photo essay on flowers

23 Photo Essay Ideas and Examples (to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing!)

A Post By: Kevin Landwer-Johan

Looking for inspiration? Our 23 photo essay ideas will take your photography skills to new heights!

A single, strong photograph can convey a lot of information about its subject – but sometimes we have topics that require more than one image to do the job. That’s when it’s time to make a photo essay: a collection of pictures that together tell the bigger story around a chosen theme.

In the following sections, we’ll explore various photo essay ideas and examples that cover a wide range of subjects and purposes. From capturing the growth of your children to documenting local festivals, each idea offers an exciting opportunity to tell a story through your lens, whether you’re a hobbyist or a veteran professional.

So grab your camera, unleash your creativity, and let’s delve into the wonderful world of photo essay examples!

What is a photo essay?

Simply put, a photo essay is a series of carefully selected images woven together to tell a story or convey a message. Think of it as a visual narrative that designed to capture attention and spark emotions.

Now, these images can revolve around a broad theme or focus on a specific storyline. For instance, you might create a photo essay celebrating the joy of companionship by capturing 10 heartwarming pictures of people sharing genuine laughter. On the other hand, you could have a photo essay delving into the everyday lives of fishermen in Wales by following a single fisherman’s journey for a day or even a week.

It’s important to note that photo essays don’t necessarily have to stick to absolute truth. While some documentary photographers prefer to keep it authentic, others may employ techniques like manipulation or staging to create a more artistic impact. So there is room for creativity and interpretation.

Why you should create a photo essay

Photo essays have a way of expressing ideas and stories that words sometimes struggle to capture. They offer a visual narrative that can be incredibly powerful and impactful.

Firstly, photo essays are perfect when you have an idea or a point you want to convey, but you find yourself at a loss for words. Sometimes, emotions and concepts are better conveyed through images rather than paragraphs. So if you’re struggling to articulate a message, you can let your photos do the talking for you.

Second, if you’re interested in subjects that are highly visual, like the mesmerizing forms of architecture within a single city, photo essays are the way to go. Trying to describe the intricate details of a building or the play of light and shadows with words alone can be challenging. But through a series of captivating images, you can immerse your audience in the architecture.

And finally, if you’re aiming to evoke emotions or make a powerful statement, photo essays are outstanding. Images have an incredible ability to shock, inspire, and move people in ways that words often struggle to achieve. So if you want to raise awareness about an environmental issue or ignite a sense of empathy, a compelling series of photographs can have a profound impact.

Photo essay examples and ideas

Looking to create a photo essay but don’t know where to start? Here are some handy essay ideas and examples for inspiration!

1. A day in the life

Your first photo essay idea is simple: Track a life over the course of one day. You might make an essay about someone else’s life. Or the life of a location, such as the sidewalk outside your house. 

The subject matter you choose is up to you. But start in the morning and create a series of images showing your subject over the course of a typical day.

(Alternatively, you can document your subject on a special day, like a birthday, a wedding, or some other celebration.)

2. Capture hands

Portraits focus on a subject’s face – but why not mix it up and make a photo essay that focuses on your subject’s hands?

(You can also focus on a collection of different people’s hands.)

Hands can tell you a lot about a person. And showing them in context is a great way to narrate a story.

3. Follow a sports team for a full season

Sports are all about emotions – both from the passionate players and the dedicated fans. While capturing the intensity of a single game can be exhilarating, imagine the power of telling the complete story of a team throughout an entire season.

For the best results, you’ll need to invest substantial time in sports photography. Choose a team that resonates with you and ensure their games are within a drivable distance. By photographing their highs and lows, celebrations and challenges, you’ll create a compelling photo essay that traces their journey from the first game to the last.

4. A child and their parent

Photographs that catch the interaction between parents and children are special. A parent-child connection is strong and unique, so making powerful images isn’t challenging. You just need to be ready to capture the special moments as they happen. 

You might concentrate on a parent teaching their child. Or the pair playing sports. Or working on a special project.

Use your imagination, and you’ll have a great time with this theme.

5. Tell a local artist’s story 

I’ve always enjoyed photographing artists as they work; studios have a creative vibe, so the energy is already there. Bring your camera into this environment and try to tell the artist’s story!

An artist’s studio offers plenty of opportunities for wonderful photo essays. Think about the most fascinating aspects of the artist’s process. What do they do that makes their art special? Aim to show this in your photos.

Many people appreciate fine art, but they’re often not aware of what happens behind the scenes. So documenting an artist can produce fascinating visual stories.

6. Show a tradesperson’s process

Do you have a plumber coming over to fix your kitchen sink? Is a builder making you a new deck?

Take photos while they work! Tell them what you want to do before you start, and don’t forget to share your photos with them.

They’ll probably appreciate seeing what they do from another perspective. They may even want to use your photos on their company website.

7. Photograph your kids as they grow

There’s something incredibly special about documenting the growth of our little ones. Kids grow up so quickly – before you know it, they’re moving out. Why not capture the beautiful moments along the way by creating a heartwarming photo essay that showcases their growth?

There are various approaches you can take, but one idea is to capture regular photos of your kids standing in front of a distinct point of reference, such as the refrigerator. Over a year or several years, you can gather these images and place them side by side to witness your childrens’ incredible transformations.

8. Cover a local community event

A school fundraiser, a tree-planting day at a park, or a parade; these are are all community events that make for good photo essay ideas.

Think like a photojournalist . What type of images would your editor want? Make sure to capture some wide-angle compositions , some medium shots, and some close-ups.

(Getting in close to show the details can often tell as much of a story as the wider pictures.)

9. Show fresh market life

Markets are great for photography because there’s always plenty of activity and lots of characters. Think of how you can best illustrate the flow of life at the market. What are the vendors doing that’s most interesting? What are the habits of the shoppers?

Look to capture the essence of the place. Try to portray the people who work and shop there.

10. Shoot the same location over time

What location do you visit regularly? Is there a way you can make an interesting photo essay about it?

Consider what you find most attractive and ugly about the place. Look for aspects that change over time. 

Any outdoor location will look different throughout the day. Also think about the changes that occur from season to season. Create an essay that tells the story of the place.

11. Document a local festival

Festivals infuse cities and towns with vibrant energy and unique cultural experiences. Even if your own town doesn’t have notable festivals, chances are a neighboring town does. Explore the magic of these celebrations by documenting a local festival through your lens.

Immerse yourself in the festivities, arriving early and staying late. Capture the colorful displays and the people who make the festival come alive. If the festival spans multiple days, consider focusing on different areas each time you visit to create a diverse and comprehensive photo essay that truly reflects the essence of the event.

12. Photograph a garden through the seasons

It might be your own garden . It could be the neighbor’s. It could even be the garden at your local park.

Think about how the plants change during the course of a year. Capture photos of the most significant visual differences, then present them as a photo essay.

13. Show your local town or city

After spending several years in a particular area, you likely possess an intimate knowledge of your local town or city. Why not utilize that familiarity to create a captivating photo essay that showcases the essence of your community?

Delve into what makes your town special, whether it’s the charming streets, unique landmarks, or the people who shape its character. Dedicate time to capturing the diverse aspects that define your locale. If you’re up for a more extensive project, consider photographing the town over the course of an entire year, capturing the changing seasons and the dynamic spirit of your community.

14. Pick a local cause to highlight

Photo essays can go beyond passive documentation; they can become a part of your activism, too!

So find a cause that matters to you. Tell the story of some aspect of community life that needs improvement. Is there an ongoing issue with litter in your area? How about traffic; is there a problematic intersection?

Document these issues, then make sure to show the photos to people responsible for taking action.

15. Making a meal

Photo essay ideas can be about simple, everyday things – like making a meal or a coffee.

How can you creatively illustrate something that seems so mundane? My guess is that, when you put your mind to it, you can come up with many unique perspectives, all of which will make great stories.

16. Capture the life of a flower

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the beauty that surrounds us. Flowers, with their mesmerizing colors and rapid life cycles, offer a captivating subject for a photo essay. Try to slow down and appreciate the intricate details of a flower’s existence.

With a macro lens in hand, document a single flower or a patch of flowers from their initial shoots to their inevitable wilting and decomposition. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to bring viewers into the enchanting world of the flower. By freezing these fleeting moments, you’ll create a visual narrative that celebrates the cycle of life and the exquisite beauty found in nature’s delicate creations.

17. Religious traditions

Religion is often rich with visual expression in one form or another. So capture it!

Of course, you may need to narrow down your ideas and choose a specific aspect of worship to photograph. Aim to show what people do when they visit a holy place, or how they pray on their own. Illustrate what makes their faith real and what’s special about it.

18. Historic sites

Historic sites are often iconic, and plenty of photographers take a snapshot or two.

But with a photo essay, you can illustrate the site’s history in greater depth.

Look for details of the location that many visitors miss. And use these to build an interesting story.

19. Show the construction of a building

Ever been away from a familiar place for a while only to return and find that things have changed? It happens all the time, especially in areas undergoing constant development. So why not grab your camera and document this transformation?

Here’s the idea: Find a building that’s currently under construction in your area. It could be a towering skyscraper, a modern office complex, or even a small-scale residential project. Whatever catches your eye! Then let the magic of photography unfold.

Make it a habit to take a photo every day or two. Watch as the building gradually takes shape and evolves. Capture the construction workers in action, the cranes reaching for the sky, and the scaffolding supporting the structure.

Once the building is complete, you’ll have a treasure trove of images that chronicle its construction from start to finish!

20. Document the changing skyline of the city

This photo essay example is like the previous one, except it works on a much larger scale. Instead of photographing a single building as it’s built, find a nice vantage point outside your nearest city, then photograph the changing skyline.

To create a remarkable photo essay showcasing the changing skyline, you’ll need to scout out the perfect vantage point. Seek high ground that offers a commanding view of the city, allowing you to frame the skyline against the horizon. Look for spots that give you an unobstructed perspective, whether a rooftop terrace, a hillside park, or even a nearby bridge.

As you set out on your photography expedition, be patient and observant. Cities don’t transform overnight; they change gradually over time. Embrace the passage of days, weeks, and months as you witness the slow evolution unfold.

Pro tip: To capture the essence of this transformation, experiment with various photographic techniques. Play with different angles, framing, and compositions to convey the grandeur and dynamism of the changing skyline. Plus, try shooting during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset , when the soft light bathes the city in a warm glow and accentuates the architectural details.

21. Photograph your pet

If you’re a pet owner, you already have the perfect subject for a photo essay!

All pets , with the possible exception of pet rocks, will provide you with a collection of interesting moments to photograph.

So collect these moments with your camera – then display them as a photo essay showing the nature and character of your pet.

22. Tell the story of a local nature preserve

Ah, the wonders of a local nature preserve! While it may not boast the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, these hidden gems hold their own beauty, just waiting to be discovered and captured through the lens of your camera.

To embark on this type of photo essay adventure, start by exploring all the nooks and crannies of your chosen nature preserve. Wander along its winding trails, keeping an eye out for unique and captivating subjects that convey the essence of the preserve.

As you go along, try to photograph the intricate details of delicate wildflowers, the interplay of light filtering through a dense forest canopy, and the lively activities of birds and other wildlife.

23. Show the same subject from multiple perspectives

It’s possible to create an entire photo essay in a single afternoon – or even in a handful of minutes. If you don’t love the idea of dedicating yourself to days of photographing for a single essay, this is a great option.

Simply find a subject you like, then endeavor to capture 10 unique images that include it. I’d recommend photographing from different angles: up above, down low, from the right and left. You can also try getting experimental with creative techniques, such as intentional camera movement and freelensing. If all goes well, you’ll have a very cool set of images featuring one of your favorite subjects!

By showcasing the same subject from multiple perspectives, you invite viewers on a visual journey. They get to see different facets, textures, and details that they might have overlooked in a single photograph. It adds depth and richness to your photo essay, making it both immersive and dynamic.

Photo essay ideas: final words

Remember: Photo essays are all about communicating a concept or a story through images rather than words. So embrace the process and use images to express yourself!

Whether you choose to follow a sports team through a thrilling season, document the growth of your little ones, or explore the hidden treasures of your local town, each photo essay has its own magic waiting to be unlocked. It’s a chance to explore your creativity and create images in your own style.

So look at the world around you. Grab your gear and venture out into the wild. Embrace the beauty of nature, the energy of a bustling city, or the quiet moments that make life special. Consider what you see every day. What aspects interest you the most? Photograph those things.

You’re bound to end up with some amazing photo essays!

Now over to you:

Do you have any photo essay examples you’re proud of? Do you have any more photo essay ideas? Share your thoughts and images in the comments below!

Read more from our Tips & Tutorials category

Kevin Landwer-Johan is a photographer, photography teacher, and author with over 30 years of experience that he loves to share with others.

Check out his website and his Buy Me a Coffee page .

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The world through my eyes

Flowers – A Photo Essay beauty of nature

Flowers add a touch of colour to our daily lives and never fail to cheer us up. They make people happier and more helpful. I have put together here a collection of photos from my repertoire.

While I was riding my Honda Activa, I found by the roadside a bunch of Bougainvillea. They take up nearly half of the frame in the photo above.

Queen of the Night

Nishagandhi or Queen of the Night or  blooms at night. It opens fully by midnight and withers by daybreak. The flowers are exquisite and worth staying up late at night to see in full grandeur.

Bird of Paradise

I saw this one when I had gone for a morning walk in Ooty, Queen of the Hills . Bird of Paradise is a gorgeous flower.

Recently I paid a visit to the Shiva Temple in Ernakulam. The Sreekovil, or sanctum sanctorum, had beautiful decorations on all the sides with flowers.

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens

One of the highlights of my visit last year to Amsterdam was the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens in Lisse. The gardens are open in the spring (March to May) and draws visitors from all over the world. The gardens are beautifully designed and a delight to nature lovers.

The tulips were in an exhilarating range of colours: white, pink, red, yellow, blue and even black. It takes a few hours to walk around the entire area.

There is a large market for flowers in India where they are mainly used in decorations and for religious purposes.

This collection of lovely flowers was seen in Gengenbach, Germany . The stone planter looked strong and attractive.

African Lily or Agapanthus

African Lily or Agapanthus is a pretty flower with strong stems and large heads. The blue Agapanthus was captured on camera in Dalhousie , Himachal Pradesh.

Hill Palace in Tripunithura,  Kerala has a large and well-maintained garden. The big cluster of Bougainvillea made a vivid picture.

The bright flowers in the photo above were found in Lucerne, Switzerland.  The flowers were eye-catching .

The Hibiscus had an attractive red colour . It was in the shade of a coconut tree. I used my mobile camera to capture the image.

We had stopped at a tiger zoo near Bangkok . The orchids at the entrance caught my attention. The flowers were looking good. I used my point and shoot camera to take the shot.

Konnappoo is the state flower of Kerala. It is also the national flower of Thailand. The flowers bloom in the months of March to May. The perfusion of flowers sometimes seem to smother the trees. Devotees off er Konnappoo to Lord Krishna on the occasion of Vishu which falls on new year’s day according to the the Malayalam calendar.

The flowers in the image above are Ixora Coccinea (Chethipoo in Malayalam). They are seen commonly in west coast of India. The lovely flowers had bloomed on my window grill.

As Hans Christian Andersen had said, “Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.”

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Photo Essay: Anne Belmont on Flowers, Velvet 56, and Photographic Magic

May 11, 2017

By Shopify API

Anne Belmont is a nature photographer specializing in flower photography. Her first career as an art therapist shaped the way that she views art and reinforced her belief in the healing power of both art and nature in our lives. Now, she shares her own vision of the natural world through photography. A regular at the Chicago Botanic Garden , she was commissioned by the Garden to do a solo exhibition of her orchid photography, displayed in 20 larger-than-life panels during the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Orchid Shows.

We asked Anne to pull together a number of her photos that resonated with her the most...to encapsulate her vision (and how Lensbaby affects it) in a photo essay for our blog.

