The steps in making a photo essay are often more involved than one would think. Photo essays require dedication and passion. If you aren’t passionate about what you are covering – it won’t come through in the photos or in the way that they are presented.

A good place to start when looking to create a photo essay is by doing some research on the subject. It’s also a great idea to have a timeline for how long you want to spend on the project. This doesn’t have to be set in stone, but having an idea of when you might finish the essay can help to keep the project moving forward.

Identifying a theme is another key step in creating a photo essay. The theme should be something that is both recognizable and relatable to your audience. For example, if you are photographing the human body, it’s important to show diversity. This could mean showing different types of bodies, ages, heights and professions.

You should also take the time to examine a few examples of photo essays that are similar to yours. This can help you to see what is working and what is not. It can also be helpful to ask experienced colleagues for advice on your photo essay.

Finally, it is important to be open-minded and flexible. Your photo essay may take a turn that is unexpected or go in another direction completely. This is okay. It is your job as a photographer to extract the story from the photos that you’ve captured, even if it wasn’t your original idea.