flowers, the magnificent creations of nature, play a pivotal role in our ecosystem and human life. They are not just a source of beauty and aesthetic pleasure, but also serve as key elements in pollination, a process vital for the survival of many plant species. This essay delves into the multi-faceted significance of flowers, their symbolism, and their role in various aspects of human life.

Biological Significance of Flowers

Flowers are the reproductive structures of angiosperms, or flowering plants. They contain the male and female reproductive organs, facilitating the process of fertilization. The bright colors, appealing fragrances, and nectar of flowers attract pollinators, such as bees, birds, and butterflies, aiding in the transfer of pollen grains from the male to the female parts. This pollination leads to the production of fruits and seeds, ensuring the continuity of plant species.

Symbolic Importance of Flowers

Flowers hold a deep symbolic significance in various cultures worldwide. They are often associated with emotions, ideas, or events. For instance, roses are universally recognized as symbols of love and passion, while lilies often represent purity and innocence. In literature, flowers are used as metaphors to convey deeper meanings and sentiments, enriching the narrative with their symbolic connotations.

Flowers in Art and Aesthetics

The beauty of flowers has inspired countless works of art throughout history. Artists have used flowers as subjects in paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual art, capturing their intricate details and vibrant colors. Furthermore, flowers play an essential role in aesthetic design, from fashion and interior design to landscape architecture, adding color, texture, and visual interest.

Flowers and Human Well-being

Beyond their biological and aesthetic roles, flowers have a profound impact on human well-being. Studies show that the presence of flowers can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive performance. The practice of gardening, often involving the cultivation of flowers, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved mental health and physical fitness.

Environmental Role of Flowers

Flowers contribute significantly to biodiversity by providing food and habitat for a variety of insects and birds. They play a key role in maintaining ecological balance. Moreover, many flowers, such as sunflowers and marigolds, have the ability to absorb harmful pollutants from the soil, aiding in the process of phytoremediation.

In conclusion, flowers are not just aesthetically pleasing entities but are integral to our ecosystem and human life. Their biological function ensures the survival of plant species, while their symbolic and aesthetic roles enrich our cultural and artistic experiences. Moreover, their contribution to human well-being and environmental health underscores their invaluable significance. As we continue to appreciate the beauty of flowers, it is crucial that we also recognize and respect their multifaceted roles and contributions.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on English as a Global Language
• Essay on Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
• Essay on Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Ten examples of immersive photo essays

By Marissa Sapega — Contributing Writer

Photo essays are one of the most powerful forms of storytelling in the last century. From the great depression photographer W. Eugene Smith to the photojournalism of National Geographic or Life Magazine , the best photo essays entertain, educate, and move readers more than words alone ever could. 

But photo essays have changed. Over the last decade, web publishing technologies — including web browsers and file formats — have improved by leaps and bounds. A good photo essays today is more than a collection of images. It’s a truly interactive, immersive, and multimedia experiences.

In this guide, we introduce 10 stunning examples of visually arresting interactive photo essays to fuel your creative juices.

Now, let's set the scene with a short introduction to immersive, interactive photo essays on the web.

What do the BBC, Tripadvisor, and Penguin have in common? They craft stunning, interactive web content with Shorthand. And so can you! Publish your first story for free — no code or web design skills required. Sign up now.

The rise of immersive, interactive photo essays

What is an immersive, interactive photo essay? Let's take these terms one at a time. 

An immersive photo essay uses rich media and story design to capture and keep the reader's attention. Immersive content is typically free of the most distracting elements of the web, such as pop-ups, skyscrapers, and other intrusions on the reading experience.

As a basic rule of thumb, immersive content respects the reader's attention. 

An interactive photo essay is one that allows the reader to control how the content appears. It may include interactive elements, like maps and embedded applications.

More commonly, modern interactive photo stories use a technique known as scrollytelling . Scrollytelling stories allow the reader to trigger animations and other visual effects as they scroll. Many of the examples in this guide use scrollytelling techniques. Read more scrollytelling examples .

Until relatively recently, immersive, interactive photo essays could only be created with the help of a designer or web developer. But with the rise of digital storytelling platforms , anyone can create compelling, dynamic stories without writing a single line of code.

If you're looking to learn more about how to create a photo essay — or are looking for more photo essay ideas  — check out our introduction to photo essays . 

Photo essay topics

If you’re looking for photo essay examples, chances are you’re looking to create a photo essay for yourself. If you’re just getting started, you might want some guidance on exactly what kinds of topics make for great photo essays.

More experienced photographers — feel free to skip this section. But for those who are just starting out, here’s a quick list of classic photo essay subject matter, for all types of photo essays.