I live by the belief that one needs to continually strive to learn, experiment, play and, most importantly, have fun with photography. If we always photograph in the same way, our photography will hit a creative bump in the road. Lensbaby lenses allow me to spread those creative wings and fly, to bring artistry and fun to my photography. And, yes, as Lensbaby so aptly says to see in a new way.

Although I began experimenting with Lensbaby early in my flower photography days, it wasnt until the Velvet 56mm came onto the scene in 2015 that I fell completely in love with Lensbaby. That lens had me head over heels from the first shot I took. It is the perfect companion for flower photography, allowing me to get in close to my subjects and create photographs with that signature ethereal glow that the Velvet is known for. I remember uploading those first images with the Velvet and gasping at the magic that lens captured. Since then, I have rediscovered the fun and creativity that the Composer Pro and the various optics can bring to my photography, as well.

I photographed this soft pink dahlia soon after I got the Velvet 56mm. I was stunned when I saw this image on my computer screen. Where did that color and beautiful light come from, let alone that background? This flower was shot in an indoor dahlia show at the Chicago Botanic Garden where the lighting was poor and backgrounds were difficult to control. I quickly realized the power of the Velvet for creating beautiful images straight out of camera, even in less than optimal lighting and conditions.

I approach each flower I photograph differently. I ask myself what story I want to tell about that flower. Do I want to bring your eye to the details throughout the flower or do I want to draw your eye to a particular part of the flower a curl of a petal or a drop of dew using selective focus? By using selective focus and isolating details I began to see flowers differently, to focus in on more abstract elements within the flower. Often, I simply want to draw your eye to a beautiful, graceful line, a curve, a pattern or a texture within the flower. Sometimes it is simply about capturing the essence of the flower in an ethereal way.

This Julia Coneflower, captured at the Chicago Botanic Garden, was another early image with the Velvet. I love this image because it shows the sharpness of the lens, while creating that magical glow and a perfect background straight out of camera.

Another dahlia captured with the Composer Pro, Sweet 50 optic with macro converters produced that sweet spot of focus surrounded by blur to create an abstract image reminiscent of flames. When I photograph flowers, I work my subject, composing in a variety of ways and from many different angles. Doing this has helped me to see flowers in a whole new way.

I love the way the Velvet created a painterly, impressionistic feel to this freshly watered dahlia. One of my favorite times to capture flowers is following a rain shower, after their early morning watering or while covered in morning dew. Water droplets and dew drops add such textural interest and character to a flower.

This rose was captured after its morning watering with the Composer Pro, Sweet 50 optic with macro converters.

Echinopsis or cactus flowers bloom during the summer months in our Arid Greenhouse at Chicago Botanic Garden. In the past I always photographed these flowers fully in focus to capture the details and texture of the magnificent blooms. Experimenting and trying new things is key, or we tend to come up with the same results again and again. I put on the Velvet, not sure whether I was going to like the effect with these flowers. I should have known what that lens was capable of!

So, what does a flower photographer do during the long winters of Chicago? We are blessed with conservatories, greenhouses and a world class Orchid Show. I am never at a loss for subjects even when I cant photograph flowers outdoors. Other botanical subjects such as ferns are wonderful subjects indoors. The Velvet creates the perfect amount of dreaminess for capturing ferns and brings a softness to orchids, one of the most difficult flowers to photograph.

Spring is upon us and I am busy capturing the graceful lines and curves of tulips and the bounty of new life and color that spring brings us. I hope this post will inspire you to photograph the beauty of spring and bring some artistry and fun to your work with Lensbaby.

You can read more about Anne Belmont and see more photos on her Chicago Botanic Garden workshop!

Interested in more on flower photography? Head over to Lensbaby University and check out Kathleen Clemons' Flower Photography lessons .

Get yours right here .

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A curated take on South Asian art, literature, life and news

Photo Essay: Flower Memories & The Language Of Fallen Petals

Priyanka Sacheti

April 22, 2015

Literature , Photos

It is spring in Delhi.

I see a tree top feathered with pink flowers from my window; the other day, a rain-storm neatly plucked the flowers from the tree and scattered them all across the street. When I picked up one of them, I observed that the pink petals were actually more lilac-hued; one petal was covered with warm violet markings, as if a child had absently decided to wrought Magic Marker art upon it.

Another tree outside my apartment has sprouted fat, flamboyant orange and red flowers; I see crows snacking upon its buds in the mornings. These trees are the tallest and most majestic of them all; they also happened to be the first to begin blooming. In fact, I first saw their flowers fallen on the green grass, rather than on the branches. Afterward, the earth below those trees would become so densely carpeted with the blood-red flowers that it was almost as if a flower massacre had taken place.

I have to admit that I only became so interested in the business of blooming trees after I moved to Pittsburgh from Oman two winters ago. There’s something about being transplanted in a new country which compels you to be minutely aware of both its cultural and physical ecosystems: in case of the latter, its landscape, flora and fauna, and the visible, tangible transition of seasons. As I began to adapt to my new home, the trees outside my apartment balcony were my personal markers of the changing seasons; I first saw them winter-bare and snow-adorned before budding and eventually bearing leaves, flower, and fruit.

The other day, a Pittsburgh friend wrote to me, mentioning it was a lovely spring morning. I could easily conjure up the scene: the air’s promising, scented warmth, the tulips poking their heads through the soil, unmelting snowflakes of cherry blossom limning branches — and a magnolia-filled tree blooming in a churchyard. Before coming to the States, I had rarely seen magnolias; I made it a point to find out their name upon discovering this beautiful bloom. I wanted to populate the landscape I now called home with familiar faces, rather than faceless ones — and that included the foliage which grew and bloomed around me.

Watching the pink-lilac flower tree, I find myself thinking of the magnolias I glimpsed in Boston one spring afternoon last year.

I was eager to visit the city where so many beginnings and histories nested, in the country to which I would shortly be bidding adieu. I took the T to downtown one afternoon. In addition to experiencing the city’s elegant, history-drenched prettiness, I also yearned to see the sea, which I terribly missed in Pittsburgh after years of having lived in a sea-country, Oman.

I examined a map-imprinted signboard on the top of Beacon Hill and figured out the direction I would need to walk in order to meet the sea. However, although proud of my map sense, that day I failed to realize that I was heading away from the sea and towards the river. I was completely unaware walking past the stately, beautifully proportioned homes, richly anticipating the sea with each step.

After a while, I paused and gazed into the distance; the street appeared seemingly endless while the sea was nowhere in sight. I asked a passerby for directions.

“You are by the river,” he said kindly. “You are a long way from the sea.”

Lost & Found

I eventually found myself on the river bank, unable to summon up the energy to walk all the way back to the sea. I sat on a stone bench beneath a kind weeping tree and watched the sunbeams dance on the river surface. I took out a book of Marquez short stories that I had brought along with me; I stopped reading after only a few paragraphs and examined the stone-colored waters lapping the bank’s edges.

I was lost.

Yet, I knew it was much more than just losing my physical bearings; I felt a strong sense of displacement, as if I had fallen off a grid and did not know how to put myself back in or — where. I began to wonder if the feeling had to do with the truth that I had been playing dodge-ball with all this time: I would eventually find myself in yet another new country, a country which was officially my home but felt nothing like it.

I had endlessly discussed the transition with my husband, family, friends…I had even written about it, thinking words would be the best ships with which to navigate the sea of confusion and fear churning inside my head. This afternoon, though, as I watched the river slowly inch its way towards the sea, it was as if I clearly saw the move and its solid implications for the first time, rather than the abstractions I had been drowning in all this time.

I started walking back to the T — and it was then I encountered the avenue of magnolia trees in full, thick, unbearably beautiful bloom. It was as if I had stumbled upon a river of magnolia blossom: creamy pink, pale yellow, almost white, almost red. Petals constantly drizzled down upon the brick ground. They were entirely another entity altogether up on the trees; here, scattered, broken, they formed the hieroglyphics of an arcane nature language. I did not attempt to translate. I simply soaked in their beauty, consoled in a way that only nature was capable of doing.

When I stood up, a fat butter-yellow petal detached itself it from a branch, whirling around in sunshine before resting on my shoulder. I opened the Marquez and placed the petal upon a bed of words. Many days later, when I opened the book, the petal was tea-brown — but in my eyes, it remained freshly yellow, a postcard from a day when flowers had gifted me with respite and hope amidst a sea of lost-ness.

I have been living in Delhi for almost five months now. I am only just beginning to understand its languages; some days, I speak it somewhat fluently, even enjoying doing so. Some days, it metamorphoses into Greek, and I long for the comfort of familiar tongues. I wake up feeling homesick, not knowing if it is the seas of Oman that I yearn for or Pittsburgh’s summer-green woods. However, once again, as in America, I find myself watching the trees outside my apartment.

I learn that the fat red flowers belong to the silk cotton tree and the pink-lilac one is kachnar, a type of an orchid. I become familiar with their blooms, watching them fall in the air before eventually gracing the ground with their presence.

No matter where I journey, despite the multiple lands I call home in my lifetime and all the different languages and landscapes I must learn to speak and inhabit — nature and its quiet rhythms will always be teacher, guide, and friend.

The fallen flower that I find goes inside a book too — and it will also become a memory of my new home, just like the magnolia petal from Boston represented a home from my yesterday.

We carry the chapters of homes and the passages in between as flower memories inside the books of our lives.

Photos and text by Priyanka Sacheti, an independent cultural writer living in Delhi. Her work has been featured in Gulf News, Khaleejesque, and Brownbook. When she’s not busy working on a collection of short stories or  Instagramming , she blogs at  I Am Just a Visual Person  and  Photo Kahanis . She tweets at  @priyankasacheti .

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Flowers or Fruit

Essay 422 • jan 9th 2020.

• by Jason Travis

Ever since I first picked up a camera, it’s always been about connection. The more personal my work gets, the more I dig deeper for meaningful connections.

I’ve always loved creating themes, searching for big ideas. Sometimes they’re easy to find, other times it's a process. But experimentation is always a part of it. That’s how I keep everything fresh, exciting, and unknown.

This shoot—which happened in three parts—is an extension of my last two photo essays, which focused on utilizing my surroundings. I love creating a range with my subjects, and this was no exception. Abigail brought a playful enthusiasm everywhere we went.

I’m honored to be The Photographic Journal’s photographer-in-residence for 2020. Here's to the journey ahead.

Jason Travis  is a photographer, designer, illustrator, and musician based in Los Angeles. His work has been featured by CNN, USA Today, Gizmodo, BuzzFeed, BOOOOOOOM, and many more. He’s allergic to cats, carrots, and will forever love the 90s. He is currently TPJ’s Photographer-in-Residence. Website  |  Instagram

Model: Abigail VanSteenberghe Style Teammate: Bliss Katherine

Check out Jason’s other TPJ photo essays: Suburban Youth Lull Mind Glow Alliance Vanished Spirits Paradigm Sye Grlswirl Somewhere Ellissa & Harry Alley Cat

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Happiness Is To Hold Flowers In Both Hands* – a photo essay

We live in challenging times. Most of us can’t spend time with family, some of us can’t even go out, many are struggling financially. It’s tough. Much of our “normal” life has been stripped away due to the pandemic. Vaccines are coming but it is still likely to be a long time before there is again any semblance of normal.

And anyway, for many of us it’s the dead of winter. In Vancouver we have it easy compared to the rest of Canada. It’s “only” 1C/real feel 0C with snow flurries today. Everywhere else is in the grip of an Arctic front with temperatures as low as -41C. Brrrrr

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68 thoughts on “ Happiness Is To Hold Flowers In Both Hands* – a photo essay ”

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Glorious Alison!

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Thanks Cindy xo

Stunning photos, Alison! Favourites include those soft pink tulips and the rosebuds 🙂 🙂

Thanks so much Jo. Those pink tulips were amazing and a Covid gift. We live close to a golf course that has a perimeter forest trail around it. For a few weeks last spring in trying to give everyone lots of outdoor space they made the trail one-way and for runners only, closed the golf course, and let everyone walk there. As a result for the first time ever we walked around the back of the clubhouse and found this beautiful garden. It’s much much bigger than the photo shows – a long wide sweeping bed, and in the spring absolutely filled with flowers. I was bowled over by it. You can be sure that this spring I’ll be wandering around to the back of the clubhouse to see what they plant this year. A thing of beauty close to home. Alison

Beautiful. A great way to brighten up a really cold day here in Denver. Need my long underwear to go for a walk!

Thank you so much. I’m glad it brightened your day. Even here in Van I’ve been needing my long underwear to go for a walk for the past week, and lots of snow today. Alison

Ta, Alison: beautiful pictures and cool quotes.

Thanks Keith, glad you enjoyed it. A.

You just me very happy.

Oh good! That was the plan! Alison xo

Thank you for this gift of color and warmth. It’s way below freezing where I am now. The quotes are delightful too. 🙂

My pleasure. I was hoping people would like it. Flowers are so magical, and I’m a bit tired of winter this year. We’re barely above freezing. The snow has finally turned to rain. Lots of slush to negotiate now. Alison

Thank you! Delightful post!

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. A.

A lovely soothing bouquet….thanks

Thanks so much Indra. Can’t let a good flower photo go to waste! Alison

Agree with you

What a gorgeous way to start a Saturday morning. Thank you!

Thank you so much Jadi. I’m glad I brightened up your Saturday morning. Alison

How gorgeous. And such beautiful quotes! Heartwarming in a Siberian week in the Netherlands.Thank you, Alison.

Thank you, and you’re welcome! It was a fun post to put together. Hard not to enjoy such beauty. A Siberian week here too. It’s been a couple of days of snow that’s finally turned to rain. Alison xo

A perfect post for the Spring Festival a.k.a Lunar New Year 🙂 They all look gorgeous!

Thanks so much Len. It *is* perfect for LNY isn’t it! Flowers are so magical. I never tire of photographing them. Alison

Same here. I have a folder full of flower photos 🙂

Those are such beautifully photographed flowers! The quotes are awesome too! I needed a hit of something flowery and green. I haven’t seen anything green since I did my layover in Vancouver back in October!

Thank you so much winterose. Flowers always lift the spirits. I remember when I lived in the far north and we’d see nothing green for about 6-7 months of the year. At least here in Van there are ferns, holly, ivy, moss, lawns – some green year round. It helps. Don’t worry – spring will come! Alison

That’s good to know. And yes, I am waiting for spring, or I will get a potted plant

Hi just looked at your cook island sector, brought back lots memories Of our visit in 2012 as we had done all the things you had except the climb. Will have to get our movies out again! Wanted to ask where you stayed in Rarotonga? We stayed in self cater bungalow right on the muri beach, lovely position. Travel this year and last has been non existent for us, three lots trips cancelled so far. We can’t even leave u.k. let’s hope things improve soon. Regards. Jean

Hi Jean. Our stay in Rarotonga was so long ago that I’m sorry I have no clue where we stayed other than it was that little house on stilts on the beach in the photo that I mentioned. Travel has been non-existent for us too since we arrived back in Canada in March. We’re really hoping to get to Oz for Christmas. So sorry you had to cancel all those trips 😦 Alison

There’s something magical about flowers — they’re truly among the most beautiful things on Earth. If you think of it, reproductive organs in the animal kingdom don’t vary that much. But in the plant kingdom, there’s no limit. Many are big and flashy, others have evolved to only attract specific pollinators, some have outright weird shapes.

I agree – flowers are so magical. There’s nothing compares really, except maybe some exotic birds. And, as you say, there’s so much variety. I never tire of them, or of photographing them. Alison

Glorious! Makes me yearn for spring! The opening photo and the tulips on the hill are particularly gorgeous. Thank you for uplifting us all with these colorful little miracles!

