Simple Story - Photo Essay¶

Tell a story about one character. Follow this template to produce a simple photo essay story about one character.

Clip 1 - Signature¶

Artwork: ???.svg
Shot Size:
Goal: Summarize the entire issue by illustrating an essential element of the story.
Length: 10 seconds
Description: A strong signature photo will intrigue the audience and encourage them to look further. This element should fill at least 50% of the frame.
Tip: Set your camera to Macro if you are shooting less than arm’s length from your subject.
Security Concern: -

Clip 2 - Reaction/Interaction¶

Artwork: ???.svg
Shot Size:
Goal: Depict how people are responding to the event or its aftermath.
Length: 10 seconds
Description: Show the character interacting with others. Build a connection between the viewer and subject. Your character should fill 20% of your frame.
Tip: Keep your character on one of the vertical lines to frame your shot properly.
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Clip 3 - Candid¶

Artwork: ???.svg
Shot Size:
Goal: Show the character engaged in her environment.
Length: 10 seconds
Description: Depict the character behaving naturally. Why is the character noteworthy? Show the audience.
Tip: Place your character on one side of the frame, frame your shot to show something else important to the story on the other side.
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Clip 4 - Portrait¶

Artwork: ???.svg
Shot Size:
Goal: Introduce the character. Get close.
Length: 10 seconds
Description: Your primary focus is the main character in your story. Highlight the characters emotions or state of mind.
Tip: Use the eye-line to frame your shot properly.
Security Concern: -

Clip 5 - Environmental¶

Artwork: ???.svg
Shot Size:
Goal: Show where your story takes place.
Length: 10 seconds
Description: Indicate the country or an ethnic or religious element. Include landmarks or other location specific information.
Tip: Landmarks help the audience understand their location.
Security Concern: -

Clip 6 - NARRATION¶

Artwork: ???.svg
Shot Size:
Goal:
Length: User Defined (i.e. However long their narration is, that's how long this should be for now)
Description:
Tip:
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Discussion¶

John's Notes An essential category missing from the template for essays is the detail shot (close-up). Very important, especially if you want the images to cover audio. You might also think about changing the name of the 'environment' shot to 'establishing' shot. Up to you, but the later is a much more common way of talking about one the essential categories of shots in a photo essay. As with the single shot template, I am concerned that 'portrait' alone will result in mugshots. Maybe environmental portrait or language in the description to be sure and include layered environmental cues when possible. Finally, good photo essays often have a 'clincher'- a photo that sort of says 'the end.' An ambulance driving off into the sunset, a tattered campaign sign on the ground, the baby sleeping. Finally finally, how about a photo series? Are we going to address that? A portrait series? A series of political posters? Buildings?