• Local events. A great way to start out is photograph local events in your community, such as a high school fundraiser. A bonus is that you’ll have a ready
• Historic sites. Another classic photo essay topic is an exploration of a historic site. This could be a building, a monument, or even just a specific location that has significance.
• Profile of a person. A great way to get to know someone is to profile them in a photo essay. This could be a family member, friend, or even just someone you’ve met.
• Animals in captivity. Another popular subject matter for photo essays is animals in captivity, whether that’s at a zoo or elsewhere.
• A day in the life. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live someone else’s life for a day? Why not find out and document it in a photo essay?
• Street photography. Another great way to practice your photography skills is to head out into the streets and photograph the everyday lives of people around you. The world has plenty of photo essays of cities like New York and London. But what about street photography in your own backyard?
• Still life photography. Still life photography is all about capturing inanimate objects on film. This could be anything from flowers to furniture to food. It’s a great way to practice your photography skills and learn about composition
• Landscapes . Landscape photography is one of the most popular genres, and for good reason. There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding interesting subjects to shoot. So get out there and start exploring!
• Abandoned buildings. There’s something fascinating about abandoned buildings. They offer a glimpse into the past, and can be eerily beautiful. If you have any in your area, they make for great photo essay subjects.
• Lifestyles. Document someone who lives a lifestyle that’s different from your own. This could be a portrayal of an everyday person, or it could be someone with an unusual job or hobby.
• Social issues. Take photos depicting significant social issues in your community, remembering to respect your subjects.

Ten inspiring photo essay examples

Pink lagoon and peculiar galaxies — July’s best science images

In Pink lagoon and peculiar galaxies , Nature present a mesmerising series of images from the natural world. Highlights include:

• a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it photo of rare albino orcas performing feats of synchronized swimming;
• an arresting aerial view of the aftermath of the flash floods in Germany; and,
• a scarlet gawping Venus flytrap sea anemone. 

The best part? Nature publishes similarly powerful photo essays every month, showcasing some of the best and most creative photography of the natural world anywhere on the web.

Vanishing Lands

Vanishing lands — an ominously interesting photo essay from media company Stuff — opens with a bucolic visual featuring meandering sheep flanked by breathtaking mountains that blur into obscurity.

Soon, more awe-inspiring photos of breathtaking New Zealand farmland appear, accompanied by expressive prose whose tone matches the visuals’ stark beauty.

In this unflinchingly honest photographic essay, Stuff takes the viewer behind the scenes with a day in the life of a high country sheep farmer facing an uncertain future. One stunning photo fades into the next as you scroll through, broken only by the occasional noteworthy quote and accompanying narrative.

Olympic photos: Emotion runs high

This emotionally wrought sports story from NBC begins with a close-up of an anxious Simone Biles, her expression exemplifying the tension and frustration echoed on so many of her fellow athletes’ faces.

The subtitle puts it perfectly: “The agony—and thrill—of competition at the Olympics is written all over their faces.”

Devastation, disappointment, and defeat take centre stage in this piece — but not all the subjects of the photos in this compelling photography essay depict misery. Some of the images, like that taken of the gold medal-winning Russian artistic gymnasts, manage to project the athletes’ joy almost beyond the edges of the screen.

The NBC editors who created this visual story chose to display the series of photos using the entire screen width and limit the copy to simple captions, letting the visuals speak for themselves. The result is a riveting montage of photographs that manage to capture the overarching sentiment of the 2020 Olympic Games.

James Epp: A Twist of the Hand

In A Twist of the Hand , the Museum of Classical Archaeology at the University of Cambridge have produced a gorgeous photo essay. This online art show showcases artist James Epp’s installation, combining photographs of the exhibit with images of museum prints and authentic artefacts.

As you scroll down, close-up shots of the installation make you feel like you’re physically wandering among the ancient sculptures, able to examine hairline spider cracks and tiny divots marking the surface of every antiquated figure. In between the photos—and often flanked by museum prints—are James Epp's musings about what inspired him to create the pieces. It’s an absorbing virtual gallery that will no doubt inspire real life visits to the exhibition.

The Café Racer Revolution

Though it’s a cleverly built piece of interactive content marketing , Honda’s “ Café Racer Revolution ” is also a great photo essay. Alongside information about the latest and greatest motorcycles Honda has to offer, it details the history of the bikers who sought to employ motorcycles (specifically “café racers”) as a way to forge an identity for themselves and project a “statement of individuality.”

Scroll down, and nostalgic black-and-white photos give way to contemporary action shots featuring fully decked-out motorcyclists on various Honda models.