Thanks so much Kelly. I too yearn for spring. Never so much as this year because we’re usually off to Montreal for 2 weeks for Christmas, and then usually off to somewhere warm for Feb/Mar and of course none of that happened this year. I’ve never been so conscious of watching the lengthening of days. As for the flower bed it was absolutely glorious and a Covid gift – see story in my reply to Jo. Alison

I agree! I’ve never looked so forward to the time changing! Usually, I’m sad to see the end of winter but not this year. Less than a month to go! Will check out your reply to Jo. Thanks!

It looks like I decided to open this post on just the right day! Here in the foothills of the Rockies in Colorado, it has been well below zero for days now, and the lack of color has grown wearisome. Meanwhile, at home in Texas, my poor husband and dog are freezing amid a long power outage that may go on for days. I wish I could send this warmth and cheer to him as well, but he has no power to even get online! Thanks for the spot of spring … may it arrive for real very soon!

I’m glad it cheered you up a bit Lexie. I know that well below freezing weather, and the lack of green having lived in the far north for years – it can get a bit dispiriting come Feb/Mar. Hang in there – spring will come. And your poor husband! I hear there’s even snow in Texas! I hope he can at least make a little fire for warmth. I hope he gets power soon! Alison

You have definitely brought cheer Alison. I was dismayed this morning to wake up to the grim half rain/half snow mix. Thanks for bringing in colour and sunshine. What is that exquisite flower (right after the quote “a world of grief and pain…”) with the blue centre and pink/purple petals?

Thanks so much Caroline. Flowers are always so cheerful. And miraculous. We have fresh ones at home most of the time and I look at them every day trying to fathom them and never can. At least now the snow has gone. I’ll be hiking in the slush that’s left today. As for the flower you asked about I don’t know what it is 😦 Alison

Fabulous pictures of flowers. They certainly brighten up one’s day. Thanks!

Thanks so much Darlene. So happy they brightened your day! Alison

Kojuko yakakira very natural and attractive flowers.

Thank you so much. Alison

I love it Alison. Many old friends and some attractive new strangers. 🙂 –Curt

Thanks so much Curt. I’m glad I was able to show you some new ones (even if I don’t know their names). Always nice to meet attractive strangers 🙂 Alison

Amazing. Such diversity and extravagance on such low budgets: a little sun, a little soil, a little water… and a few billion years I guess. haha. These are truly amazing beings! And the quotes you found were great too. I loved “The earth laughs in flowers,” and of course, “…the only true protest is beauty.” So true. Beauty truly beheld stops us dead. It’s like the ultimate mental-emotional palette cleanser.

Oh yes indeed, they are truly amazing beings. We have fresh flowers in the house all the time now (a covid indulgence) and I talk to them. Just looking at their glorious beingness fills me with joy and I tell them so. I love your description of beauty as the ultimate mental-emotional palette cleanser. Perfect! Alison

It’s almost too much, all that light and color! But I’ll take it. 🙂 What I love the most about all of these is the bright, cheerful feeling they impart. It makes me think of your penchant for fun clothes and your love of India. 🙂

Thanks so much Lynn. Glad it didn’t completely overpower you 🙂 Cheerful is what I was hoping for, and yes, I’m sure there *is* a direct connection with my love of India and fun clothes. Bright colours always make me happy. Alison

Love the post..You got a new follower

Thanks so much! Alison

You are right, we need more flowers in our lives. So glad to see the daffodils coming up now the snow has melted here in The Netherlands.

We also have daffs now, and the snow gone tho that could return at any time brrr. I’m tired of winter this year; usually we’ve fled to somewhere warm by now, so I figured we all needed cheering up a little. Alison

These photos are stunning and truly brightened my day in the dead of winter! (It’s -12 C here!)

Thank you so much. I’m so happy to hear they brightened things up a little for you. Chilly here, but not down to -12! Stay warm. Alison

I am so envious that very soon you will have spring blooms in Vancouver. I have many fond memories of visiting in March and finding the city in bloom. We may still be having snowstorms in Toronto! The sunshine brings out such beautiful colours and that always makes me smile. Linda. (LD Holland)

I’m also looking forward to warmer days and sunshine again, even tho we’ll likely get it sooner than you will. The snowdrops are out, and saw the very first crocuses yesterday. Can’t wait for summer! Sunshine always makes me smile too. Alison

You we’ll come sir

Aaah, that was delightful. Just coming out of the Arctic Freeze here in Oklahoma, and I cannot WAIT for spring. Your photos are colorful, joyful, vibrant. C’mon, spring!!

Thank you so much Felicity. I was hoping to spread a little joy! And yes, I agree – bring on the spring! Alison

Thanks so much for this lovely post, Alison. I feel like I’ve taken a quick vacation away to a world of intense color, beauty, and peace!

Thank you, and you’re welcome! I’m so happy it made you feel like you had a little vacation. What a lovely thought. Alison

Nice collection of flowers…

Thank you. Alison

Pleasure all mine

As it is said of flowers to be the friend of people. Me as a person I love flowers. With this wonderful and beautiful flowers it really gives me a colourful day today. Coz it really caught up my day

Like Liked by 2 people

Thank you so much. I’m so happy to hear my flowers brightened your day. I just love them. And now that it’s spring here they are everywhere in every colour! So much beauty. Alison

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The Refresh – Writing to refresh your mind and spirit

Photo essay: Garden inspiration

July 18, 2019 the refresh.

By Faith Pineo

Enjoy these colorful blooms captured by the photographer who brought us this gorgeous essay on the language of flowers, and get some inspiration for your current or future garden!

At her home in rural Maine, Faith Pineo can often be found puttering outside amongst the flowers and wildlife. She tends to talk with chipmunks and birds far more often than is likely good for her, but nevertheless finds them to be excellent conversationalists.

Essay On Flowers – The Beauty and Significance of Flowers

Flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also play a crucial role in the environment and our daily lives. This essay explores the types of flowers, their significance, and their impact on human emotions and culture.

Essay About Flowers – A Celebration of Nature’s Colorful Creations

Introduction

Flowers are some of the most beautiful and colorful creations in nature. They come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, and are used for a variety of purposes, including decoration, medicine, and food. In this essay, we will explore the types of flowers, their significance, and their impact on human emotions and culture .

Types of Flowers

There are over 400,000 species of flowering plants, making them the largest group of plants on earth. Some of the most common types of flowers include:

• Roses – a symbol of love and romance
• Daisies – a symbol of innocence and purity
• Sunflowers – a symbol of happiness and joy
• Tulips – a symbol of new beginnings and spring
• Orchids – a symbol of beauty and elegance

Significance of Flowers

Flowers play a crucial role in the environment and our daily lives. They are important for pollination and help to maintain the balance of ecosystems. Flowers are also used for medicinal purposes, with many traditional medicines derived from plant extracts. Additionally, flowers have cultural significance, with different types of flowers symbolizing different emotions and occasions.

Impact on Human Emotions and Culture

Flowers have a profound impact on human emotions and culture. They are often used to express feelings of love, gratitude, sympathy, and celebration. The use of flowers in art, literature, and poetry has also been prevalent throughout history, showcasing the enduring beauty and significance of flowers in human culture.

Flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also play a crucial role in the environment and our daily lives. Understanding the types of flowers, their significance, and their impact on human emotions and culture can help us appreciate and preserve the beauty and importance of these colorful creations in nature. As we continue to study and celebrate the world of flowers, we can also work towards better conservation efforts to protect and sustain their many benefits for future generations.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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How to Create a Photo Essay in 9 Steps (with Examples)

Photo Editing & Creativity , Tutorials

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we fully support or use ourselves.  Our full disclaimer

What is a photo essay?

• Photo essays vs photo stories
• How photo essays help you
• 9 Steps to create photo essays

How to share your photo essays

Read Time: 11 minutes

Gather up a handful of images that seem to go together, and voila! It’s a photo essay, right? Well… no. Though, this is a common misconception.

In reality, a photo essay is much more thoughtful and structured than that. When you take the time to craft one, you’re using skills from all facets of our craft – from composition to curation.

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes a photo essay an amazing project that stretches your skills. You’ll also learn exactly how to make one step by step.

• Photo essay vs photo story

A photo essay is a collection of images based around a theme, a topic, a creative approach, or an exploration of an idea. Photo essays balance visual variety with a cohesive style and concept.

What’s the difference between a photo essay and a photo story?

The terms photo essay and photo story are often used interchangeably. Even the dictionary definition of “photo essay” includes using images to convey either a theme or a story.

But in my experience, a photo essay and a photo story are two different things. As you delve into the field of visual storytelling, distinguishing between the two helps you to take a purposeful approach to what you’re making .

The differences ultimately lie in the distinctions between theme, topic and story.

Themes are big-picture concepts. Example: Wildness

Topics are more specific than themes, but still overarching. Example : Wild bears of Yellowstone National Park

Stories are specific instances or experiences that happen within, or provide an example for, a topic or theme. Example: A certain wild bear became habituated to tourists and was relocated to maintain its wildness

Unlike a theme or topic, a story has particular elements that make it a story. They include leading characters, a setting, a narrative arc, conflict, and (usually) resolution.

With that in mind, we can distingush between a photo essay and a photo story.

Themes and Topics vs Stories

A photo essay revolves around a topic, theme, idea, or concept. It visually explores a big-picture something .

This allows a good deal of artistic leeway where a photographer can express their vision, philosophies, opinions, or artistic expression as they create their images.

A photo story  is a portfolio of images that illustrate – you guessed it – a story.

Because of this, there are distinct types of images that a photo story uses that add to the understanding, insight, clarity and meaning to the story for viewers. While they can certainly be artistically crafted and visually stunning, photo stories document something happening, and rely on visual variety for capturing the full experience.

A photo essay doesn’t need to have the same level of structured variety that a photo story requires. It can have images that overlap or are similar, as they each explore various aspects of a theme.

Photo essays can be about any topic. If you live in a city, consider using your nature photography to make an essay about the wildlife that lives in your neighborhood . 

The role of text with photos

A photo story typically runs alongside text that narrates the story. We’re a visual species, and the images help us feel like we are there, experiencing what’s happening. So, the images add significant power to the text, but they’re often a partner to it.

This isn’t always the case, of course. Sometimes photo stories don’t need or use text. It’s like reading a graphic novel that doesn’t use text. Moving through the different images that build on each other ultimately unveils the narrative.

Photo essays don’t need to rely on text to illuminate the images’ theme or topic. The photographer may use captions (or even a text essay), or they may let the images speak for themselves.

Definitions are helpful guidelines (not strict rules)

Some people categorize photo essays as either narrative or thematic. That’s essentially just calling photo stories “narrative photo essays” and photo essays “thematic photo essays.”

But, a story is a defined thing, and any writer/editor will tell you themes and topics are not the same as stories. And we use the word “story” in our daily lives as it’s defined. So, it makes far more sense to name the difference between a photo essay and a photo story, and bask in the same clarity writers enjoy .

Photo stories illustrate a particular experience, event, narrative, something that happened or is happening.

Photo essays explore an idea, concept, topic, theme, creative approach, big-picture something .

Both photo essays and photo stories are immensely powerful visual tools. And yes, the differences between them can certainly be blurred, as is always the case with art.

Simply use this distinction as a general guideline, providing extra clarity around what you’re making and why you’re making it.

To dig into specific types of images used to create powerful photo stories, check out this training: 6 Must-Have Shots for a Photo Story. 

Meanwhile, let’s dig deeper into photo essays.

Capturing amazing wildlife photos requires not only passion and skill but also the right equipment.

This guide breaks down the best options so you can find the perfect camera for your specific needs , whether you're a beginner or pro.

Photo essays are a chance to try new styles or techniques that stretch your skills and creativity. This image was part of an essay exploring simplicity and shape, and helped me learn new skills in black and white post-processing.

How photo essays improve your photography

Creating photo essays is an amazing antidote if you’ve ever felt a lack of direction or purpose in your photography. Photo essays help build your photographic skills in at least 3 important ways.

1. You become more strategic in creating a body of work

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of photographing whatever pops up in front of you. And when you do, you end up with a collection of stand-alone shots.

These singles may work fine as a print, a quick Instagram post, or an addition to your gallery of shots on your website. But amassing a bunch of one-off shots limits your opportunities as a photographer for everything from exhibits to getting your work published.

Building photo essays pushes you to think strategically about what you photograph, why, and how. You’re working toward a particular deliverable – a cohesive visual essay – with the images you create.

This elevates your skills in crafting your photo essay, and in how you curate the rest of your work, from galleries on your website to selecting images to sell as prints .

2. You become more purposeful in your composition skills

Composition is so much more than just following the rule of thirds, golden spirals, or thinking about the angle of light in a shot.

Composition is also about thinking ahead in what you’re trying to accomplish with a photograph – from what you’re saying through it to its emotional impact on a viewer – and where it fits within a larger body of work.

Photo essays push you to think critically about each shot – from coming up with fresh compositions for familiar subjects, to devising surprising compositions to fit within a collection, to creating compositions that expand on what’s already in a photo essay.

You’re pushed beyond creating a single pleasing frame, which leads you to shoot more thoughtfully and proactively than ever.

(Here’s a podcast episode on switching from reactive shooting to proactive shooting .)

3. You develop strong editing and curation skills

Selecting which images stay, and which get left behind is one of the hardest jobs on a photographer’s to-do list. Mostly, it’s because of emotional attachment.

You might think it’s an amazing shot because you know the effort that went into capturing it. Or perhaps when you look at it, you get a twinge of the joy or exhilaration you felt the moment you captured it. There’s also the second-guessing that goes into which of two similar images is the best – which will people like more? So you’re tempted to just show both.

Ultimately, great photographers appear all the more skilled because they only show their best work. That in and of itself is a skill they’ve developed through years of ruthlessly editing their own work.

Because the most powerful photo essays only show a handful of extraordinary images, you’re bound to develop the very same critical skill (and look all the more talented because of it).

Photo essays are also a great stepping stone to creating photo stories. If you’re interested in moving beyond stand-alone shots and building stories, shooting photo essays will get your creative brain limbered up and ready for the adventure of photo stories.

A photo essay exploring the natural history of a favorite species is an exciting opportunity for an in-depth study. For me, that was a photo essay on emotive images of the American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) as it hunts in streams. 

9 Simple steps to create your photo essays

1. clarify your theme.

Choose a theme, topic, or concept you want to explore. Spend some time getting crystal clear on what you want to focus on. It helps to write out a few sentences, or even a few paragraphs noting:

• What you want the essay to be about
• What kinds of images you want to create as part of it
• How you’ll photograph the images
• The style, techniques, or gear you might use to create your images
• What “success” looks like when you’re done with your photo essay

You don’t have to stick to what you write down, of course. It can change during the image creation process. But fleshing your idea out on paper goes a long way in clarifying your photo essay theme and how you’ll go about creating it.

2. Create your images

Grab your camera and head outside!

As you’re photographing your essay, allow yourself some freedom to experiment. Try unusual compositions or techniques that are new to you.

Stretch your style a little, or “try on” the style of other photographers you admire who have photographed similar subjects.

Photo essays are wonderful opportunities to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and grow as a photographer .

Remember that a photo essay is a visually cohesive collection of images that make sense together. So, while you might stretch yourself into new terrain as you shoot, try to keep that approach, style, or strategy consistent.

Don’t be afraid to create lots of images. It’s great to have lots to choose from in the editing process, which comes up next.

3. Pull together your wide edit

Once you’ve created your images, pull together all the images that might make the cut. This could be as many as 40-60 images. Include anything you want to consider for the final essay in the wide edit.

From here, start weeding out images that:

• are weaker in composition or subject matter
• stand out like a sore thumb from the rest of the collection
• Are similar to other stronger images in the collection

It’s helpful to review the images at thumbnail size. You make more instinctive decisions and can more easily see the body of work as a whole. If an image is strong even at thumbnail size to stand out from similar frames while also partnering well with other images in the collection, that’s a good sign it’s strong enough for the essay.

4. Post-process your images for a cohesive look

Now it’s time to post-process the images. Use whatever editing software you’re comfortable with to polish your images.

