A recent photo essay entitled Sugar, by Anton Kusters, is one of several on the site, and artistically portrays the life of a young girl diagnosed with diabetes.

She taught me a lesson there… The things that are on top of a kid’s list, should in fact be on top of anyone’s list: Life is about playing with friends and family and having fun as much as you possibly can…

Submissions are currently being accepted to burn magazine via their website.

1. Use a wide angle lens, but get close. A wide angle lens will help you expand your viewpoint, but at the same time, you don’t want your photos to be too impersonal to the subject. Get close to the important aspects of the scene and make them the primary focus of the shot. Then, try to include other objects or people that are important to the situation. Place the primary subjects at different spots around the image to create a more dynamic photo with tension. A wide angle lens will also give the viewer a perspective of being in the middle of the action.
2. Continuously look around. If you’re on the street, in a market, or surrounded by a lot of action, then you could be missing out on opportunities to grab some great photos if you don’t keep your eyes open to everything around you. Sometimes it may be easier to stand in one spot and let everything else flow around while waiting for a good scene to materialize.
3. It’s about the people, but it’s not a portrait. A portrait can be a powerful photo, but it generally tells a different story than a shot with someone performing a task or surrounded by their natural environment. Viewers automatically identify with a person in a photo, so by all means you should include people if possible. However, step back and capture their surroundings instead of just their face.
4. Look for candid moments Don’t pose your subjects, but instead let them do whatever it is they are doing. After all, isn’t that what you’re trying to capture? You may also find it important to avoid distracting them so that your shot is more candid. Consider hiding yourself if needed. Better yet, ask for permission and tell them to go about their business as usual.
5. Work with the action. Follow your subjects and pay attention to their tasks. Be aware of both their motions and your positioning. Anticipate their next movement so that you can line yourself up for the next set of shots. Timing can be crucial, and a rapid-fire shutter can be very useful.

A few examples

Day laborers pull a summer crop of mustard seed which will bring high prices for the landowner at the market. Without the assistance of a bore well, out of reach for many farmers, Rajasthanis depend on limited rainfall that usually only support one season of growing.
by Daniel Bachhuber

Even though we can’t see their faces, we get a good idea of where these women are from and the work that they are performing. The low angle highlights both their work and their clothing.

by Edelweiss Valeriano

Up close and personal, this photo shows what this child is doing, his surroundings, and the expression on his face. We are close enough to feel his struggle, and yet far enough away to see his environment.

Indians in Porto Seguro, Bahia. Village of Jaqueira
by Fernando Martinho

This is a good example of how a wide angle lens can help the viewer feel like they are part of the scene. We feel like we have our own place at this family’s table.

Palestinian children from Baghdad living in the no mans land between the Iraqi and Syrian border at Al Tanf Refugee Camp.
J. Wreford for UNHCR

This quick and candid moment captures the personalities and the plight of these children.

Eleven-year-old Aliyah (L) takes a private English lesson in Kabul after returning from Pakistan with her family.
N.Behring for UNHCR

While this photo brings our attention to the student on the left and her activities, the photographer’s use of a wide angle lens gives us the general context of her classroom surroundings. Even though it’s not on the street, the same candid techniques have been applied to showcase a candid moment in a dynamic environment.

Do you have any tips for taking candid photos that you would like to share? Let us know by leaving a comment and we’ll post everyone’s best advice in a future article.

There are two types of photo essays: the narrative and the thematic. The narrative essay tells a story through a sequence of events or actions. They may follow an individual or activity over a period of time and present this story in chronological order. A thematic photo essay focuses on a central theme (e.g. homelessness, the environment, etc.) and presents photos relevant to that theme.
Regardless of what type of photo essay you choose to present, the following elements should be considered during its creation:

1. The story- Your essay should be able to stand alone, without a written article, and make logical sense to the viewer.
2. A range of photos: A variety of photos (wide angle, detailed, portraits etc.) should be included. See the types of photos section discussed below.
3. The order of the photos: It is important that the order of your photos effectively tell a story, in an interesting and logical sequence.
4. Information and emotion: Your photos should include both informational and emotional photos. Those essays that effectively evoke emotion while providing information tend to convey their messages the best.
5. Captions: In a photo essay, captions are your best opportunity to describe what is happening in words and ensure that the viewer understands. Include informational content in these captions if necessary.

Types of Photos

By including a variety of types of photos in your essay, you will ensure that it is both interesting and informative. The following types of photos, presented together, can create a successful photo essay. Not only is it important to choose powerful photos, but also to present them in an effective order. While the order of some photos (e.g. the lead photo, and the clincher) is set, the order of most types of photos in your essay is your preference.

The Lead Photo: Similar to the first two sentences of a newspaper article, your lead photo should effectively draw in your audience. This is usually the most difficult photo to choose and should follow the theme of your essay. It could be an emotional portrait or an action shot, but ultimately it should provoke the curiosity of the viewer.

The Scene: Your second photo should set the stage and describe the scene of your story. An overarching photo taken with a wide angle lens is often effective.

The Portraits: Your photo essay should include at least one portrait. Capturing an emotional expression or telling action shot can effectively humanize your story. These photos often evoke strong emotions and empathy in the viewer (whether it is a positive and enthusiastic emotion, or a sympathetic and concerned emotion.)

The Detail Photos: Detail photos focus in on one element, be it a building, a face, or a relevant object. These photos are your best opportunity to capture specific objects. The captions of these photos should be informative and educational.

The Close-up Photos: Similarly, close-up photos provide an opportunity to focus in on specific objects. These photos are tightly cropped, simple shots that present a specific element of your story. Again, this is an excellent opportunity to present information in the caption.

The Signature Photo:The signature photo summarizes the situation and captures the key elements of your story in a telling moment.

The Clincher Photo: The final photo, the clincher, should evoke the emotion you want the viewer to walk away with, be it a feeling of hope, inspiration, or sadness. Decide on this mood before you select this photo.

Remember, these suggestions are only guidelines. Photo essays are a form of art, and like any artistic creation, breaking the rules can sometimes create the most powerful result. Don’t be afraid to try something different.

See Also: How to Choose a Photographic Essay Topic