A brief ‘How To’ of a Photo Essay
Photo essays are tricky business. Not only do they requires coherent thought process, but also coherent, unified imagery. Using colour images has an inherent issue. Clashing colours may lead to dilution. Doesn’t mean we must do photo essays in black & white only. But B&W does have its advantages.
Here’s my photo essay that won me the grand prize in National Geographic Traveller Photo Essay Contest – a 3-day-surfing-lessons trip to Mulki (Mangalore). Theme was WATER. And my title – Flowing Dreams!
For unifying diverse imagery, I had used slow shutter speed. It gave a dreamy feel to water. Also, it starkly contrasted static elements of the images. Introducing a night shot also gave a holistic feel. Lesser words helped too as they discourage flitting thoughts in the mind. Try creating some of your own. As someone once said, only practice makes perfect.
To see it on National Geographic Traveller’s site, click here.
Photo Essay – Flowing Dreams!
Flowing water is therapeutic. It soothes the soul. Its sight and sound inspires a flow of dreams. Behold a few of its myriad manifestations.
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Great shots! Black and white definitely bring in the mood!
B&W sure does, Patricia! Thanks for your appreciation!
I have always wondered how people made this beautiful effects for water photography… Thanks for sharing your tip !
Stephanie, You are welcome!
Beautiful beautiful pics…there is something about B/W pics even today.
Thanks, Ami! I agree with you completely!
Such beautiful pictures! I love first one of the waterfall!
Thanks, Tarah!
These photos are simply stunning. Congrats on winning the contest! You did a wonderful job capturing India in an artistic way.
Thanks, Renne!
Beautiful photos, it does not surprise me that you won that contest. Apart from being really nice, your photos have something special. Great photographer!! 🙂
Love your photos. Also love water, so I really enjoyed your post.
Thanks, Gearoid!
Your pictures are amazing and you found a great way if make the sequence, literally, flow
Thanks, Marta!
Wonderful concept and great photography, loved the way the flowing water has been captured in all the photos.
Thanks, Vyjay! I love capturing water in its different moods!
I love that the order of pictures ensures contrast in motion, in addition to carrying your eyes onward. Really fantastic!
Thanks, Rob! Water has this mesmerising character – the flow, the motion. We just need to be sensitive to it and capture it!
Reblogged this on Travelure's Travelogues.