Again, a photo essay has a cohesive visual look. If you use presets, filters, or other tools, use them across all the images.

5. Finalize your selection

It’s time to make the tough decisions. Select only the strongest for your photo essay from your group of images.

Each image should be strong enough to stand on its own and make sense as part of the whole group.

Many photo essays range from 8-12 images. But of course, it varies based on the essay. The number of images you have in your final photo essay is up to you.

Remember, less is more. A photo essay is most powerful when each image deserves to be included.

6. Put your images in a purposeful order

Create a visual flow with your images. Decide which image is first, and build from there. Use compositions, colors, and subject matter to decide which image goes next, then next, then next in the order.

Think of it like music: notes are arranged in a way that builds energy, or slows it down, surprise listeners with a new refrain, or drop into a familiar chorus. How the notes are ordered creates emotional arcs for listeners.

How you order your images is similar.

Think of the experience a viewer will have as they look at one image, then the next, and the next. Order your images so they create the experience you want your audience to have.

7. Get feedback

The best photographers make space for feedback, even when it’s tough to hear. Your work benefits from not just hearing feedback, but listening to it and applying what you learn from it.

Show your photo essay to people who have different sensibilities or tastes. Friends, family members, fellow photographers – anyone you trust to give you honest feedback.

Watch their reactions and hear what they say about what they’re seeing. Use their feedback to guide you in the next step.

8. Refine, revise, and finalize

Let your photo essay marinate for a little while. Take a day or two away from it. Then use your freshened eyes and the feedback you received from the previous step to refine your essay.

Swap out any selects you might want to change and reorder the images if needed.

9. Add captions

Even if you don’t plan on displaying captions with your images, captioning your images is a great practice to get into. It gives context, story, and important information to each image. And, more than likely, you will want to use these captions at some point when you share your photo essay, which we dive into later in this article.

Add captions to the image files using Lightroom, Bridge, or other software programs.

Create a document, such as a Google or Word doc, with captions for each image.

In your captions, share a bit about the story behind the image, or the creation process. Add whatever makes sense to share that provides a greater understanding of the image and its purpose.

Photo essays allow you to explore deliberate style choices, such as a focus on shapes, patterns, textures, and lines. Since each photo is part of a larger essay, it encourages you to be bold with choices you might not otherwise make. 

5 Examples of amazing nature photo essays

1. “how the water shapes us” from the nature conservancy.

This gorgeous essay, crafted with the work of multiple photographers, explores the people and places within the Mississippi River basin. Through the images, we gain a sense of how the water influences life from the headwater all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Notice how each photographer is tasked with the same theme, yet approaches it with their own distinct style and vision. It is a wonderful example of the sheer level of visual variety you can have while maintaining a consistent style or theme.

View it here

2. “A Cyclist on the English Landscape” from New York Times’ The World Through A Lens series

This photo essay is a series of self-portraits by travel photographer Roff Smith while “stuck” at home during the pandemic. As he peddled the roads making portraits, the project evolved into a “celebration of traveling at home”. It’s a great example of how visually consistent you can be inside a theme while making each image completely unique.

3. “Vermont, Dressed In Snow” from New York Times’ The World Through A Lens series

This essay by aerial photographer Caleb Kenna uses a very common photo essay theme: snow. Because all images are aerial photographs, there’s a consistency to them. Yet, the compositions are utterly unique from one another. It’s a great example of keeping viewers surprised as they move from one image to the next while still maintaining a clear focus on the theme.

4. “Starling-Studded Skies” from bioGraphic Magazine

This beautiful essay is by Kathryn Cooper, a physicist trained in bioinformatics, and a talented photographer. She used a 19th century photographic technique, chronophotography, to create images that give us a look at the art and science of starling murmurations. She states: “I’m interested in the transient moments when chaos briefly changes to order, and thousands of individual bodies appear to move as one.” This essay is a great example of deep exploration of a concept using a specific photographic technique.

View it here   (Note: must be viewed on desktop)

5. “These Scrappy Photos Capture the Action-Packed World Beneath a Bird Feeder” from Audubon Magazine

This photo essay from conservation photographer Carla Rhodes explores the wildlife that takes advantage of the bounty of food waiting under bird feeders . Using remote camera photography , Rhodes gives viewers a unique ground-level perspective and captures moments that make us feel like we’re in conversation with friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. This essay is a great example of how perspective, personality, and chance can all come into play as you explore both an idea and a technique.

25 Ideas for creative photo essays you can make

The possibilities for photo essays are truly endless – from the concepts you explore to the techniques you use and styles you apply.

Choose an idea, hone your unique perspective on it, then start applying the 9 simple steps from above. 

• The life of a plant or animal (your favorite species, a species living in your yard, etc)
• The many shapes of a single species (a tree species, a bird species, etc)
• How a place changes over time
• The various moods of a place
• A conservation issue you care about
• Math in nature
• Urban nature
• Seasonal changes
• Your yard as a space for nature
• Shifting climate and its impacts
• Human impacts on environments
• Elements: Water, wind, fire, earth
• Day in the life (of a person, a place, a stream, a tree…)
• Outdoor recreation (birding, kayaking, hiking, naturalist journaling…)
• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Lunar cycles
• Sunlight and shadows
• Your local watershed
• Coexistence

As you zero in on a photo essay theme, consider two things: what most excites you about an idea, and what about it pushes you out of your comfort zone. The heady mix of joy and challenge will ensure you stick with it. 

Your photo essay is ready for the world! Decide how you’d like to make an impact with your work. You might use one or several of the options below.

1. Share it on your website

Create a gallery or a scrollytelling page on your website. This is a great way to drive traffic to your website where people can peruse your photo essay and the rest of the photography you have.

Putting it on your website and optimizing your images for SEO helps you build organic traffic and potentially be discovered by a broader audience, including photo editors.

2. Create a scrollytelling web page

If you enjoy the experience of immersive visual experiences, consider making one using your essay. And no, you don’t have to be a whiz at code to make it happen.

Shorthand helps you build web pages with scrollytelling techniques that make a big impression on viewers. Their free plan allows you to publish 3 essays or stories.

3. Create a Medium post

If you don’t have a website and want to keep things simple, a post on Medium is a great option.

Though it’s known for being a platform for bloggers, it’s also possible to add images to a post for a simple scroll.

And, because readers can discover and share posts, it’s a good place for your photos to get the attention of people who might not otherwise come across it.

4. Share it on Instagram

Instagram has changed a lot over the last couple of years, but it’s still a place for photographers to share their work thoughtfully.

There are at least 3 great ways to share your photo essay on the platform.

– Create a single post for each image. Add a caption. Publish one post per day until the full essay is on your feed. Share each post via Instagram Stories to bring more attention and interaction to your photo essay.

– Create a carousel post. You can add up 10 photos to a carousel post, so you may need to create two of them for your full photo essay. Or you might create a series of carousel posts using 3-4 images in each.

– Create a Reel featuring your images as a video.  The algorithm heavily favors reels, so turning your photo essay into a video experience can get it out to a larger audience.

I ran a “create a reel” challenge in my membership community. One member created a reel with her still images around a serious conservation issue. It gathered a ton of attention and landed her opportunities to share her message through YouTube and podcast interviews and publishing opportunities. Watch it here.

5. Exhibit it locally

Reach out to local galleries, cafes, pubs, or even the public library to see if they’re interested in hanging your photo essay for display. Many local businesses and organizations happily support the work of local artists.

6. Pitch your photo essay to publications

One of the best ways to reach an audience with your work is to get it published. Find publications that are a great fit for the theme and style of your photo essay, then pitch your essay for consideration. You gain a fantastic opportunity to share your work widely and can earn a paycheck at the same time.

Remember that if you want to get your photo essay published, you may want to hold back from sharing it publicly before you pitch it to publications.

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How to Create an Engaging Photo Essay (with Examples)

Photo essays tell a story in pictures. They're a great way to improve at photography and story-telling skills at once. Learn how to do create a great one.

Learn | Photography Guides | By Ana Mireles

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Photography is a medium used to tell stories – sometimes they are told in one picture, sometimes you need a whole series. Those series can be photo essays.

If you’ve never done a photo essay before, or you’re simply struggling to find your next project, this article will be of help. I’ll be showing you what a photo essay is and how to go about doing one.

You’ll also find plenty of photo essay ideas and some famous photo essay examples from recent times that will serve you as inspiration.

If you’re ready to get started, let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

What is a Photo Essay?

A photo essay is a series of images that share an overarching theme as well as a visual and technical coherence to tell a story. Some people refer to a photo essay as a photo series or a photo story – this often happens in photography competitions.

Photographic history is full of famous photo essays. Think about The Great Depression by Dorothea Lange, Like Brother Like Sister by Wolfgang Tillmans, Gandhi’s funeral by Henri Cartier Bresson, amongst others.

What are the types of photo essay?

Despite popular belief, the type of photo essay doesn’t depend on the type of photography that you do – in other words, journalism, documentary, fine art, or any other photographic genre is not a type of photo essay.

Instead, there are two main types of photo essays: narrative and thematic .

As you have probably already guessed, the thematic one presents images pulled together by a topic – for example, global warming. The images can be about animals and nature as well as natural disasters devastating cities. They can happen all over the world or in the same location, and they can be captured in different moments in time – there’s a lot of flexibility.

A narrative photo essa y, on the other hand, tells the story of a character (human or not), portraying a place or an event. For example, a narrative photo essay on coffee would document the process from the planting and harvesting – to the roasting and grinding until it reaches your morning cup.

What are some of the key elements of a photo essay?

• Tell a unique story – A unique story doesn’t mean that you have to photograph something that nobody has done before – that would be almost impossible! It means that you should consider what you’re bringing to the table on a particular topic.
• Put yourself into the work – One of the best ways to make a compelling photo essay is by adding your point of view, which can only be done with your life experiences and the way you see the world.
• Add depth to the concept – The best photo essays are the ones that go past the obvious and dig deeper in the story, going behind the scenes, or examining a day in the life of the subject matter – that’s what pulls in the spectator.
• Nail the technique – Even if the concept and the story are the most important part of a photo essay, it won’t have the same success if it’s poorly executed.
• Build a structure – A photo essay is about telling a thought-provoking story – so, think about it in a narrative way. Which images are going to introduce the topic? Which ones represent a climax? How is it going to end – how do you want the viewer to feel after seeing your photo series?
• Make strong choices – If you really want to convey an emotion and a unique point of view, you’re going to need to make some hard decisions. Which light are you using? Which lens? How many images will there be in the series? etc., and most importantly for a great photo essay is the why behind those choices.

9 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay

Credit: Laura James

1. Choose something you know

To make a good photo essay, you don’t need to travel to an exotic location or document a civil war – I mean, it’s great if you can, but you can start close to home.

Depending on the type of photography you do and the topic you’re looking for in your photographic essay, you can photograph a local event or visit an abandoned building outside your town.

It will be much easier for you to find a unique perspective and tell a better story if you’re already familiar with the subject. Also, consider that you might have to return a few times to the same location to get all the photos you need.

2. Follow your passion

Most photo essays take dedication and passion. If you choose a subject that might be easy, but you’re not really into it – the results won’t be as exciting. Taking photos will always be easier and more fun if you’re covering something you’re passionate about.

3. Take your time

A great photo essay is not done in a few hours. You need to put in the time to research it, conceptualizing it, editing, etc. That’s why I previously recommended following your passion because it takes a lot of dedication, and if you’re not passionate about it – it’s difficult to push through.

4. Write a summary or statement

Photo essays are always accompanied by some text. You can do this in the form of an introduction, write captions for each photo or write it as a conclusion. That’s up to you and how you want to present the work.

5. Learn from the masters

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Making a photographic essay takes a lot of practice and knowledge. A great way to become a better photographer and improve your storytelling skills is by studying the work of others. You can go to art shows, review books and magazines and look at the winners in photo contests – most of the time, there’s a category for photo series.

6. Get a wide variety of photos

Think about a story – a literary one. It usually tells you where the story is happening, who is the main character, and it gives you a few details to make you engage with it, right?

The same thing happens with a visual story in a photo essay – you can do some wide-angle shots to establish the scenes and some close-ups to show the details. Make a shot list to ensure you cover all the different angles.

Some of your pictures should guide the viewer in, while others are more climatic and regard the experience they are taking out of your photos.

7. Follow a consistent look

Both in style and aesthetics, all the images in your series need to be coherent. You can achieve this in different ways, from the choice of lighting, the mood, the post-processing, etc.

8. Be self-critical

Once you have all the photos, make sure you edit them with a good dose of self-criticism. Not all the pictures that you took belong in the photo essay. Choose only the best ones and make sure they tell the full story.

9. Ask for constructive feedback

Often, when we’re working on a photo essay project for a long time, everything makes perfect sense in our heads. However, someone outside the project might not be getting the idea. It’s important that you get honest and constructive criticism to improve your photography.

How to Create a Photo Essay in 5 Steps

Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh

1. Choose your topic

This is the first step that you need to take to decide if your photo essay is going to be narrative or thematic. Then, choose what is it going to be about?

Ideally, it should be something that you’re interested in, that you have something to say about it, and it can connect with other people.

2. Research your topic

To tell a good story about something, you need to be familiar with that something. This is especially true when you want to go deeper and make a compelling photo essay. Day in the life photo essays are a popular choice, since often, these can be performed with friends and family, whom you already should know well.

3. Plan your photoshoot

Depending on what you’re photographing, this step can be very different from one project to the next. For a fine art project, you might need to find a location, props, models, a shot list, etc., while a documentary photo essay is about planning the best time to do the photos, what gear to bring with you, finding a local guide, etc.

Every photo essay will need different planning, so before taking pictures, put in the required time to get things right.

4. Experiment

It’s one thing to plan your photo shoot and having a shot list that you have to get, or else the photo essay won’t be complete. It’s another thing to miss out on some amazing photo opportunities that you couldn’t foresee.

So, be prepared but also stay open-minded and experiment with different settings, different perspectives, etc.

5. Make a final selection

Editing your work can be one of the hardest parts of doing a photo essay. Sometimes we can be overly critical, and others, we get attached to bad photos because we put a lot of effort into them or we had a great time doing them.

Try to be as objective as possible, don’t be afraid to ask for opinions and make various revisions before settling down on a final cut.

7 Photo Essay Topics, Ideas & Examples

Credit: Michelle Leman

• Architectural photo essay

Using architecture as your main subject, there are tons of photo essay ideas that you can do. For some inspiration, you can check out the work of Francisco Marin – who was trained as an architect and then turned to photography to “explore a different way to perceive things”.

You can also lookup Luisa Lambri. Amongst her series, you’ll find many photo essay examples in which architecture is the subject she uses to explore the relationship between photography and space.

• Process and transformation photo essay

This is one of the best photo essay topics for beginners because the story tells itself. Pick something that has a beginning and an end, for example, pregnancy, the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the life-cycle of a plant, etc.

Keep in mind that these topics are linear and give you an easy way into the narrative flow – however, it might be difficult to find an interesting perspective and a unique point of view.

• A day in the life of ‘X’ photo essay

There are tons of interesting photo essay ideas in this category – you can follow around a celebrity, a worker, your child, etc. You don’t even have to do it about a human subject – think about doing a photo essay about a day in the life of a racing horse, for example – find something that’s interesting for you.

• Time passing by photo essay

It can be a natural site or a landmark photo essay – whatever is close to you will work best as you’ll need to come back multiple times to capture time passing by. For example, how this place changes throughout the seasons or maybe even over the years.

A fun option if you live with family is to document a birthday party each year, seeing how the subject changes over time. This can be combined with a transformation essay or sorts, documenting the changes in interpersonal relationships over time.

• Travel photo essay

Do you want to make the jump from tourist snapshots into a travel photo essay? Research the place you’re going to be travelling to. Then, choose a topic.