Dynamic photos of bikes rotate them 360 degrees when you mouse over them, and text superimposed over flashy shots rolls smoothly down the screen as you scroll. This photo essay will stir a longing to hit the open road for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning one of Honda’s zippy bikes.

Built to keep Black from white

In Built to keep Black from white , NBC News and BridgeDetroit have built a stunning narrative photo essay that encapsulates the history of Detroit’s Birwood Wall — a literal dividing line intended to separate neighborhoods inhabited by people of different races. 

The piece begins with a brief history of the concrete barrier. Between paragraphs of text, it weaves in quotes from residents who grew up as the wall was erected and a short video. Animated maps highlighting the affected neighborhoods unspool across the screen as you scroll down, accompanied by brief explanations of what the maps represent.

In the series of photographs that follow, contemporary images transition into decades-old shots of the wall when it was newly constructed. This is followed by images of original real estate documents, resident portraits, and additional animated maps — each considering the issue from different angles.

The piece ends with an interactive display of how Detroit’s racial makeup has changed over the past several decades, from majority white to black, and how the wall has impacted the lives of its residents who lived (and died) within its borders.

The story of Black Lives Matter in sport

The BBC pairs illustrations and bold imagery in this photo essay on how athletes participated in the Black Lives Matter movement . At the start, a narrow column of text leads into an iconic image of American football players kneeling during the pre-game national anthem in a solemn protest against police brutality. 

The first excerpt, a summary of Trayvon Martin’s death in 2012, draws you in with piercing prose capped off with photographs that bleed into one another. Every account in the photo essay follows this layout.

WaterAid Climate Stories

Climate change affects everyone on the planet, but some people are feeling the effects more than others. WaterAid’s scrollytelling photo essay illuminates the plight of individuals living in areas where extreme weather conditions — caused by climate change — have drastically impacted the water supply and environment, endangering their livelihoods and ability to survive.

This climate change story starts with an engrossing video that provides an up-close and personal look at the devastation that climate change-induced droughts have wreaked on people and the environment. As you scroll down, images of massively depleted bodies of water with superimposed text and quotes unfold before your eyes. It’s an efficient way to drive home the critical message WaterAid wants to convey: climate change is real, and it’s harming real people.

Each extreme weather story focuses on an individual to help viewers empathise and understand that climate change has real, drastic consequences for millions of people worldwide. The piece ends with a call to action to learn more about and financially support WaterAid’s fight to assist people living in the desperate situations depicted in the essay.

28 Days in Afghanistan

In this piece, Australian photo-journalist Andrew Quilty tells the story of the four weeks he spent in Afghanistan . He captures daily events ranging from the mundane—like a casual visit to his barber—to jarring. More than one photo documents blood-spattered victims of violence.

Viewers must scroll through the piece to follow Andrew’s daily musings and the striking photos that accompany them. His photo essay is a powerful example of how scrollytelling is transforming the art of long-form journalism .

La carrera lunática de Musk y Bezos (Musk and Bezos' lunatic careers)

Billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are angling to conquer the final frontier: space.

El Periódico captures their story via a whimsically illustrated photo essay, filled with neon line drawings and bold photos of the massive spaceships, the hangars that house them, and footprints on the moon. La carrera lunática de Musk y Bezos describes the battle between the two titans’ space companies (Blue Origin and SpaceX) for the honor of partially funding NASA’s next mission to the moon.

As you scroll down, white and fluorescent yellow words on a black background roll smoothly over images. The team at El Periódico slips in stylistic animations to break up the text—such as rocket ships with shimmering “vapour trails”—then ups the ante with a series of moon images that transition into portraits of the 12 U.S. astronauts who visited the celestial body.

The photo essay ends with the question: “Who will be the next to leave their footprints on the dusty lunar soil?” At the time of publishing, NASA had not yet decided between the two companies. (Spoiler alert: SpaceX won .)

Marissa Sapega is a seasoned writer, editor, and digital marketer with a background in web and graphic design.

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The stories behind what we make, the sacred garden: a photo essay of worship through flowers.

8 September 2023

Photo: Prerana Chandak, Date: 25th September, 2022, Time: 5.40pm

Prerana Chandak shares images of the flowers that play an important role in her Hindu faith and practice.

Worshipping is an act of ultimate sacredness and faith. It’s also associated with self-realization and introspection. Worshipping is also associated with a lot of intricate details like flower offerings, and sweets offerings. What moved me to make this story was how flowers are an integral part of worship and how a life of flowers makes a complete circle while going through the act of worship.

