RESEARCH YOUR SUBJECT

This is an essential yet often overlooked

component of the photographic essay. It’s

important to read and learn about your

subject, and also search for images of that

subject that have come before you.

Often in preparation for my photograph-

ic essays, I draw information from a variety

of sources, including websites, scientific

papers, books, and stock agencies. To mini-

mise the cost of overheads, I will often pur-

chase second-hand books, or loan them from the library.

It’s also important to try and look at photographs

that have already been taken of the subject, which will

help guide your own story as you learn what potentially

works and what has already been done.

PLAN YOUR TIME

Thoughtful research will help you identi-

fy the key elements of the photographic es-

say, which can then be used to help devel-

op a ‘must have’ list of shots. A shot list will

help you plan your shoot and allow you to

make the most of your time in the field.

The shot list can comprise of a list of

subjects, locations even techniques, and

can be complimented by sketches and

drawings. There is no worse feeling than

arriving in a place and knowing that you need some im-

ages in the bag, but not knowing what to do or where

to go. The shot list helps you focus and allows you to

concentrate on the main elements of your photo essay.

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LEFT: Aerial images work well to provide a sense of place and set the

scene. In this image, hundreds of party goers flock to the Haulover

Sandbar on the Intracoastal Waterway north of Miami. Nikon

D800E, 16-35mm f/4 lens. 1/6400s @ f7.1, ISO 100.

ABOVE: Tourists flock to a local aquarium for a close encounter with

a loggerhead. I lay on the ground, experimenting with the angle.

Nikon D800E, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. 1/200s @ f14, ISO 400.