If you’re having trouble with how to do this, check out any travel magazine – National Geographic, for example. They won’t do a generic article about Texas – they do an article about the beach life on the Texas Gulf Coast and another one about the diverse flavors of Texas.

The more specific you get, the deeper you can go with the story.

• Socio-political issues photo essay

This is one of the most popular photo essay examples – it falls under the category of photojournalism or documental photography. They are usually thematic, although it’s also possible to do a narrative one.

Depending on your topic of interest, you can choose topics that involve nature – for example, document the effects of global warming. Another idea is to photograph protests or make an education photo essay.

It doesn’t have to be a big global issue; you can choose something specific to your community – are there too many stray dogs? Make a photo essay about a local animal shelter. The topics are endless.

• Behind the scenes photo essay

A behind-the-scenes always make for a good photo story – people are curious to know what happens and how everything comes together before a show.

Depending on your own interests, this can be a photo essay about a fashion show, a theatre play, a concert, and so on. You’ll probably need to get some permissions, though, not only to shoot but also to showcase or publish those images.

4 Best Photo Essays in Recent times

Now that you know all the techniques about it, it might be helpful to look at some photo essay examples to see how you can put the concept into practice. Here are some famous photo essays from recent times to give you some inspiration.

Habibi by Antonio Faccilongo

This photo essay wan the World Press Photo Story of the Year in 2021. Faccilongo explores a very big conflict from a very specific and intimate point of view – how the Israeli-Palestinian war affects the families.

He chose to use a square format because it allows him to give order to things and eliminate unnecessary elements in his pictures.

With this long-term photo essay, he wanted to highlight the sense of absence and melancholy women and families feel towards their husbands away at war.

The project then became a book edited by Sarah Leen and the graphics of Ramon Pez.

Picture This: New Orleans by Mary Ellen Mark

The last assignment before her passing, Mary Ellen Mark travelled to New Orleans to register the city after a decade after Hurricane Katrina.

The images of the project “bring to life the rebirth and resilience of the people at the heart of this tale”, – says CNNMoney, commissioner of the work.

Each survivor of the hurricane has a story, and Mary Ellen Mark was there to record it. Some of them have heartbreaking stories about everything they had to leave behind.

Others have a story of hope – like Sam and Ben, two eight-year-olds born from frozen embryos kept in a hospital that lost power supply during the hurricane, yet they managed to survive.

Selfie by Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman is an American photographer whose work is mainly done through self-portraits. With them, she explores the concept of identity, gender stereotypes, as well as visual and cultural codes.

One of her latest photo essays was a collaboration with W Magazine entitled Selfie. In it, the author explores the concept of planned candid photos (‘plandid’).

The work was made for Instagram, as the platform is well known for the conflict between the ‘real self’ and the one people present online. Sherman started using Facetune, Perfect365 and YouCam to alter her appearance on selfies – in Photoshop, you can modify everything, but these apps were designed specifically to “make things prettier”- she says, and that’s what she wants to explore in this photo essay.

Tokyo Compression by Michael Wolf

Michael Wolf has an interest in the broad-gauge topic Life in Cities. From there, many photo essays have been derived – amongst them – Tokyo Compression .

He was horrified by the way people in Tokyo are forced to move to the suburbs because of the high prices of the city. Therefore, they are required to make long commutes facing 1,5 hours of train to start their 8+ hour workday followed by another 1,5 hours to get back home.

To portray this way of life, he photographed the people inside the train pressed against the windows looking exhausted, angry or simply absent due to this way of life.

You can visit his website to see other photo essays that revolve around the topic of life in megacities.

Final Words

It’s not easy to make photo essays, so don’t expect to be great at it right from your first project.

Start off small by choosing a specific subject that’s interesting to you –  that will come from an honest place, and it will be a great practice for some bigger projects along the line.

Whether you like to shoot still life or you’re a travel photographer, I hope these photo essay tips and photo essay examples can help you get started and grow in your photography.

Let us know which topics you are working on right now – we’ll love to hear from you!

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Ana Mireles is a Mexican researcher that specializes in photography and communications for the arts and culture sector.

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Pretty Flowers

I take pictures of flowers, lots and lots of pictures of flowers. I’ve been doing this for many years. The white rose was shot in the late 90’s on 35mm film. Since then any time I see a beautiful blossom, I must shoot.

I love looking for opportunities to take shots of wild flowers, domesticated flowers, random urban flowers, alleyway flowers.

If you want to show me your #prettyflowers, use the hashtag and @johnnagale. I’d love to see your bright, beautiful flowers.

Essay on Flowers

Students are often asked to write an essay on Flowers in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Flowers

Introduction.

Flowers, nature’s beautiful gift, color our world with their stunning hues and enchanting fragrances. They are not just pleasing to the eyes but also play a vital role in our ecosystem.

Types of Flowers

There are countless types of flowers, each unique in color, shape, and size. Some common types include roses, lilies, daisies, and sunflowers. Each has its own significance and symbolism.

The Role of Flowers

Flowers are crucial for pollination, helping plants reproduce. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with their color and scent.

Flowers in Culture

Flowers hold special meanings in different cultures. They are used in ceremonies, for decoration, and even to express emotions.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Flowers

Flowers, the vibrant and diverse offspring of nature, play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve as the reproductive structures of flowering plants, contributing to biodiversity.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Flowers have been symbols of emotions, ideas, and cultural practices across civilizations. They represent love, friendship, sadness, and even death, bridging gaps between human emotions and nature. The lotus in Buddhism symbolizes purity, while red roses are universal tokens of love.

Ecological Importance

Flowers are vital for the survival of many species. They attract pollinators with their scent and color, facilitating the transfer of pollen, thus ensuring the propagation of plant species. This interaction also supports food chains, contributing to overall biodiversity.

Medicinal Value

Flowers like chamomile, lavender, and marigold have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They offer remedies for ailments ranging from insomnia to skin conditions, highlighting their significance in healthcare.

Economic Impact

The floriculture industry contributes significantly to economies worldwide. Flowers are cultivated for decorative purposes, perfumery, and even the food industry. This sector provides employment opportunities and contributes to the GDP of many nations.

Flowers, in their silent beauty, play multiple roles – from being symbols of human emotions to being vital cogs in ecological cycles. Their importance transcends aesthetics, and their study can offer insights into nature’s intricate design, making them a fascinating subject for exploration.

500 Words Essay on Flowers

Flowers, the magnificent creations of nature, play a pivotal role in our ecosystem and human life. They are not just a source of beauty and aesthetic pleasure, but also serve as key elements in pollination, a process vital for the survival of many plant species. This essay delves into the multi-faceted significance of flowers, their symbolism, and their role in various aspects of human life.

Biological Significance of Flowers

Flowers are the reproductive structures of angiosperms, or flowering plants. They contain the male and female reproductive organs, facilitating the process of fertilization. The bright colors, appealing fragrances, and nectar of flowers attract pollinators, such as bees, birds, and butterflies, aiding in the transfer of pollen grains from the male to the female parts. This pollination leads to the production of fruits and seeds, ensuring the continuity of plant species.

Symbolic Importance of Flowers

Flowers hold a deep symbolic significance in various cultures worldwide. They are often associated with emotions, ideas, or events. For instance, roses are universally recognized as symbols of love and passion, while lilies often represent purity and innocence. In literature, flowers are used as metaphors to convey deeper meanings and sentiments, enriching the narrative with their symbolic connotations.

Flowers in Art and Aesthetics

Flowers and human well-being.

Beyond their biological and aesthetic roles, flowers have a profound impact on human well-being. Studies show that the presence of flowers can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive performance. The practice of gardening, often involving the cultivation of flowers, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved mental health and physical fitness.

Environmental Role of Flowers

Flowers contribute significantly to biodiversity by providing food and habitat for a variety of insects and birds. They play a key role in maintaining ecological balance. Moreover, many flowers, such as sunflowers and marigolds, have the ability to absorb harmful pollutants from the soil, aiding in the process of phytoremediation.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Flowers — Flowers: More Than Just Beautiful Blooms

Flowers: More than Just Beautiful Blooms

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Published: Feb 7, 2024

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Extremely Attractive Foliage

A (nearly) complete list of perennials that can be valued for more than just their flowers. The plants in this article have shown exemplary foliage color, variegation, or other unique characteristics that keep them interesting even when not in bloom.

Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'

Attractive smaller-scale groundcover with glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves. Shocking violet blue flowers appear on short spikes in spring. Stays compact without growth regulators.

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'

Tri-colored foliage in shades of creamy-white, rose-burgundy, and dark green. In fall, mature leaves turn deep bronze, and newer growth is a rose tone. Produces short spikes of blue flowers. Evergreen.

Amsonia hubrichtii

A southern native with very narrow, needle-like leaves that line the stems like bottlebrushes. Produces 2-3" clusters of small, light blue, star-shaped flowers. Valued for its golden yellow fall color.

Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'

New stems emerge near-black like a dark rain cloud. Dark green leaves have silver veining and form a wide, mounded habit. Light periwinkle blue, star-shaped flowers cover the plant for many weeks.

Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'

Big Bluestem come into prime earlier than other ornamental grasses. This variety emerges deep green to dark purple and deepens to near black by fall. A foot shorter than ‘Indian Warrior'. One of the very best Big Bluestem from hybridizer Brent Horvath.

Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

This hardy, tropical looking beauty brightens up the shade garden with its very large, compound, bright gold leaves. Color is greener in deep shade. Tiny white flowers give way to purple-black berries in fall.

Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound'

Soft feathery leaves grow into compact, cushion- like mounds. Has multiple applications in the landscape including edging, rock gardens or containers.

Aruncus aethusifolius

A miniature selection with the same traits as A. dioicus at roughly ⅓ the size. Fine, glossy, fern-like foliage. Creamy white, 3-4" long, feathery spikes of flowers appear above the foliage. Excellent fall color.

Aruncus dioicus

Outstanding specimen plant. Looks like a giant white Astilbe. Creamy white flowers are produced on feathery, open panicles which can grow up to 1' long. Robust habit; can be grown in place of a shrub in the garden.

Aruncus 'Chantilly Lace'

With the addition of 'Chantilly Lace' to the Proven Winners® program, you can be well on your way to a complete shade garden lineup! This part shade-loving plant produces beautiful sprays of lacy, cream-colored flowers in late spring to early summer. It is very floriferous when it's in bloom, completely covering the deep green foliage. Goatsbeard is similar in appearance to Astilbe in the garden, but it is more drought tolerant.

Aruncus 'Fairy Hair'

This new Goatsbeard is an appropriate size for tucking into places in your shade garden. 'Fairy Hair' produces sprays of creamy, triangular flower plumes that age to a darker color. Its foliage adds a whimsical touch to the garden with its needle-like, medium green leaves. Although the foliage is incredibly dissected, it produces a thick, substantial clump for a solid presence. Goatsbeard is similar in appearance to Astilbe in the garden, but it is more drought tolerant.

Aruncus 'Misty Lace'

The perfect size Aruncus for smaller gardens. Large, creamy white, feathery plumes on dark red stems. Selected by Dr. Allan Armitage for its heat and humidity tolerance. The best Aruncus for the south.

Asarum splendens

Vigorous, spreading groundcover with heart-shaped, dark green leaves elegantly mottled with silver. Semi-evergreen; fresh foliage is produced over older leaves each spring. Dark purple flowers are produced under the foliage at soil level.

Astilbe 'Amber Moon'

Emerges radiant chartreuse yellow with a tinge of red in spring; in summer, the foliage turns to chartreuse green. Tall, strong, blush red stems topped with rose pinkflowers are excellent for cutting.Chinensis hybrid; exhibits good heat tolerance but is best in shade. Discovered by Darrell Probst.

Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'

Dark green, upright fronds with deep burgundy stems. (Note: This burgundy color takes 2-3 years to develop.) Pair with purple heucheras to really help the stem color stand out.

Athyrium 'Ghost'

A hybrid of ‘Pictum' and A. filix-femina . Frosted apple green fronds emit a ghostly white light in the shade. Dark purple stems hold the broad fronds rigidly upright. This selection is taller than many other Athyriums.

Athyrium 'Godzilla'

Similar to ‘Pictum' but much larger. Thought to be a sporeling of ‘Pictum' and Lady Fern, discovered at Plant Delights. Forms a massive, arching clump of silvery fronds with green highlights and dark purple stems.

Athyrium niponicum 'Crested Surf'

We are proud to introduce the first perennial fern to the Proven Winners lineup. ‘Crested Surf' looks similar in color to a traditional Japanese Painted Fern, but the tips of the fronds are double crested. A vigorous, taller variety that can fit the middle of the border. Perfect for moist, shady areas of the garden.

Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'

Silvery-grey fronds are dusty purple towards the center. Purplish-red veins and stems. Low, mounding habit. Spreads slowly by rhizomes.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Emerald Mist'

An improvement over ‘Langtrees'; heavier silver bars connect to form a silver collar around the perimeter of the leaf. Very light silver dusting over the entire leaf. Baby blue, forget-me-not type flowers.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

‘Jack Frost' is a name known worldwide and it continues to be a top seller for our customers. It forms a beautiful mound of heart-shaped, silver leaves with green veining. Airy sprays of baby blue, forget-me-not flowers appear in spring.

Brunnera mmacrophylla 'Jack of Diamonds'

A giant version of the classic ‘Jack Frost' – with a twist. Huge 9-10” leaves overlap at the base, appearing circular from a distance. The leaves have a heavy silver overlay with wide, dark green veining. Baby blue, forget-me-not type blossoms are held in clusters above the foliage. Superior leaf spot resistance.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen of Hearts'

Compared to its companion plant ‘Jack of Diamonds', ‘Queen of Hearts' has more heart-shaped leaves and a more pronounced silver overlay with narrower bands of dark green veining. Baby blue, forget-me-not type blossoms are held in clusters above the foliage. Superior leaf spot resistance.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Sterling Silver'

An improvement on ‘Looking Glass' with the same silver color and heart-shaped foliage, but with larger habit, leaves (7-8” wide), better leaf quality, and increased heat tolerance. Blue forget-me-not flowers in early spring.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Variegata'

Large, heart-shaped leaves with irregular, creamy white leaf margins are striking from a distance. Some leaves are almost entirely white. Baby blue, forget- me-not like flowers. Performs best in full shade.

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam'

Variegated foliage has bright creamy-white margins which turn white with a pink flush. Strikingly erect, feathery plumes turn tan as they age.

Campanula 'Dickson's Gold'

Bright gold foliage forms a low growing, dense, weed-suppressing clump. A profusion of lavender blue, star-shaped flowers provide striking contrast. If grown in part shade, the foliage is lime green.

Carex elata 'Bowles Golden'

Bright gold foliage with thin green margins. This selection is taller than most other sedges. It needs consistant moisture to thrive. It will grow in shallow water or in garden beds that are watered regularly.

Carex oshimensis EVERCOLOR® 'Everillo'

Sport of ‘Evergold'. Similar performance to its parent but with a solid gold leaf color. Long, thin arching leaf blades are chartreuse-green near the crown, but turn gold as they are exposed to UV light. Short, tan infloresence just above the foliage.

Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

This versatile sedge is beautiful as a spiller in containers, rock gardens, and landscapes. Forms a cascading clump of narrow, creamy yellow leaves with dark green edges. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Insignificant blooms. Very easy to grow.

Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'

Dark green leaves with bright white edges measure ¼ to ½" across. Grows in nearly full sun to shade in average to moist soil. A slow to moderate spreader that can be used as a groundcover or in containers.

Carex siderosticha 'Banana Boat'

This showy broad-leaved, deciduous sedge lights up the shade garden with its wide, bright lemon to banana yellow and green striped leaves. Creeps slowly to form a dense mass of bold foliage. Insignificant flowers.

Carex siderosticha 'Snow Cap'

Similar in size and habit to ‘Banana Boat'. Nearly all-cream to bright white, wide, strappy leaves with narrow green stripes. Reverse variegation pattern of ‘Variegata'. Grows surprisingly well for a plant with so little green. Forms a dense, spreading clump of deciduous foliage. Insignificant flowers.

Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic'

Deep bronze purple, dissected leaves form a dense, upright clump. Greener in full shade. Fragrant, bottlebrush flowers open mauve pink, then lighten to white. Distinctive specimen for partial shade.

Cimicifuga ramosa 'Hillside Black Beauty'

Striking dark purplish-black foliage; the darkest Cimicifuga to date. Fragrant, 1' long, bottlebrush flowers open white with a pale blush pink tinge. A collector's item.

Dicentra 'Fire Island'

More vigorous and disease resistant, earlier flowering, and heavier crop of sterile blossoms compared to ‘Burning Hearts'. Sun loving alpine. Magenta-red, heart-shaped flowers appear for months. Finely textured, frosty blue foliage.

Dicentra 'Luxuriant'

A timeless classic. This everblooming selection produces dark reddish- pink, heart-shaped blossoms for many months beginning in spring. It is sun and heat tolerant, and the foliage does not go summer dormant if given adequate moisture.

Dicentra 'Pink Diamonds'

Alpine-type bleeding heart that flowers in late spring and blooms throughout the season. Pink flowers open light pink and show a two-tone effect. Medium sized clump of fine, fern-like blue-green foliage. Prefers full sun and good drainage; do not over-water.

Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart'

A bright twist on a classic perennial. Radiant yellow foliage creates the perfect backdrop for arching sprays of large pink and white, heart-shaped blossoms. Foliage color mellows a bit in summer. May go summer dormant in some climates. Discovered by Nori Pope.

Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'

Lustrous young orange fronds light up against the glossy, deeper green coloring of the mature fronds. Best leaf color is achieved in part sun. Tolerates a wide range of growing conditions once established.

Epimedium 'Pink Champagne'

Flowers with white spurs, raspberry centers, and dramatic pink tones. The delicate-looking flowers have an airy feel, making them the perfect contrast to other shade items. Evergreen leaves are mottled green with dark burgundy. This is a very vigorous variety.

Epimedium ssp. nova 'Spine Tingler'

Aptly named for its spiny margins. Dark green leaves have a slight blush tint. Soft yellow flowers bloom on compact plants. ‘Spine Tingler' sends flowers and foliage up at the same time, unlike other Epimedium.

Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws'

Similar spiny leaf shape to ‘Spine Tingler' but on a larger plant with long, lance-shaped leaves. New foliage has dramatic maroon coloring, mellowing to dark green by summer. Cream-colored flowers.

Euphorbia polychroma 'Bonfire'

Phenomenal color! Deep purple, red, and orange leaves with a touch of chartreuse are set ablaze with crackling sulfur yellow bracts in spring. Turns rich red in the fall. Forms a rounded mound. From E. polychroma .

Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow'

One of the most outstanding plants in our trials. Flashy green and yellow variegated foliage takes on pink and orange tones in cool weather. Unique variegated bracts appear in large clusters in spring. Overwinters well in zone 5b with excellent drainage.

Festuca glauca 'Blue Whiskers'

Taller and more vigorous than ‘Elijah Blue', with longer leaves and a brighter, silver-blue foliage color. Forms a fully rounded, robust clump with consistent flower coverage. Yellow-green flowers age to tan as the season progresses.

Geranium maculatum 'Crane Dance'

Upright habit topped with blue flowers. In the fall, the foliage turns bright red (in zone 6). Compared to ‘Elizabeth Ann', the blooms are a more vibrant shade of blue. This native woodland perennial can grow in a range of conditions, from sun to shade.

Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta'

G. pratense hybrid with rich, dark bronze leaves and an upright habit. Blue-purple flowers cover the top of the habit. Compared to older genetics, this plant is more vigorous and has a very refined habit.

Geranium pratense 'Dark Reiter'

From Jelitto Perennial Seeds comes this attractive dark-leafed selection that forms a compact mound of finely cut, plum purple foliage. Leafy scapes carry clusters of nicely contrasting, lilac blue flowers.

Hakonechola macra 'Aureola'

Green and yellow variegated foliage forms a cascading clump like a golden waterfall. Reddish pink fall color. Spreads slowly by rhizomes but is not invasive.

Hakonechola macra 'All Gold'

Brilliant solid gold foliage glows in the shade. Compared to ‘Aureola', this variety has a more upright habit and increased vigor. Spreads slowly by rhizomes but is not invasive. Reddish brown flowers.

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Sunstruck'

More compact habit, more ray florets, and a deeper flower color than ‘Loraine Sunshine'. 2" large, golden yellow flowers appear above the cream and green variegated foliage earlier than typical Heliopsis. From Darwin Perennials.

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sunburst'

Seed selection similar to ‘Lorraine Sunshine'. Fabulous cream and green variegated foliage is topped with 2-2½", golden yellow flowers. Greens up a bit in the heat of summer. Showy in combo containers. From Sahin.

Heuchera DOLCE® 'Apple Twist'

This plant changes color throughout the season. Newly emerging leaves have red veining that lightens with age. Very wavy, rippled chartreuse-yellow leaves will mature to apple green. Dense, full habit with good vigor.

Heuchera DOLCE® 'Appletini'

The perfect combination of lime foliage and red flowers! Medium sized, lime green leaves have a silver overlay. Dark rose red stems hold rich ruby red flowers, starting in early summer. This plant occasionally reblooms into fall.

Heuchera PRIMO® 'Black Pearl'

Meet the new standard in black Heuchera! Forms a dense habit of shiny, jet black leaves with scalloped, ruffled edges and rosy purple undersides. Keeps its intense black color even in full sun. White flowers are held in pink calyxes (requires vernalization to bloom).

Heuchera 'Caramel'

Popular selection prized for its vigor and densely robust habit. Forms a rounded mound of large, fuzzy leaves that range in color from apricot to amber depending on light levels and temperature. Cream flowers. From Thierry Delabroye.

Heuchera DOLCE® 'Cherry Truffles'

An improvement on CINNAMON CURLS™ with similar shape and color, but adding increased vigor and size. New leaves are bright red, heavily ruffled, and form a low, mounding habit. In summer the color persists, maturing to a rich mahogany red. Dark burgundy stems hold light pink flowers on dark rose calyxes.

Heuchera 'Electric Plum'

New leaves emerge near black and lighten to an intense purple with dramatic black veining. Dainty, bright fuchsia pink flowers. Brighter purple foliage color, more attractive flowers, and improved floral performance compared to ‘Grape Expectations'.

Heuchera 'Grape Expectations'

An excellent grower, very uniform in production. Forms a dense, upright mound of broad, thick and durable, vibrant grape purple leaves with black veins. Holds its color well, then develops a bright silver overlay in the heat of summer. Creamy white flowers. Good performance in southern zones.

Heuchera 'Lava Lamp'

This robust grower forms billowy mass of large, rounded, coppery purple leaves which are bright copper orange in spring. Deep purple scapes carry the cream flowers in early summer. Terrific in landscapes and large containers.

Heuchera 'Lemon Love'

Slightly ruffled, chartreuse leaves resist burning and are produced on an especially vigorous habit. Color is more lime green in deeper shade. This plant will gradually spread to about 3' wide if given the space. Cream flowers have hints of blush in the calyxes.

Heuchera PRIMO® 'Mahogany Monster'

Massive glossy, mahogany-red leaves. Slightly ruffled leaves can grow up to 6” wide. Very thick, burgundy stems hold masses of light pink buds with blush pink flowers. Leaves become more coppery with age.

Heuchera PRIMO® 'Peachberry Ice'

Large 4½-5”, apricot-orange leaves have a silver overlay. Pronounced ruffling reveals bright pink undersides of the leaves. The bright orange color is most pronounced in the spring with newly emerging foliage, over the warmer months the color mellows. Burgundy stems hold airy, cream flowers.

Heuchera 'Pink Panther'

In spring, semi-glossy leaves emerge metallic pink, maturing to dark berry-pink with dark veins. Filtered light or shade protect the lighter coloration and bring out the best hue. Dark rose calyxes hold light pink flowers on dark stems.

Heuchera PRIMO® 'Pretty Pistachio'

A big and beautiful perennial! Leaves are chartreuse in spring and mellow to lime green in summer. Huge, 5" wide clusters of medium pink flowers appear all summer long. Flowers dry on the stems to a lovely raspberry color. Best in filtered sun or afternoon shade.

Heuchera DOLCE® 'Silver Gumdrop'

Unlike other silver Heucheras, ‘Silver Gumdrop' has vibrant pink flowers instead of the typical white. A smaller scale Heuchera with silver, iridescent leaves and a semi-glossy finish. Leaves take on a rosy blush overtone later in the season.

Heuchera DOLCE® 'Spearmint'

Like ‘Silver Gumdrop', this plant boasts beautiful foliage and excellent flower performance. Silvery-green leaves have dark green veins. Compared to ‘Appletini', this is a rich, deep shade of green rather than chartreuse-yellow. Bicolor flowers have dark pink petal tips and light pink bases with a long season of bloom.

Heuchera 'Twist of Lime'

Incredibly wavy, chartreuse-yellow leaves. Perhaps one of our brightest yellow Heucheras. Ruffling becomes less pronounced as the foliage matures. For best yellow color, site in dappled shade or morning sun. Cream flowers appear in early summer.

Heuchera PRIMO® 'Wild Rose'

Dense habit of large, bright rosy-purple leaves with deep charcoal gray veining. Upright, dark burgundy-rose flower scapes with dark buds that open to rosy-pink flowers.

Heuchera DOLCE® 'Wildberry'

Large, scalloped, glossy leaves are a bold shade of purple. Compared to ‘Blackberry Ice', the leaves are larger, have a richer hue, and hold onto their purple color for much of the season.

Heucherella 'Catching Fire'

A polished, vigorous perennial. Rounded, vibrant lime green leaves have defined flame-shaped markings that flare from the center like cherry red fire. In summer, markings deepen to mahogany. Cream flowers. Best in filtered sun or afternoon shade.

Heucherella FUN AND GAMES® 'Hopscotch'

Leaves emerge red with dark red centers early in spring, before lightening to bronze red. Lobed leaves create a unique lacy texture in the garden. The leaves mellow to deep green later in the season. Cream flowers.

Heucherella 'Pink Fizz'

Durable perennial for sun or shade. Large, deeply lobed, soft green leaves are lightly silvered with prominent purple veins. Retains its dense habit and coloration all season. Pure pink flowers pop open from hot pink buds on densely packed flower wands.

Heucherella 'Pumpkin Spice'

Bronze red leaves emerge in late spring and hold its color well into early summer. Each lobed leaf has deep mahogany centers that follow the veins of the leaf. Dark red stems hold cream flowers.

Heucherella FUN AND GAMES® 'Red Rover'

Newest leaves in spring are coppery red, a brighter red than ‘Hopscotch'. Large, deeply lobed, finger-like leaves have burgundy red centers. The leaves mellow to olive green later in the season with rich, red fall color. Burgundy rose stems hold creamy white flowers.

Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Berry Awesome'

This stunning variety has a densely compact habit of deeply lobed, maple-like leaves, a vast improvement on older varieties. Its dark, midnight olive green foliage complements the lavender pink flowers for a showy display in late summer. Huge 7-8" ruffled flowers have a red eye.

Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Cherry Choco Latte'

Very large, 8-9” flowers are white with intense deep pink veining and a notable large red eye. Attractive dark olive green foliage has bronze highlights. Replaces ‘Cherry Cheesecake' in the Proven Winners® lineup with larger flowers and improved flower form, more pronounced veining on the petals, darker foliage, and an improved, compact habit.

Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery'

Dark, wine purple foliage contrasts beautiful with the large 8-9” white flowers. Each flower has a cherry red eye and dark pink veining. Heart-shaped leaves cover the round habit.

Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Evening Rose'

8” hot-pink puckered flowers cover the round, dense habit of near-black foliage. Compared to ‘Berry Awesome', the foliage is much darker and the flower color is more magenta than lavender.

Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Holy Grail'

Incredibly dark, near-black leaves are oval shaped and pack the habit for a very full appearance. 8-9” rich, deep red flowers. The red and black colors perfectly complement each other. Bright green calyxes starkly contrast the dark foliage.

Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel'

Absolutely stunning! Combines the deep wine purple, maple-like foliage of ‘Summer Storm' and the scarlet red, 8-9" flowers of ‘Cranberry Crush'. Relatively compact habit; intermediate in size between its parents. Indeterminate bloomer; very long flowering selection.

Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Perfect Storm'

Everything you would want in a Hibiscus: awesome compact habit, huge flowers, and dark foliage. About half the size of ‘Summer Storm'. 7-8" wide, white flowers are edged with light pink, with a bright red eye that radiates out with the veins.

Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night'

Stunning flowers with the darkest foliage to date makes this Hibiscus a must-have. Near-black, broad, maple-like leaves. Interesting 7-8", pale pink flowers have darker pink speckling and veining. Bright green calyxes contrast with dark foliage.

Hibiscus 'Summer Carnival'

Unlike other variegated varieties, ‘Summer Carnival' displays excellent vigor, great flower coverage, and forms a well-rounded habit. 7” magenta pink flowers cover the upright, rounded habit. Each leaf has a narrow cream margin and the edges have a hint of blush.

Hosta 'Afterglow'

This wide margined sport of ‘Climax' features large, green, heart-shaped leaves with incredibly striking, wide, yellow margins. Forms an impressive upright mound in the landscape; makes an excellent specimen. Pale lavender flowers.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Autumn Frost'

Incredibly showy sport of ‘First Frost'. Leaves emerge frosty blue-green with wide, brilliant yellow margins in spring and then turn green with creamy white margins in summer. One of the showiest of all hostas. Light lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Brother Stefan'

A favorite of hosta enthusiasts! Forms a large clump of thick, heavily corrugated, puckered leaves. Spring leaves are chartreuse with a blue margin. Mature leaves are gold with a green margin. Near-white flowers.

Hosta 'Cathedral Windows'

A brighter version of ‘Holy Mole'. Grows quickly to form a large clump of rounded, bright gold leaves with very wide, dark green margins. Leaves become domed as they age. Large, fragrant, near-white flowers.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Coast to Coast'

This giant, solid gold hosta makes a striking specimen. Emerges chartreuse-yellow, then turns lighter gold in summer. Thick, puckered, wavy leaves form an upright vase-shaped clump. Pale violet flowers appear just above the foliage on proportionate scapes.

Hosta 'Curly Fries'

This popular hosta forms a seemingly electrified clump of extremely rippled, narrow leaves. Mature plants have red speckled petioles. Best in morning sun where its chartreuse foliage will be brightest. Lavender flowers.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® 'Diamond Lake'

Heart-shaped blue leaves are thick and heavily corrugated with wavy margins. The large size of this plant translates to large leaves: measuring up to 9” wide by 11” long. Pale lavender flowers appear in early to midsummer.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Empress Wu'

The largest known hosta in commerce! Makes a tremendous focal point. Huge, thick, dark green, deeply veined leaves form a massive upright clump. Pale reddish violet flowers. A top seller.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Etched Glass'

Sport of ‘Stained Glass' with wider margins and thicker leaves than the parent. Very wide, dark green margins contrast with a bright, brilliant yellow center. Between the margin and the centers is a light green pattern. Margins have puckering when the plant is mature. Very large and fragrant, near-white flowers.

Hosta 'First Frost'

A sport of ‘Halcyon' with the same intense blue-green leaf color. Emerges with a gold margin which changes to pure white later in the season. Good grower in containers and in the garden. Leaves hold up well until the “first frost.” Light lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Happy Dayz'

Sport of ‘Orange Marmalade' with wider, more blue-green margins and better vigor. Leaves of good substance have yellow centers which brighten to parchment in summer. Livens up the shade garden with its distinct variegation and light lavender flowers.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® 'Hudson Bay'

Improved ‘Eskimo Pie'; stronger grower and a showier specimen overall. Wider, brighter blue margins and apple green jetting contrast nicely with the creamy white center all season. Leaves are of heavy substance. Near-white flowers.