Har ghar Mandir, har ghar Pooja : A snapshot of diya-batti done around dusk/ sun down (suryaast) at my home;

Photo: Prerana, Date: 26th September 2022, Time: 10.34am MERA GHAR : The green cover grown in front of my home+hospital, since it is West-facing and saves us from the scorching heat of the day. Trees grown are Neem, Papaya, Plumeria, Bougainvelia; Woody shrubs like Golden Duranta, Lanatana camara (an invasive), Raat-rani (night blooming jasmine), Oleander interspersed with some opportunistic climbers and shrubs;

KAHANI GHAR GHAR KI

Walk only a few steps South to Dr. Umak’s house, you will find this beautiful Swastik (Ver.) ( Tabernaemontana divaricate ) tree laden with white flowers all over like stars in the sky on a clear night. Since they grow in abundance, they don’t mind us borrowing some of their flowers for our everyday pooja. I believe it’s a communal feeling that brings us all together in a taluka place like Warora.

Photo: Prerana, Date: 26th September 2022, Time: 10.31am

If only you could smell this picture: Raat rani(ver.)/Juhi ( Jasmine auriculatum ) My mother’s personal favorite, would be yours too if you could smell them, heavenly is one word I will describe the fragrance found right at our gate

Photo: Prerana, Date: 26th September 2022, Time: 10.32am

Pretty toxic: These pretty flowers grow in two shades of dark and light pink. Kaner in vernacular language is scientifically called Nerium Oleander. It’s a tough, long flowering, fast-growing, evergreen, ornamental woody shrub but all parts of oleander are essentially toxic to both humans and animals alike. So much so that if bees only make honey out of the nectar of Oleanders exclusively the honey would be poisonous, lethal even. Hence, unity in diversity is a must.

A love story of sorts: My father has a green thumb. He has grown and nurtured this rose plant all by himself, he even puts banana peels as fertilizer because it provides the plant with potassium and helps flowers grow rapidly. On special occasions, my mother plucks these flowers when they are full grown and offers them to the God she wishes and pleases. A symbiosis of a beautiful kind I must say.

Photo: Prerana, Date: 25th September 2022, Time: 5.30pm

The thin line: In our household, we are very stringent about worship rules, for example, one should only enter the temple after taking a bath, one should not enter the temple during menstruation, and one should give a bath to the deity (Laddoo Gopal, Ganesha, Shivling) everyday first thing in the morning and put them in new attire, decorate them with flowers, put on Chandan, vermilion and a few grains of rice on their foreheads in a process called Pooja, post which we proceed on to lighting the Diya and doing the Arti.

Old flowers are collected and discarded as seen suitable, and the water with which we give our deities a bath is collected and offered to Tulsi or the holy basil ( Ocimum Sanctum ).

Deities after pooja adorned with flowers namely Swastik, Juhi, and Kaner. Leaves from Tulsi and seeds are eaten in the form of prasad along with Khadi shakkar; photo: Prerana, Date: 25th September, Time: 5.30pm

Tera tujhko arpan, kya laage mera: The discarded bunch from our mandir contains flowers from the previous day, match sticks, cotton wick if any, and the remaining wooden stick from the incense stick. In my home, we discard these flowers and other said materials to the Tulsi plant along with the water previously mentioned.

This entire process made me wonder about the sustainability of the entire system speaking for our household at least. Worshipping God in a country like India is as natural as taking a bath because we are majorly a Hindu country. It’s our culture and also for the most reason that keeps us sane and grounded (saying Bhagwan se toh darr – when someone is trying to do something wrong). Hospitals and schools hear more prayers than actual temples do but we still go to the temples because that’s where our foundation of faith comes from. Faith, you see has to be founded in something physical as much as in the stories and emotions. Faith keeps us moving.

Dr Prerana Chandak is a second-year student in MSc. environmental science who lives in Pune, India. 

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Plants are not Objects: A Spiky Photo Essay

The Desert garden at Huntington Botanical Garden is mecca for lovers of the spiky, the succulent, the sculptural. It’s home to one of the largest collection of succulent plants in the world, and a place I could happily spend weeks exploring. Daniel Shipp and I visited last year and were entirely blow away by the scale and diversity of the collection.

Cactus are incredible creatures. They’re cool too, apparently, popping up in hipster shopfronts the world over, and peppered throughout millions of Instagram posts. Perhaps because they look quite static – they don’t have leaves that move or droop and they’re incredibly slow growing – I occasionally find myself reminding people that they’re not objects. Depending on mood, a foot stamp is sometimes added for emphasis.

The statement is typically provoked by someone telling me that their cactus has just died. I ask them where it was living and they say ‘oh my bedroom/living room/bathroom’. I shake my head with sympathy and a little sadness, and then launch into my talk about seeing plants not only as decoration, but as a fellow living creature with needs (and maybe even desires), like us.

