Life of Pi – photo Essay
The Photo Essay: Information
A photo essay is a set or series of photographs that are intended to tell a story or evoke a series of emotions in
the viewer. All photo essays are collections of photographs, but not all collections of photographs are photo
essays.
We all know that photographs and illustrations can support text, but in photo-essays that relationship is often
reversed; the photographs lead the text. In photo-essays, you'll likely notice the photographs first.
 The photos are chosen with the same care and precision with which the writer chooses the words.
 The photos are high quality and are featured prominently in the page layout.
 Each photograph contains a wealth of information and may generate an equivalent wealth of questions
and wonderings before the reader even approaches the text.
 Rather than merely providing a caption to the photographs, writers of photo-essays are often
responding in depth to what the photographs make them feel or wonder.
Creating a photo essay is a combination of art and journalism. As with a written essay, the elements of a photo
essay should be structured in a way that easily conveys a story to the viewer.
Each individual photo contributes to the overall story, theme, and emotions of the essay. The photos you
choose must not only be compositionally and artistically strong, but also informative and educational. Finding
photos that have both qualities can be very challenging, but the result can be very powerful.
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.
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 piece of writing, 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.
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.
Task:
Create and present a thematic photo essay that centers around a theme from Life of Pi.
Not only does the photo essay represent the theme, but demonstrates how it was presented
throughout the novel.
Some themes to consider:
Religion
Man and the Natural World
Spirituality
Suffering
Will to Live
Science
Fear
Mortality
Madness
Hope / Faith
Any other theme you feel was emulated and represented throughout the novel.
Your photo essay must include:


10 visuals comprised of photographs, ads, pieces of art, etc. that “speak” and represent the chosen
theme from Life of Pi. – presented in the form of a book.
Please Note – You can not use any photos from the novel or movie.
Captions for each photo – ensure the viewer understands the theme and its connections to the book.
Quotes from the book can be used as captions for visuals.
Your photo essay must fulfill the following elements:
The story: The visual part of your essay should be able to stand alone, without written support, and
make logical sense to the viewer.
A range of photos: A variety of photos (angles, genres, sources etc.) should be included.
The order of the photos: It is important that the order of your photos effectively tell a story, in an
interesting and logical sequence. (Be sure to fulfill the TYPES OF PHOTOS – on the front of this sheet.)
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.
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.
NOTE: This is NOT in any way a photo album presentation.
Your project must maintain the look and techniques of a Photo Essay at all times.
Additional Help:
Some strong examples of Photo Essays can be viewed at the following website:
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3023643/the-12-most-amazing-photo-essays-of-2013
Simply visit the website, browse through the options, and click on the title of a photo essay that interests you.
Due Date: ______________________________
Rubric: Life of pi – Photo Essay
The story:
o
_______/ 15
Visual portion of the essay is able to stand alone, without written support, and make logical
sense to the viewer.
o
Visuals are prepared in a “book form.”
A range of photos:
_______/ 20
o
10 visuals are used to represent or “speak” of the chosen theme.
o
A variety of photos (angles, genres, sources etc.) have been included.
o
NO visuals from the book or movie have been used.
The order of the photos:
_______/ 15
o
Photos effectively tell a story, in an interesting and logical sequence.
o
Types of Photos – Lead, Scene, Signature, and Clincher photos are used in their correct order.
Information and emotion:
_______/ 10
o
Photos should include both informational and emotional photos.
o
Message is clearly conveyed.
o
An understanding of the theme and its connection and representation in the novel is apparent.
Captions:
_______/ 15
o
Each visual has a caption.
o
Captions are used to describe what is happening and how it represents the chosen theme.
o
The viewer has a better understanding of the theme because of the text.
o Informational content has been presented in the caption, if necessary. (Quotes from the book.)
Total points: _____________ / 75
This assessment is a final project for this unit and will be used to assess mastery.
A total of 80% or higher needs to be obtained in order to demonstrate mastery and receive credit for this unit.
You cannot pass this term without completing and mastering this assessment.