A photo essay is a powerful way to tell a story, share a message, or explain an idea through a series of photographs. Just like a written story, a photo essay has a beginning, middle, and end, and uses visual techniques such as shot types, framing, and sequencing to guide the audience and create meaning.

In this lesson, students will explore how images can be used to communicate ideas and inspire action. Through planning, storyboarding, photographing, and sequencing images, students will develop their storytelling, creativity, communication, and visual literacy skills. They will create a photo essay that conveys a clear message while making thoughtful choices about how media techniques can influence an audience. This learning experience also provides opportunities to connect Media Arts with other curriculum areas, such as Science, English, and Sustainability.