My little talk goes something like this:

Cacti are amazing. There are around 2000 different species within the Cactaceae plant family. All, except for one species, Rhipsalis baccifera (which grows in Africa and Sri Lanka), are native to the Americas.

Cacti have some incredibly neat plant adaptations to enable them to survive in some of the hottest and driest environments on earth. Their spines, for example, are actually highly modified leaves. Plants lose water via transpiration from their leaves, so by reducing the surface area of their leaves by turning them into spines, they reduce water loss. The spines also protect a cacti’s swollen trunk (a superbly designed in-built water storage system) from thirsty predators.

We all know that most (there’s no such thing as a blanket rule with plants) cacti love the desert. We all know that the desert is very sunny and very dry. We all know that plants are living creatures who grow best in the conditions they’re used to. Therefore, cacti don’t really like being indoors, they don’t really like humidity, and they’re teetotallers. Don’t force them to drink. Don’t force them to live in darkness. Respect them as a fellow living creature.

One third of all cactus species are facing extinction.

You read it right – Cacti is one of the most threatened taxonomic groups, more so than mammals and birds, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . The dominant drivers of extinction, according to a report published in Nature Plants , are “the unscrupulous collection of live plants and seeds for horticultural trade and private ornamental collections, smallholder livestock ranching and smallholder annual agriculture.”

Zooming in on the illegal harvesting of plants from the wild for private collections and gardens, it’s easy to see how damaging the objectification of plants can be. Sure, killing a cactus by trying to grow it in your bathroom isn’t a big deal, but driving a species to extinction is a huge one.

According to an article in the Guardian earlier this year, cacti are being stolen from public lands in the south west of the US in increasing numbers: “From soaring saguaros to tiny, rare species favored as indoor house plants, the booming global demand for cacti is driving a shadowy, underground trade that’s difficult to police. Moreover, experts say, such trends risk destroying sensitive species forever.”

Cacti are slow growers. Many species take decades to reach maturity. This is a beautiful thing if you see a plant as a life, but problematic if there’s dollars attached.

It’s a curious thing, collecting plants. We’re all drawn, I think, to beauty and exclusivity. I love to grow plants I haven’t seen before – I love to see what they do, what they like. There’s a line somewhere, though, between love and objectification, and sometimes it can get a little bit hazy.

Know where your cacti come from (the desert). Know what they like and dislike (lots of sun, not much water). Know that they’re beautiful, and know too, that beauty resides not only in rarity but in ubiquity. It’s just a matter of seeing.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens are located in San Marino, California, and are open every day from 10-5.

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‘It’s how I contribute to victory’: inside Ukraine’s flower industry – photo essay

Photojournalist Jelle Krings has been documenting Ukraine’s flower industry since the start of the Russian invasion, looking at how it helps the country cope with war. From a greenhouse production plant built with Dutch technologies, we follow the supply chain of flowers throughout the country to the people who use them, exploring the meaning of flowers in Ukraine’s wartime society

A t the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine , with Moscow’s troops just a few miles away from Kyiv, a sudden explosion from an incoming mortar sent shock waves through the glass of one of the largest greenhouses in the outskirts of the capital. Despite the chaos, a few hours after the blast a small group of workers inside the facility carried on with their invisible yet crucial task for the country’s morale and resilience – to cut flowers.

Flowers have always held a special place in Ukrainian culture, but their significance has soared during the conflict. They have become a means to express collective grief, a symbol of resistance, and a testament to the Ukrainian people’s determination to persevere despite the adversities they face. At the beginning of the war, in a powerful moment shared on social media, a woman confronted a heavily armed Russian soldier and offered him sunflower seeds, saying, “Take these seeds and put them in your pockets so at least sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here.”

The body of a woman killed in a Russian strike is carried through a flower filled cemetery to her grave on the outskirts of the Kreminna forest in July.

People place flowers on the coffins of young fallen volunteer fighters who were killed on a sabotage mission in the Russian district of Bryansk in March.

At Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics, students graduate and celebrate with flowers.

Flowers serve to honour Ukraine’s fallen soldiers and the victims of Russian strikes. They also continue to celebrate life’s milestones, such as weddings, baptisms, and birthdays.

Even in the war-torn cities, soldiers arrive at train stations with large bouquets of red roses, bringing smiles to the faces of those around them. After Ukrainian cities are liberated from Russian occupation, flowers are given to the military by grateful inhabitants. Throughout the country, flower shops have remained open for business, including in the frontline town of Sloviansk.

