thoughts on photo essays

My first impression of a photo essay is one along the lines of a collage full of pictures and small captions. A real photo essay is connecting a picture and the story associated with that picture. It is more the inspiration produced by the photo itself that brings out the writing in you. A photo essay contains your personal feelings and thoughts. There is something touching about attaching emotional words to a picture you naturally and spontaneously take. It is not a picture that has nothing to do with the photographer, but rather a deeper part of the photographer him or herself. Photographers subconsciously take pictures that interest them. You do not have to plan the shots but have an idea of what angle you want to focus on, whether it is the emotions portrayed by the people, the actions in a certain event, etc. The example photo essay that I enjoyed the most is the TImes News Photos. The pictures are not planned or posed; the people in the scene are unaware of the camera and is in the moment as it comes. Times is able to capture wonderful moments whether it be of happiness or sadness.