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how often do you shoot photo essays?

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~J.L.~ says:

As part of the media unit, I'm having a few students shoot a photo essay on a theme that they feel strongly about.

Just wondering how often you try to shoot a sequential project. Have you done anything just for the pleasure of seeing whether or not you could express yourself narratively via visual images only?
Posted at 4:41AM, 10 May 2008 PST ( permalink )

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andyscamera is a group administrator andyscamera  Pro User  says:

I have a few sequential sets, but only ones that record changes over time (a streetscape and a landscape, both of which are ongoing series), and one that records a trip out a bus window. Nothing that needs much text beyond the title or takes an editorial stance.

BlogTO has an open call for photo essays, but I don't recall seeing many show up in the last few months.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Dustin Parr [deleted] says:

i had to do several photo-essays while in school - these were probably more in the classical reportage vein (i.e. singular focus, small format, b&w - not that contemporary journalism is limited to just those things, that's kinda how we were instructed to shoot them).

i honestly can't really go out and shoot unless i have something in mind. since graduating i've continued to work on several projects when i'm out with my camera (usually having to do with large format processes and re-contextualizing the landscape). i think it's a very tricky balance, combining the visual with narrative and concept. i've kinda felt that i've forgotten how to take pictures when i think/worry too much about what i'm trying to say - basically my instinct for the visual disappears and i start to over-analyze the situation (which i guess is part and parcel of shooting 4x5!).

anyway, there was a great lecture last sunday @ the mocca where alessandra sanguinetti talked about one of her ongoing projects - and how she struggled with it along the way. there's a small write-up here:

www.heathermorton.ca/blog/?p=367
Originally posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )
Dustin Parr edited this topic 6 months ago.

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Jim U  Pro User  says:

what are the guidelines for a "photoessay" ?
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Kevin Steele  Pro User  says:

I'd say my projects are more novels/books than essays, since I have been shooting a few small themes for about seven years.

They started out at as essays...
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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ko-knia  Pro User  says:

I find them hard to do in the GTA. When I'm abroad it's much easier. This one is on Cambodian Kickboxing:
flickr.com/photos/koknia/sets/72057594101339383/
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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sniderscion  Pro User  says:

I've done a couple as coverage of events but never set out formally to complete one as an exercise. Interesting concept though.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

northern_flickr [deleted] says:

Here's one I did last year, but it didn't do well.
www.flickr.com/photos/northern_flickr/sets/72157601075014...
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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~J.L.~ says:

I don't have the assignment sheet with me at the moment but I would say that the collection of photographs should be done either thematically or sequentially. It should also convey or evoke a strong feeling of engagement from the viewer.

I have three students who are doing this project right now. I don't know what the results will be. For one of them, I gave him a checklist of themes to consider. The follow up to this is a talk about the final selection and also a written essay.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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sniderscion  Pro User  says:

Here's one I did last fall. I was present (with my back turned) when a cab collided with a cyclist. I shot the immediate aftermath,

www.flickr.com/photos/sniderscion/sets/72157602276658370/
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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