Throughout the country, flower shops have remained open for business, even here in the frontline town of Sloviansk.

The Guardian visited greenhouses, shops and production facilities where wood is burned to generate heat, which in turn warms the water needed for greenhouse cultivation.

Greenhouse workers plant seeds in boxes in the facility’s seed hall in March.

In winter, heat is needed to grow the flowers in the greenhouses. Working with wood ovens instead of gas (as is done in the Netherlands) has allowed the company to continue the flower production even during Russia’s continued strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Large quantities of water are required for heating the greenhouses as well as for watering the flowers. Advanced systems imported from the Netherlands keep check on the temperature and the water levels inside the greenhouse.

As Russia targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, this process allows companies to continue operating even during gas shortages. Workers diligently sit in control rooms, water plants, sow new seeds and meticulously cut flowers. Once the flowers are harvested, they are transported to a cooling room where they are sorted, packed for distribution and sold throughout Ukraine.

Once flowers are fully grown they are picked and sorted.

Once picked and sorted, the flowers are stored in a cooling hall where wholesale buyers can inspect and buy. Alternatively they are brought to one of the company’s shops throughout Ukraine.

Even shops located in frontline cities, under constant threat from missile and artillery strikes, remain stocked with these symbolic blooms.

A flower saleswoman in Irpin sells flowers for a funeral in the city, some months after it was liberated from Russian occupation.

Petro Barash’s physical disability meant he was unable to join his two brothers fighting on the frontlines in the Donetsk region. Instead, he found solace and purpose in working at a flower production greenhouse on the outskirts of Kyiv. Despite the encroaching Russian forces during the siege of Kyiv, this greenhouse continued flower production. Petro, who inherited his father’s lifelong passion for growing flowers, believes they have the power to heal the wounds of war. When nearby explosions rattled the greenhouse windows, Petro was startled but stayed and continued his work.

Petro Barash works in a flower production greenhouse on the outskirts of Kyiv that continued producing flowers throughout the war even when Russian forces closed in during the siege of Kyiv.

“Somebody has to stay here and do this work,” he says; “it’s how I contribute to victory.”

• The Guardian picture essay

Most viewed

Easy Care, Easy to Grow Perennial Plants

21 perennials that can be grown with minimal effort.

These Plants Will Look Great Without Taking All Your Time

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, everyone can appreciate having a few plants in their yard that will thrive without much effort. The majority of the plants in this list are representative of their genus, but for assured success we recommend trying these specific varieties or series.

Allium (Ornamental Onion)

Care: Cut back dead foliage, flower stalks in spring. Do not deadhead as the seeds will attract birds through the fall and winter months.

Variety Pictured: Allium 'Millenium'

Height: 15-20" / Width: 10-15" / Zone: 5-8 / Full to Part Sun

Nepeta (Catmint)

Care: Can be sheared back after bloom for a second flush of flowers. Dead foliage can be removed in late fall or early spring.

Variety Pictured: Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Meow'

Height: 17-20" / Width: 24-36" / Zone: 3-8 / Full Sun

Care: Remove dead foliage in spring. Flower stalks are proportionate to the foliage and do not need to be removed.

Variety Pictured: Hosta 'Empress Wu' - SHADOWLAND® Collection

Height: 3-4' / Width: 5-6' / Zone: 3-9 / Part to Full Shade

Schizachyrium (Little Bluestem)

Care: It is a good idea to cut this grass back to ground level in late fall in order to have a sturdier plant the coming year, but can be left up for winter interest.

Variety Pictured: Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'

Height: 3-4' / Width: 1½-2' / Zone: 3-9 / Full Sun

Hemerocallis (Daylily)

Care: Remove dead foliage, flower stalks in spring. Foliage, stems, and flowers can be trimmed through the season to keep the plant clean, but it is not necessary.

Variety Pictured: Hemerocallis 'Ruby Spider' - RAINBOW RHYTHM® Collection

Height: 34" / Width: 18-24" / Zone: 3-9 / Full to Part Sun

Aquilegia (Columbine)

Care: In the fall, cut plants back to their basal foliage. In the spring, remove only the dead leaves.

Variety Pictured: Aquilegia caerulea KIRIGAMI™ Rose & Pink

Height: 22-24" / Width: 16-20" / Zone: 4-9 / Full to Part Sun

Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

Care: Prune in early spring before new growth appears. Spent blooms can be removed to prolong bloom, but it is not necessary.

Variety Pictured: Buddleia 'Grand Cascade'

Height: 5½-6' / Width: 7-8' / Zone: 5-10 / Full Sun

Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)

Care: Cut back in spring or late fall after the foliage have fallen off. Remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking clean. Prefers moist areas.