Hosta 'Island Breeze'

Sport of ‘Paradise Island' with better variegation and leaf substance. Wide, green margins contrast with bright yellow centers in spring. Centers turn chartreuse in shade and light yellow in sun. Showy red petioles. Dark lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Mini Skirt'

This flirty mini hosta has very wavy, thick, blue-green leaves with creamy yellow margins in spring. Center turns green and edge lightens to creamy white in summer. Pale lavender striped flowers appear on proportionate scapes.

Hosta 'Pocketful of Sunshine'

This cute small hosta grows quickly to form a compact clump of chartreuse to yellow, cupped leaves with broad, deep green margins. Thick, rugose foliage. Sport of ‘Rainforest Sunrise' with wider margins. Light lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Definitely a collector's item! Upright, narrow, tightly folded leaves resemble hands folded in prayer. The dark green leaves are heavily rippled with very thin, gold margins. Lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Rainbows End'

This incredible variegated hosta is very distinctive in gardens and containers. Shiny, bright yellow leaves of good substance have dark green margins that jet into the center which brightens to creamy white in summer. Showy red scapes carry dark lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Royal Wedding'

Prestigious wide-margined sport of ‘Diana Remembered'. Forms an upright mound of thick, shiny yellow leaves with very wide, creamy white to pure white margins. Enjoy its sweetly perfumed, large 3-4", white flowers.

Hosta 'Stained Glass'

A sport of ‘Guacamole'. Huge 10½" long, brilliant gold leaves with wide, dark green margins. Large, fragrant, pale lavender flowers. Exhibits greater sun tolerance.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Seducer'

This showy hosta has large, dark green leaves with a slightly ruffled, gold margin and a trace of white between the center and margin. Requires summer heat to develop full coloration. Near-white flowers.

Hosta 'Touch of Class'

A tetraploid sport of ‘June' with wider blue margins, chartreuse to yellow centers, and green jetting. Leaves are of heavy substance. Lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Vulcan'

This vigorous sport of ‘Captain Kirk' has crisp white centers that do not melt out. Dark green margins and yellow coloring jet toward the center of each broad, heart-shaped leaf. Light lavender flowers on white scapes top the clump.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Waterslide'

‘Waterslide' has wavy, ruffled leaves with heavy substance. The blue, rippled leaves look like water splashing in the shade garden, and hold their blue color well into the summer season. Lavender flowers appear on proportionate flower scapes.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Wheee!'

Like a little girl's wavy locks, extremely ruffled leaves are wavy all the way from the crown out to the leaf tips. This ruffling is evident even on juvenile plants. Green leaves with cream margins are of good substance. Light lavender flowers.

Hosta 'Wrinkle in Time'

A sport of ‘Pilgrim' with showy, wavy margins. Dark green leaves with creamy yellow margins have a single prominent wave that begins one third of the way from the leaf base. Margins mature to creamy white in summer. Lavender flowers.

Hosta SHADOWLAND® ‘Wu-La-La'

Sport of ‘Empress Wu' with the same size and presence and takes it to the next level with an attractive margin. Blue-green leaves have a striking apple-green margin, as well as good substance. Like its parent, this hosta will take about 5 years to reach full maturity and size. Violet flowers.

Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'

Popular in the north where it spreads slowly by underground runners to form a thick patch of green leaves with striking blood red tips. Glows nearly all-red in fall; rarely flowers. Spreads more quickly in the south; care should be taken to control its spread there.

Knautia macedonica 'Thunder and Lightning'

Light green leaves are shaped like lightning bolts with creamy yellow to white margins. Compact, shorter selection with the same deep reddish purple flowers as the species. We ship clean stock.

Lagerstroemia BARISTA® 'Cherry Mocha'

A very refined shrub for the landscape. Woody, burgundy-colored stems bear semi-glossy burgundy foliage. Cherry red flowers open from shiny red buds, contrasting nicely with its dark foliage.

Lagerstroemia BARISTA® 'Like a Latte'

A petite habit with branched, woody stems. Attractive, dark green foliage with burgundy veining. In late summer, coppery red buds open to pure white flowers.

Lagerstroemia BARISTA® 'Spiced Plum'

An exciting new color to the collection. Rosy red flower buds open to raspberry purple flowers. Dark red stems hold deep green leaves with heavy olive highlights, forming a compact, rounded habit as stellar as the flowers.

Lagerstroemia BARISTA® 'Sweet Macchiato'

Upright, branched, and bushy selection. Dark blue-green foliage with glossy deep red new growth. In late summer, glossy red buds burst open to sweet, hot pink flower clusters with mustard yellow stamens.

Ligularia 'Bottle Rocket'

A more compact sport of ‘Little Rocket'; delivers excellent garden performance. Perfectly proportional plant forms a dense clump of thicker, serrated green leaves with mustard yellow flower spikes held on chocolate stems just at the top of the foliage. Foliage holds up well in the summer heat.

Ligularia dentata 'Britt-Marie Crawford'

Broad, glossy, chocolate-purple leaves with bright purple undersides make a bold statement in the garden. Golden orange, daisy-like flowers on purplish-black stems. A top seller!

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Green, pinnate fronds are shaped like ostrich plumes, being much wider at the top and tapering to a bare stipe. Turns bronze-gold in fall, then brown in winter. Spreads rapidly by underground runners. Needs moist soil.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Dixieland'

A dwarf form of ‘Variegatus'; similar green and white variegated foliage but a shorter, more compact growth habit. Does not need staking. Very showy, silky pink plumes. Nice in containers.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'

A popular grass, especially in northern regions, since it blooms reliably each year in late summer. Green leaves with distinctive gold banding form a rounded, almost ball-shaped clump topped with reddish purple plumes.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

Distinctively elegant ornamental grass. Very narrow, finely textured leaves have a silvery green appearance and glow when backlit by the sun. Refined upright arching clump is topped with bronze red plumes which age to cream.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Oktoberfest'

Improved ‘Graziella'; better fall color and early blooming. Forms a narrow, upright tower of wide, deep green leaves that develop deep purple and red highlights in late summer to early fall. Shimmering burgundy flowers turn creamy tan as they age. From Gary Trucks.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'

Similar green and yellow banded foliage like ‘Little Zebra' but a totally different habit. Spiky textured foliage grows strictly upright like porcupine spines, thus the name. Pinkish copper blooms in areas with long growing seasons.

Mukdenia rossi 'Karasuba'

Unique perennial for partial shade. Green, fan-shaped leaves are topped by delicate panicles of starry white flowers in spring. Beginning in summer, deep red tones creep inward from the edges. Fire red fall color.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Niger'

Grass-like plant forms a compact, dense clump of nearly jet black foliage. Looks much like a black Liriope. Short spikes of light purple to white flowers are followed by purplish black berries in fall.

Panicum virgatum PRAIRIE WINDS® 'Cheyenne Sky'

Petite red Panicum; ideal for containers. Forms a tight, vase-shaped clump of blue-green foliage that turns wine red in early summer. Purple flowers. From Gary Trucks.

Penstemon 'Blackbeard'

Named for the famous black-bearded pirate, this perennial has incredible dark eggplant purple foliage. Dark purple flower stems hold its lilac purple flowers with white flaring tubes. Stays strictly upright all season long.

Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade'

A sturdy clump of deep burgundy purple leaves. Rich lavender-purple flowers have pure white interiors and are produced on dark stems just above the foliage. This superior selection boasts a fuller, more refined habit, more vibrant flower color, and a more consistent flowering performance.

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls'

A combination of dark foliage and soft lavender flowers with white interiors. From a distance, the flowers look completely white. Compared to ‘Blackbeard', this is a taller, fuller plant with lighter colored flowers.

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby'

A shorter, manageable Russian Sage that is still vigorous in the landscape and production. Lavender-blue flowers held in smoky purple calyxes bloom for a long period starting in midsummer, with the color from the calyxes extending appeal into fall.

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Denim 'n Lace'

One of the best Perovskia we offer–a must have! Stays compact, has stronger stems, with a more upright habit than most older varieties. Lace-like, bright sky blue flowers are held on amethyst calyxes for a very full look.

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Rocketman'

A narrower, upright vase-shaped habit and relatively short stature set this new Perovskia apart. Its aromatic, grey-green, non-dissected leaves line the silvery stems which are topped with large, fluffy textured, lavender-blue flowers.

Polygonatum ordoratum 'Ruby Slippers'

Upright and slightly arching stems are red from base to tip. Deep green leaves have silvery undersides. White flowers in late spring below the stem. At the leaf axils, blue berries follow and remain until late fall. Plants grow in colonies and will spread slowly in the garden. Of Japanese origin.

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'

Classic shade groundcover. Green and white variegated leaves line the arching, unbranched stems. Dainty white flowers dangle from the stems soon after emerging in spring.

Pulmonaria 'Pretty in Pink'

Large, bright rose pink flowers are produced in large flower clusters over a low and wide habit. Dark green leaves are lightly to moderately speckled with silver. This plant will thrive in part to full shade with adequate moisture.

Pulmonaria 'Twinkle Toes'

Dainty light periwinkle blue flowers cover a low, mounded habit. Dark green leaves are lightly sprinkled with silver. Thrives in part shade to full shade with adequate moisture.

Sanguisorba officinalis var. microcephala 'Little Angel'

Tiny, deep green leaves have creamy white margins that form a dense, petite clump of foliage. Bright green stems hold long, oval-shaped rosy red flower panicles–reminiscent of matchsticks–that pop out the top of the plant. A Japanese selection.

Schizachyrium scoparium PRAIRIE WINDS® 'Blue Paradise'

A result of an extensive Schizachyrium breeding program. Upright and columnar habit stays upright all season, silvery blue leaves in summer. Deep wine fall color.

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'

A beautifully refined version of our native cultivar that takes on scarlet red tones in late summer, turning deeper red-purple in fall. Tiny, tan seed heads appear in early fall. Maintains its strictly upright habit through fall without flopping.

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Twilight Zone'

A standout cultivar that possesses a nearly iridescent silvery mauve purple cast all over beginning in midsummer. Retains this color through fall when brighter purple highlights develop. Forms a strictly upright, narrowly columnar clump.

Sedum takesimense ATLANTIS™

Variegated groundcover sedum from Hortech, Inc. Small, serrated leaves are dark green with wide creamy yellow margins. Margins become tinged with pink blush tones with cold temperatures late in fall. Great for rock gardens or dry landscapes.

Sedum AUTUMN DELIGHT™ ('Beka')

Upright sedum with chartreuse-yellow leaves and a narrow, blue-green, serrated margin. Cream buds open to large clusters of light pink flowers. Bronze seed heads. From Intrinsic Perennial Gardens.

Sedum ROCK 'N GROW® 'Boogie Woogie'

A summer-flowering groundcover type. This sport of ‘Little Miss Sunshine' has cream margins and is sprinkled with yellow flowers during early to midsummer. Excellent vigor and a good variegated option for a groundcover in the landscape.

Sedum 'Frosted Fire'

Similar to AUTUMN CHARM™, ‘Frosted Fire' is a variegated sport of ‘Autumn Fire' rather than ‘Autumn Joy'. Light green leaves with creamy yellow, serrated margins form a dense, upright mound.

Sedum sieboldii

Low, spreading species; forms a rounded mound and spreads horizontally from the crown. Round, blue-green leaves with a narrow pink margin. Small clusters of bright pink flowers in early fall. Brilliant fall color.

Tiarella 'Cutting Edge'

Finely dissected green leaves with dramatic dark burgundy centers and a nicely rounded habit. In early spring, creamy bottlebrush-like flowers cover the entire plant. It has a clumping habit, meaning it is well behaved and won't run in the garden.

Tiarella 'Fingerpaint'

This semi-running woodland perennial has bright green foliage in spring and is deeply lobed with pointy edges and an overall lacy texture. Burgundy blotches in the center of the leaves. Ivory flowers in spring.

Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow'

Improvement over ‘Gilt Edge'; much more impressive variegation. Wide, yellow leaf margins are showier in the shade. Arching stems of orchid-like, reddish purple to blue violet speckled blossoms are great for late season interest.

Yucca filamentosa 'Excalibur'

An improvement over the species; much more uniform, compact habit. Forms a spiky clump of evergreen, blue-green to glaucous greygreen leaves lined with an extraordinary number of curly white filaments. Sturdy spikes of white flowers.

Varieties Mentioned in this Article

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

Ajuga 'Black Scallop'

Amsonia 'Storm Cloud'

Andropogon 'Blackhawks'

Aralia 'Sun King'

Artemisia 'Silver Mound'

Aruncus 'Chantilly Lace'

Aruncus 'Misty Lace'

Astilbe 'Amber Moon'

Athyrium 'Crested Surf'

Athyrium 'Ghost'

Athyrium 'Godzilla'

Athyrium 'Lady in Red'

Athyrium 'Pictum'

Brunnera 'Emerald Mist'

Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'

Brunnera 'Jack Frost'

Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts'

Brunnera 'Sterling Silver'

Brunnera 'Variegata'

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Campanula 'Dickson's Gold'

Carex 'Banana Boat'

Carex 'Bowles Golden'

Carex 'Everillo'

Carex 'Evergold'

Carex 'Ice Dance'

Carex 'Snow Cap'

Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic'

Cimicifuga 'Hillside Black Beauty'

Dicentra 'Fire Island'

Dicentra 'Gold Heart'

Dicentra 'Luxuriant'

Dicentra 'Pink Diamonds'

Dryopteris 'Brilliance'

Epimedium 'Amber Queen'

Epimedium 'Domino'

Epimedium 'Pink Champagne'

Epimedium 'Sandy Claws'

Epimedium 'Spine Tingler'

Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow'

Euphorbia 'Bonfire'

Festuca 'Blue Whiskers'

Geranium 'Boom Chocolatta'

Geranium 'Crane Dance'

Geranium 'Dark Reiter'

Hakonechloa 'All Gold'

Hakonechloa 'Aureola'

Heliopsis 'Sunstruck'

Heliopsis 'Sunburst'

Heucherella 'Catching Fire'

Heucherella 'Eye Spy'

Heucherella 'Hopscotch'

Heucherella 'Pink Fizz'

Heucherella 'Pumpkin Spice'

Heucherella 'Red Rover'

Heuchera 'Appletini'

Heuchera 'Apple Twist'

Heuchera 'Black Pearl'

Heuchera 'Caramel'

Heuchera 'Cherry Truffles'

Heuchera 'Electric Plum'

Heuchera 'Grape Expectations'

Heuchera 'Lemon Love'

Heuchera 'Lava Lamp'

Heuchera 'Mahogany Monster'

Heuchera 'Peachberry Ice'

Heuchera 'Pink Panther'

Heuchera 'Pretty Pistachio'

Heuchera 'Silver Gumdrop'

Heuchera 'Spearmint'

Heuchera 'Twist of Lime'

Heuchera 'Wildberry'

Heuchera 'Wild Rose'

Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'

Hibiscus 'Cherry Choco Latte'

Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery'

Hibiscus 'Evening Rose'

Hibiscus 'Holy Grail'

Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel'

Hibiscus 'Perfect Storm'

Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night'

Hibiscus 'Summer Carnival'

Hosta 'Afterglow'

Hosta 'Autumn Frost'

Hosta 'Brother Stefan'

Hosta 'Cathedral Windows'

Hosta 'Coast to Coast'

Hosta 'Curly Fries'

Hosta 'Diamond Lake'

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Hosta 'Etched Glass'

Hosta 'First Frost'

Hosta 'Happy Dayz'

Hosta 'Hudson Bay'

Hosta 'Island Breeze'

Hosta 'Mini Skirt'

Hosta 'Pocketful of Sunshine'

Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Hosta 'Rainbow's End'

Hosta 'Royal Wedding'

Hosta 'Seducer'

Hosta 'Stained Glass'

Hosta 'Touch of Class'

Hosta 'Vulcan'

Hosta 'Waterslide'

Hosta 'Wheee!'

