Photo Essay

Today we begin to really study photography as a means to tell a story. Begin by reading one of the photo essays at the links below, and spend at least 30 minutes examining the photos and captions, to see how images are used as powerful storytelling tools.

Here are links to some photo essays:

And some MORE examples:

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519,00.html

http://www.motherjones.com/photoessays

Grassroots Soccer

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/07/07/arts/design/20100708-afsoccer-ss.html?ref=design

Abandoned Houses

http://www.100abandonedhouses.com/

What the World Eats, Time Magazine

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519_1373664,00.html

Broken lives of Fukushima

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2013/10/broken_lives_of_fukushima.html

Dirt:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2013/10/dirt.html

Sugar:

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/08/sugar/clark-photography#/07-yogurt-580v.jpg

PART 1:

Choose one of the photo essays from this page and identify the elements of a story below, in a google doc. Label each question and answer them thoroughly!! Turn in a .doc file to Photodrop as Period_ PE_last name first name.doc or .pdf

Example:

4_PE_Smith Jane.pdf

Photo Essay Story Elements

1. Context--explain the context, setting, situation as completely as necessary
2. Character(s)--who are the characters. Describe them--what makes them interesting, compelling
3. Conflict--is there conflict ? Describe it
4. Plot--is there a sequence of events
5. Theme--what is the Essay about ? Be specific, and as complete as necessary.
6. Image Characteristics -- describe and explain.
7. composition
8. color
9. use of light
10. tonality
11. Progression/order--what does the chosen order of the images communicate? Why was it chosen?
12. Juxtaposition--How does juxtaposition affect the meaning and power of the images.
13. Narration--is there narration ? Is it effective ? Necessary ?Music--Is there music? Why was it chosen, and what does it add to the essay. Does it provide more than mood and tone ? Is it effective ? Necessary ?In this section, be specific. "The juxtaposition is really good" would not be adequate. Be specific. In what way is the juxtaposition designed/effective ?

Your Personal Reaction

Explain why did the essay move you?

Which of the first 9 elements means the most to you (from https://www.msu.edu/course/tc/243/Photo%20Essay%20Analysis.html)

Part 2:

Then Pull the handout from below and fill out the handout for the series you picked

Example:

PART 3:

Fill out the google form below to begin your process for the final.

Remember- a topic is not a theme, your series must have a clear, concise point the viewer must understand at the end of the work.

Example:

https://forms.gle/HmceyjePUEWZigRu5

Part 4

Once you are done:

answer these questions about YOUR project

Photo Essay Story Elements

1. Context--explain the context, setting, situation as completely as necessary
2. Character(s)--who are the characters. Describe them--what makes them interesting, compelling
3. Conflict--is there conflict ? Describe it
4. Plot--is there a sequence of events
5. Theme--what is the Essay about ? Be specific, and as complete as necessary.
6. Image Characteristics -- describe and explain.
7. composition
8. color
9. use of light
10. tonality
11. Progression/order--what does the chosen order of the images communicate? Why was it chosen?
12. Juxtaposition--How does juxtaposition affect the meaning and power of the images.
13. Narration--is there narration ? Is it effective ? Necessary ?Music--Is there music? Why was it chosen, and what does it add to the essay. Does it provide more than mood and tone ? Is it effective ? Necessary ?In this section, be specific. "The juxtaposition is really good" would not be adequate. Be specific. In what way is the juxtaposition designed/effective ?

make a list of the photos you'd like to take

Listed 1-15