Variety Pictured: Hibiscus 'Evening Rose' - SUMMERIFIC® Collection

Height: 4' / Width: 4½-5' / Zone: 4-9 / Full to Part Sun

Coreopsis (Tickseed, Threadleaf Coreopsis)

Care: Tickseed are easy to grow, thriving in any well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it is rather drought tolerant.

Variety Pictured: Coreopsis 'Daybreak' - L'IL BANG™ Series

Height: 8-12" / Width: 12-18" / Zone: 5-9 / Full Sun

(False Indigo)

Care: Remove dead stems in late fall or early spring. Flower stalks can be left untrimmed as they will produce attractive seed pods late in the season.

Variety Pictured: Baptisia 'Sparkling Sapphires' - DECADENCE® Collection

Height: 2½-3' / Width: 2½-3' / Zone: 4-9 / Full to Part Sun

Panicum (Switch Grass)

Care: It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this grass in full sun. It will tolerate light shade, but will flop over if the shade is too heavy. Cut back in spring.

Variety Pictured: Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' - PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection

Height: 4' / Width: 2½' / Zone: 4-9 / Full Sun

Yucca (Adam's Needle)

Care: Evergreen perennial that does not need to be cut back. If it blooms, flower stalks can be trimmed or left as desired.

Variety Pictured: Yucca filamentosa 'Excalibur'

Height: 1½-2' / Width: 3-3½' / Zone (4)5-10 / Full to Part Sun

Festuca (Blue Fescue)

Care: In cooler areas they should be trimmed back almost to the base either before the onset of winter or in early spring. If division is required, it is best performed in the spring so the divisions have time to root in before winter.

Variety Pictured: Festuca glauca 'Blue Whiskers'

Height: 10-12" / Width: 24-28" / Zone: 4-8 / Full to Part Sun

Paeonia (Garden Peony)

Care: Caging or support is beneficial. Can be cut or trimmed back in early spring or late fall after it goes dormant.

Variety Pictured: Paeonia 'Karl Rosenfield'

Height: 34" / Width: 24" / Zone: 3-8 / Full to Part Sun

Veroncia (Spike Speedwell)

Care: Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of bloom; cut back in late fall or early spring as well. Deadheading will promote additional blooms.

Variety Pictured: Veronica 'White Wands' - MAGIC SHOW® Collection

Height: 14-16" / Width: 16-20" / Zone: 4-8 / Full to Part Sun

Salvia (Perennial Salvia)

Care: Deadheading prolongs flowering and encourages reblooms. Remove dead foliage in late spring or early fall.

Variety Pictured: Salvia nemorosa 'Crystal Blue' - COLOR SPIRES® Collection

Height: 18-20" / Width: 24-26" / Zone: 3-8 / Full Sun

Geranium (Hardy Geranium)

Care: If the foliage looks ragged in late summer, it can be trimmed back and a new flush of foliage will take its place.

Variety Pictured: Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta'

Height: 18-20" / Width: 24-36" / Zone: 5-8 / Full to Part Sun

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Care: Cut back in early spring. Seed heads will remain upright through winter and add seasonal interest.

Variety Pictured: Sedum 'Pure Joy' - ROCK 'N ROUND® Collection

Height: 10-12" / Width: 16-20" / Zone 3-9 / Full Sun

Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks)

Care: An evergreen, hardy succulent perennial that does not need to be cut back. This plant is particularly effective when planted in the cracks and crevices of stone walls or walkways. It is also very attractive in containers.

Variety Pictured: Sempervivum 'Peggy'

Height: 4-6" / Width: 6-8" / Zone: 3-8 / Full Sun

Agastache (Anise Hyssop)

Care: Cut back in late fall if the foliage looks tired or as part of spring clean up.

Variety Pictured: Agastache 'Mango Tango'

Height: 16-18" / Width: 14-16" / Zone: 6-9 / Full Sun

Heliopsis (False Sunflower)

Care: Deadheading prolongs blooms. Should be cut back in fall or early spring.

Variety Pictured: Heliopsis helianthoides 'Tuscan Sun'

Height: 24-36" / Width: 20-24" / Zone: 3-9 / Full to Part Sun

Varieties Mentioned in this Article

Agastache 'Mango Tango'

Allium 'Millenium'

Aquilegia 'Cardinal'

Baptisia 'Sparkling Sapphires'

Buddleia 'Lavender Cupcake'

Coreopsis 'Daybreak'

Festuca 'Blue Whiskers'

Geranium 'Rozanne'

Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun'

Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night'

Hemerocallis 'Ruby Spider'

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Nepeta 'Cat's Meow'

Paeonia 'Karl Rosenfield'

Panicum 'Apache Rose'

Salvia 'Crystal Blue'

Schizachyrium 'Smoke Signal'

Sedum 'Pure Joy'

Sempervivum Assorted

Veronica 'White Wands'

Yucca 'Excalibur'

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What Solar Eclipse-Gazing Has Looked Like for the Past 2 Centuries

Millions of people on Monday will continue the tradition of experiencing and capturing solar eclipses, a pursuit that has spawned a lot of unusual gear.