Hosta 'Wrinkle in Time'

Hosta 'Wu-La-La'

Iris 'Variegata'

Knautia 'Thunder and Lightning'

Lagerstroemia 'Cherry Mocha'

Lagerstroemia 'Like a Latte'

Lagerstroemia 'Sweet Macchiato'

Lagerstroemia 'Spiced Plum'

Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford'

Ligularia 'Bottle Rocket'

Miscanthus 'Dixieland'

Miscanthus 'Little Zebra'

Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Miscanthus 'Oktoberfest'

Miscanthus 'Strictus'

Mukdenia 'Karasuba'

Ophiopogon 'Niger'

Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky'

Penstemon 'Blackbeard'

Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade'

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls'

Perovskia 'Blue Jean Baby'

Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace'

Perovskia 'Rocketman'

Polygonatum 'Ruby Slippers'

Polygonatum 'Variegatum'

Pulmonaria 'Pretty in Pink'

Pulmonaria 'Twinkle Toes'

Sanguisorba 'Little Angel'

Schizachyrium 'Blue Paradise'

Schizachyrium 'Smoke Signal'

Schizachyrium 'Twilight Zone'

Sedum ATLANTIS®

Sedum AUTUMN DELIGHT™

Sedum 'Boogie Woogie'

Sedum 'Frosted Fire'

Tiarella 'Cutting Edge'

Tiarella 'Fingerpaint'

Tricyrtis 'Autumn Glow'

Yucca 'Excalibur'

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Extreme Daylily Rebloomers

Just a very long list of reblooming daylilies. This mix of new as well as tried and true varieties will help to give your landscape color late into the season.

Extremely Cold Hardy Perennials

If you live in a northern zone and are frustrated with perennials that are behaving like annuals, here is a list of plants we have found to consistently overwinter in Zone 4 or colder.

Extremely Easy to Grow

Add water and watch them grow. Use this list as a start to browse dozens of easy to grow perennials. These plants require little attention and little maintenance to thrive year after year.

Extremely Long Season of Interest

These perennials have an extremely long season of interest, meaning they may have fall and winter interest, evergreen foliage, an exceptionally long season of bloom, or dried flowers.

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Deer and Rabbit Resistant Perennials

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Essay on Flowers 500+ Words

Flowers, with their vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, are a testament to the beauty and wonder of nature. In this essay, I will argue for the significance of flowers, exploring their role in our lives, their impact on the environment, and the joy they bring to people around the world.

The Allure of Flowers

Flowers have always held a special place in human culture. Their enchanting beauty has inspired artists, poets, and writers for centuries. From the romantic red rose to the cheerful sunflower, flowers come in an astonishing array of shapes and colors.

Flowers and the Environment

Flowers play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They are pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects, helping to fertilize plants and produce fruits and vegetables. In fact, experts estimate that nearly 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators like bees.

The Language of Flowers

Throughout history, flowers have been used to convey emotions and sentiments. The Victorian era saw the emergence of the “language of flowers,” where specific flowers were given to express feelings. For example, a red rose symbolized love, while a white lily represented purity.

Flowers in Medicine

Furthermore, flowers possess medicinal properties. For instance, in certain cultures, flowers such as chamomile and lavender have been employed for their calming and curative attributes. Additionally, medical professionals recognize the advantages of these flowers in addressing health issues and facilitating relaxation.

Flowers and Cultural Traditions

Flowers are an integral part of cultural traditions around the world. Moreover, in India, the marigold is used in garlands for festivals and ceremonies. Similarly, in Japan, cherry blossoms mark the arrival of spring and are celebrated with Hanami, the viewing of cherry blossoms.

Flowers and Celebrations

“Flowers are frequently linked to celebrations and special occasions; furthermore, statistics reveal that billions of dollars are expended each year on flowers for events such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. Consequently, the inclusion of flowers imparts an element of sophistication and emotion to these moments

Flowers in Art and Literature

Flowers have been a recurring theme in art and literature; furthermore, famous painters like Vincent van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe immortalized flowers in their works. Moreover, experts in the field of art history recognize the enduring appeal of flowers as subjects of artistic expression.

The Environmental Impact of Flowers

Flowers contribute to a healthier planet. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to improve air quality. Experts in environmental science emphasize the importance of maintaining biodiversity, which includes preserving diverse species of flowers.

The Joy of Flower Gardening

Gardening with flowers is a popular hobby enjoyed by people of all ages. It provides relaxation, exercise, and the satisfaction of nurturing life. Horticulture experts highlight the therapeutic benefits of tending to flower gardens.

Conclusion of Essay on Flowers

In conclusion, flowers are not just beautiful; they are essential to our environment, culture, and well-being. Their vibrant colors and fragrant scents bring joy to our lives and inspire creativity in art and literature. Flowers serve as messengers of emotions and play a vital role in the pollination of food crops. As we admire the petals and leaves of these botanical wonders, let us remember that they are not just symbols of beauty but also symbols of life, growth, and interconnectedness. Flowers, in all their splendor, remind us of the remarkable tapestry of nature and the importance of preserving it for generations to come.

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Ten examples of immersive photo essays

Photo essays are one of the most powerful forms of storytelling in the last century. From the great depression photographer W. Eugene Smith to the photojournalism of National Geographic or Life Magazine , the best photo essays entertain, educate, and move readers more than words alone ever could. 

By Marissa Sapega

But photo essays have changed. Over the last decade, web publishing technologies — including web browsers and file formats — have improved by leaps and bounds. A good photo essays today is more than a collection of images. It’s a truly interactive, immersive, and multimedia experiences.

In this guide, we introduce 10 stunning examples of visually arresting interactive photo essays to fuel your creative juices.

Now, let's set the scene with a short introduction to immersive, interactive photo essays on the web.

What do the BBC, Tripadvisor, and Penguin have in common? They craft stunning, interactive web content with Shorthand. And so can you! Create your first story for free — no code or web design skills required. Sign up now.

The rise of immersive, interactive photo essays

What is an immersive, interactive photo essay? Let's take these terms one at a time. 

An immersive photo essay uses rich media and story design to capture and keep the reader's attention. Immersive content is typically free of the most distracting elements of the web, such as pop-ups, skyscrapers, and other intrusions on the reading experience.

As a basic rule of thumb, immersive content respects the reader's attention. 

An interactive photo essay is one that allows the reader to control how the content appears. It may include interactive elements, like maps and embedded applications.

More commonly, modern interactive photo stories use a technique known as scrollytelling . Scrollytelling stories allow the reader to trigger animations and other visual effects as they scroll. Many of the examples in this guide use scrollytelling techniques. Read more scrollytelling examples .

Until relatively recently, immersive, interactive photo essays could only be created with the help of a designer or web developer. But with the rise of digital storytelling platforms , anyone can create compelling, dynamic stories without writing a single line of code.

If you're looking to learn more about how to create a photo essay — or are looking for more photo essay ideas  — check out our introduction to photo essays . 

Photo essay topics

If you’re looking for photo essay examples, chances are you’re looking to create a photo essay for yourself. If you’re just getting started, you might want some guidance on exactly what kinds of topics make for great photo essays.

More experienced photographers — feel free to skip this section. But for those who are just starting out, here’s a quick list of classic photo essay subject matter, for all types of photo essays.

• Local events. A great way to start out is photograph local events in your community, such as a high school fundraiser. A bonus is that you’ll have a ready
• Historic sites. Another classic photo essay topic is an exploration of a historic site. This could be a building, a monument, or even just a specific location that has significance.
• Profile of a person. A great way to get to know someone is to profile them in a photo essay. This could be a family member, friend, or even just someone you’ve met.
• Animals in captivity. Another popular subject matter for photo essays is animals in captivity, whether that’s at a zoo or elsewhere.
• A day in the life. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live someone else’s life for a day? Why not find out and document it in a photo essay?
• Street photography. Another great way to practice your photography skills is to head out into the streets and photograph the everyday lives of people around you. The world has plenty of photo essays of cities like New York and London. But what about street photography in your own backyard?
• Still life photography. Still life photography is all about capturing inanimate objects on film. This could be anything from flowers to furniture to food. It’s a great way to practice your photography skills and learn about composition
• Landscapes . Landscape photography is one of the most popular genres, and for good reason. There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding interesting subjects to shoot. So get out there and start exploring!
• Abandoned buildings. There’s something fascinating about abandoned buildings. They offer a glimpse into the past, and can be eerily beautiful. If you have any in your area, they make for great photo essay subjects.
• Lifestyles. Document someone who lives a lifestyle that’s different from your own. This could be a portrayal of an everyday person, or it could be someone with an unusual job or hobby.
• Social issues. Take photos depicting significant social issues in your community, remembering to respect your subjects.

Ten inspiring photo essay examples

Pink lagoon and peculiar galaxies — July’s best science images

In Pink lagoon and peculiar galaxies , Nature present a mesmerising series of images from the natural world. Highlights include:

• a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it photo of rare albino orcas performing feats of synchronized swimming;
• an arresting aerial view of the aftermath of the flash floods in Germany; and,
• a scarlet gawping Venus flytrap sea anemone. 

The best part? Nature publishes similarly powerful photo essays every month, showcasing some of the best and most creative photography of the natural world anywhere on the web.

Vanishing Lands

Vanishing lands — an ominously interesting photo essay from media company Stuff — opens with a bucolic visual featuring meandering sheep flanked by breathtaking mountains that blur into obscurity.

Soon, more awe-inspiring photos of breathtaking New Zealand farmland appear, accompanied by expressive prose whose tone matches the visuals’ stark beauty.

In this unflinchingly honest photographic essay, Stuff takes the viewer behind the scenes with a day in the life of a high country sheep farmer facing an uncertain future. One stunning photo fades into the next as you scroll through, broken only by the occasional noteworthy quote and accompanying narrative.

Olympic photos: Emotion runs high

This emotionally wrought sports story from NBC begins with a close-up of an anxious Simone Biles, her expression exemplifying the tension and frustration echoed on so many of her fellow athletes’ faces.

The subtitle puts it perfectly: “The agony—and thrill—of competition at the Olympics is written all over their faces.”

Devastation, disappointment, and defeat take centre stage in this piece — but not all the subjects of the photos in this compelling photography essay depict misery. Some of the images, like that taken of the gold medal-winning Russian artistic gymnasts, manage to project the athletes’ joy almost beyond the edges of the screen.

The NBC editors who created this visual story chose to display the series of photos using the entire screen width and limit the copy to simple captions, letting the visuals speak for themselves. The result is a riveting montage of photographs that manage to capture the overarching sentiment of the 2020 Olympic Games.

James Epp: A Twist of the Hand

In A Twist of the Hand , the Museum of Classical Archaeology at the University of Cambridge have produced a gorgeous photo essay. This online art show showcases artist James Epp’s installation, combining photographs of the exhibit with images of museum prints and authentic artefacts.

As you scroll down, close-up shots of the installation make you feel like you’re physically wandering among the ancient sculptures, able to examine hairline spider cracks and tiny divots marking the surface of every antiquated figure. In between the photos—and often flanked by museum prints—are James Epp's musings about what inspired him to create the pieces. It’s an absorbing virtual gallery that will no doubt inspire real life visits to the exhibition.

The Café Racer Revolution

Though it’s a cleverly built piece of interactive content marketing , Honda’s “ Café Racer Revolution ” is also a great photo essay. Alongside information about the latest and greatest motorcycles Honda has to offer, it details the history of the bikers who sought to employ motorcycles (specifically “café racers”) as a way to forge an identity for themselves and project a “statement of individuality.”

Scroll down, and nostalgic black-and-white photos give way to contemporary action shots featuring fully decked-out motorcyclists on various Honda models.

Dynamic photos of bikes rotate them 360 degrees when you mouse over them, and text superimposed over flashy shots rolls smoothly down the screen as you scroll. This photo essay will stir a longing to hit the open road for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning one of Honda’s zippy bikes.

Built to keep Black from white

In Built to keep Black from white , NBC News and BridgeDetroit have built a stunning narrative photo essay that encapsulates the history of Detroit’s Birwood Wall — a literal dividing line intended to separate neighborhoods inhabited by people of different races. 

The piece begins with a brief history of the concrete barrier. Between paragraphs of text, it weaves in quotes from residents who grew up as the wall was erected and a short video. Animated maps highlighting the affected neighborhoods unspool across the screen as you scroll down, accompanied by brief explanations of what the maps represent.

In the series of photographs that follow, contemporary images transition into decades-old shots of the wall when it was newly constructed. This is followed by images of original real estate documents, resident portraits, and additional animated maps — each considering the issue from different angles.

The piece ends with an interactive display of how Detroit’s racial makeup has changed over the past several decades, from majority white to black, and how the wall has impacted the lives of its residents who lived (and died) within its borders.

The story of Black Lives Matter in sport

The BBC pairs illustrations and bold imagery in this photo essay on how athletes participated in the Black Lives Matter movement . At the start, a narrow column of text leads into an iconic image of American football players kneeling during the pre-game national anthem in a solemn protest against police brutality. 

The first excerpt, a summary of Trayvon Martin’s death in 2012, draws you in with piercing prose capped off with photographs that bleed into one another. Every account in the photo essay follows this layout.

WaterAid Climate Stories

Climate change affects everyone on the planet, but some people are feeling the effects more than others. WaterAid’s scrollytelling photo essay illuminates the plight of individuals living in areas where extreme weather conditions — caused by climate change — have drastically impacted the water supply and environment, endangering their livelihoods and ability to survive.

This climate change story starts with an engrossing video that provides an up-close and personal look at the devastation that climate change-induced droughts have wreaked on people and the environment. As you scroll down, images of massively depleted bodies of water with superimposed text and quotes unfold before your eyes. It’s an efficient way to drive home the critical message WaterAid wants to convey: climate change is real, and it’s harming real people.

Each extreme weather story focuses on an individual to help viewers empathise and understand that climate change has real, drastic consequences for millions of people worldwide. The piece ends with a call to action to learn more about and financially support WaterAid’s fight to assist people living in the desperate situations depicted in the essay.

28 Days in Afghanistan

In this piece, Australian photo-journalist Andrew Quilty tells the story of the four weeks he spent in Afghanistan . He captures daily events ranging from the mundane—like a casual visit to his barber—to jarring. More than one photo documents blood-spattered victims of violence.

Viewers must scroll through the piece to follow Andrew’s daily musings and the striking photos that accompany them. His photo essay is a powerful example of how scrollytelling is transforming the art of long-form journalism .

La carrera lunática de Musk y Bezos (Musk and Bezos' lunatic careers)

Billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are angling to conquer the final frontier: space.

El Periódico captures their story via a whimsically illustrated photo essay, filled with neon line drawings and bold photos of the massive spaceships, the hangars that house them, and footprints on the moon. La carrera lunática de Musk y Bezos describes the battle between the two titans’ space companies (Blue Origin and SpaceX) for the honor of partially funding NASA’s next mission to the moon.

As you scroll down, white and fluorescent yellow words on a black background roll smoothly over images. The team at El Periódico slips in stylistic animations to break up the text—such as rocket ships with shimmering “vapour trails”—then ups the ante with a series of moon images that transition into portraits of the 12 U.S. astronauts who visited the celestial body.

The photo essay ends with the question: “Who will be the next to leave their footprints on the dusty lunar soil?” At the time of publishing, NASA had not yet decided between the two companies. (Spoiler alert: SpaceX won .)

Marissa Sapega is a seasoned writer, editor, and digital marketer with a background in web and graphic design.

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PHOTO ESSAY: Flower power

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Charleston’s gardens are popping with bright frenzies of flowers. Here are some photos taken over the last couple of weeks of colorful displays of nature from community gardens in West Ashley and the Wagener Terrace area. Enjoy!

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