A Parisian resident’s photo story about the city she loves. Unusual vistas, unique angles, and a personal admiration for the many arts Paris has to offer allow her visuals tell the story of her everyday life in Paris. All photos ©Karen Dente, 2021/2022.

The UX of a photo essay

Simple research steps to create beautiful visual narratives

A photo essays is one of the most visually enticing formats to document and share stories.

Whether we want to let our friends and family know how much we enjoyed the adventurous hike in the Alps, or how our latest dyi-project is progressing, a photo essay will be our tool.

But how do we actually pull off an awe-inspiring photo essay?

Step 1: Do research

We start with a launch idea. A geo-location is a good take-off reference. A country, city, village, or mountain, all are perfect places to start your research tree.

A research tree that maps the overarching topic and location and how it relates to details, style, and mood. This research layout is an organic template, and can get adjusted to serve the story.

Next, focus needs be given on the actual topic or subject. This, in turn, can catalyze the mood and flavor of the details. Then, a definition of differentiating shots of the photo narrative can get drafted.

We can craft a research tree as suggested in the above diagram.

A research tree is a foundational tool to serve as a map and guide throughout the process of producing the photo essay.