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By Sarah Eckinger

• April 8, 2024

For centuries, people have been clamoring to glimpse solar eclipses. From astronomers with custom-built photographic equipment to groups huddled together with special glasses, this spectacle has captivated the human imagination.

Creating a Permanent Record

In 1860, Warren de la Rue captured what many sources describe as the first photograph of a total solar eclipse . He took it in Rivabellosa, Spain, with an instrument known as the Kew Photoheliograph . This combination of a telescope and camera was specifically built to photograph the sun.

Forty years later, Nevil Maskelyne, a magician and an astronomy enthusiast, filmed a total solar eclipse in North Carolina. The footage was lost, however, and only released in 2019 after it was rediscovered in the Royal Astronomical Society’s archives.

Telescopic Vision

For scientists and astronomers, eclipses provide an opportunity not only to view the moon’s umbra and gaze at the sun’s corona, but also to make observations that further their studies. Many observatories, or friendly neighbors with a telescope, also make their instruments available to the public during eclipses.

Fredrik Hjalmar Johansen, Fridtjof Nansen and Sigurd Scott Hansen observing a solar eclipse while on a polar expedition in 1894 .

Women from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and their professor tested out equipment ahead of their eclipse trip (to “catch old Sol in the act,” as the original New York Times article phrased it) to New London, Conn., in 1922.

A group from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania traveled to Yerbaniz, Mexico, in 1923, with telescopes and a 65-foot camera to observe the sun’s corona .

Dr. J.J. Nassau, director of the Warner and Swasey Observatory at Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland, prepared to head to Douglas Hill, Maine, to study an eclipse in 1932. An entire freight car was required to transport the institution’s equipment.

Visitors viewed a solar eclipse at an observatory in Berlin in the mid-1930s.

A family set up two telescopes in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 1963. The two children placed stones on the base to help steady them.

An astronomer examined equipment for an eclipse in a desert in Mauritania in June 1973. We credit the hot climate for his choice in outfit.

Indirect Light

If you see people on Monday sprinting to your local park clutching pieces of paper, or with a cardboard box of their head, they are probably planning to reflect or project images of the solar eclipse onto a surface.

Cynthia Goulakos demonstrated a safe way to view a solar eclipse , with two pieces of cardboard to create a reflection of the shadowed sun, in Lowell, Mass., in 1970.

Another popular option is to create a pinhole camera. This woman did so in Central Park in 1963 by using a paper cup with a small hole in the bottom and a twin-lens reflex camera.

Amateur astronomers viewed a partial eclipse, projected from a telescope onto a screen, from atop the Empire State Building in 1967 .

Back in Central Park, in 1970, Irving Schwartz and his wife reflected an eclipse onto a piece of paper by holding binoculars on the edge of a garbage basket.

Children in Denver in 1979 used cardboard viewing boxes and pieces of paper with small pinholes to view projections of a partial eclipse.

A crowd gathered around a basin of water dyed with dark ink, waiting for the reflection of a solar eclipse to appear, in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 1995.

Staring at the Sun (or, How Not to Burn Your Retinas)

Eclipse-gazers have used different methods to protect their eyes throughout the years, some safer than others .

In 1927, women gathered at a window in a building in London to watch a total eclipse through smoked glass. This was popularized in France in the 1700s , but fell out of favor when physicians began writing papers on children whose vision was damaged.

Another trend was to use a strip of exposed photographic film, as seen below in Sydney, Australia, in 1948 and in Turkana, Kenya, in 1963. This method, which was even suggested by The Times in 1979 , has since been declared unsafe.

Solar eclipse glasses are a popular and safe way to view the event ( if you use models compliant with international safety standards ). Over the years there have been various styles, including these large hand-held options found in West Palm Beach, Fla., in 1979.

Parents and children watched a partial eclipse through their eclipse glasses in Tokyo in 1981.

Slimmer, more colorful options were used in Nabusimake, Colombia, in 1998.

In France in 1999.

And in Iran and England in 1999.

And the best way to see the eclipse? With family and friends at a watch party, like this one in Isalo National Park in Madagascar in 2001.