Photo Essay

After most photographers' skills reach a certain higher level, they are no longer satisfied making good, single pictures. The multiple-image project, whether a personal project, a photo-story or a photo essay, is the next step for the serious photographer. Join David H. Wells, a master of the photo-essay to explore the magic that transforms loosely defined ideas into powerful photo-essays.  

A photo-essay is a collection of images, based on a theme, which are unified in telling a story and conveying the author's point of view.   While some essays are for documentary or commercial applications, just as many are more personal or artistic in nature. Essays can be linear stories showing character evolution, for example within a family, team, neighborhood or community. Or they can be portfolios of images exploring topics that are unified by the photographer's style of photography.  These can be as varied as architecture, self-portraiture, social commentary, environmental degradation or ethnic rituals. While many photo-essays are initially made for publication, some are now made for use in museum exhibitions or for special interest groups, the choices are endless.

Our class starts with introductions and the instructor shows his work, highlighting the different kinds of essays he has produced for different uses. The challenge in making such a photographic project is defining what it is the project will say, how to go about executing it and how to then disseminate the finished work. 

This will be followed by a critique of the student's existing work. Students should bring the following portfolio to the workshop:  

1. Ten of your very best images. 
2. Photocopies or other reproductions of examples of imagery that inspires you (It may be paintings or photos or..). 
3. Another ten to 20 images that are unified on a single theme. These images may or may not be the seeds of a photo-essay. These are guidelines, not absolute requirements. Do not bring original slides or images, which if lost would break your heart.  Color photocopies, prints from a one-hour lab, simple digital printer images, etc. are ideal.

Class time will include lectures, photographing, critiquing and one-on-one time with Wells. The class goes on to detail and define how essays are collections of images that are stylistically and/or thematically unified in telling a story. The class will explore how to transform your ideas for a photo-essay into a tightly defined, coherent collection of dramatic, story telling images.  With digital imaging technology we can also explore alternative presentations such as pairing images, sequencing images and other non-traditional presentation formats.  

Students will learn to write a proposal for a photo-essay, the first step towards funding, exhibiting and publishing a project. Wells will share examples of proposals that have earned him exhibits, publication and grants. Students will also improve their editing skills through a series of editing exercises.  Finally, we will discuss how to establish a market for your photo-essay by researching what types of publications, museums and organizations might use your work.

The course sizes are strictly limited. You’ll need to book your flights to and from Prague and arrange accommodation. We have special rates agreed with great local hotels, so check the details on our accommodation page and book early. You'll need your cameras, lenses, flashes, at least two SD cards for each camera, your computer and an external hard drive for all your newly generated material. If you have more questions about what you will need, please read the What do you need for a Prague Workshop article on the community page.