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Hinubog ng panata — a photo essay

BY PAU VILLANUEVA

Indigenous peoples have long been considered guardians of global biodiversity, who have accumulated intimate knowledge of the ecosystems in which they live. Villanueva’s photo essay shows how development aggression not only threatens indigenous culture that is deeply rooted in land, but also the extinction of an entire heritage, in the context of the Aetas in Capas, Tarlac.

Nature and biodiversity are more than just sources of food, water, energy, and raw materials for the Aeta communities of Capas, Tarlac. Their cultural identity, well-being, and spiritual traditions are grounded on their regard for the living world. Among Philippine indigenous groups, the Aetas are known for their extensive knowledge of herbs and indigenous healing methods. 

Spirituality is a way for them to honor their worldview, which was adopted by their ancestors who had lived in the Luzon mountain ranges long before Spanish colonization. Aeta healers, locally called “mang-aanito,” are sought after. Considered custodians of ancestral knowledge and philosophies, these community elders are keen on preserving their indigenous ecologies. 

One of the local healers in Sitio Binyayan, Nida Cautibar, recalls how her calling began. “When I was sick with typhus, my Aeta neighbors took care of me and eventually taught me how to use herbal medicine,” says Nida. “Being entrusted with this knowledge, it has now become my responsibility to heal the sick without asking for compensation,” she adds. Aeta healers believe their mission is to share their healing experiences as a means of keeping society together rather than as a means of acquiring wealth. Healing, for them, is also a way to give back to the Aeta and the non-Aeta communities.

But the multi-billion New Clark City development project in Capas, Tarlac is threatening the indigenous ecology and continues its relentless path without free, prior and informed consent from the Aetas who live there. According to the website of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the project’s implementing agency, New Clark City is designed to be “wrapped around magnificent views of the hills.” The change in landscape – from flora and fauna to roads and infrastructure – is rendering irreversible damage to the natural world that is the Aetas’ only source of information, passed on from one generation to another through oral tradition.

“We used to roam the forests freely but now, we are scared. We are restricted in our own lands,” says Rosette David, an Aeta healer who has been living in Sitio Bagingan for more than 28 years. “Nature is vanishing as roads are being paved.”

The world over, indigenous peoples have long been considered guardians of global biodiversity, as they have accumulated intimate knowledge of the ecosystems in which they live. Development aggression not only threatens indigenous culture that is deeply rooted in land, but also the extinction of an entire heritage.

A small native hut in Sitio Alli where an Aeta family lives is situated near one of the construction sites of New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. The Aeta residents find it difficult to sleep whenever construction goes into the night.

An Aeta devotee of the Crusaders of the Divine Church of Christ in Sitio Kawayan kneels before the chapel’s altar to pray. Other religious orders and benevolent groups are recognized by Aeta communities in Capas, Tarlac. Even within these denominations, Aetas still practice spiritual beliefs instilled on them by their ancestors. 

Nida Cautidar, a local healer from Sitio Kalangitan, performs a diagnostic ritual by cracking a raw egg into a glass of water to be examined for any change in shape that might suggest the nature of one’s illness. Nida learned these healing practices from years of living in Capas, Tarlac, surrounded by Aeta communities.

An alternative diagnostic ritual performed by healers to identify maladies involves hovering a blank paper over a gas lamp. According to Nida Cautidar, the resulting burnt formations suggest that the sick person has unconsciously disturbed dwelling places of spirits.

Aeta resident Leah (name changed to protect her privacy) holds freshly picked hagonoy weeds while strolling along a flattened road in Sitio Alli, Capas, Tarlac. According to Leah, they used to roam freely in the area, which was covered with herbal plants and fruit-bearing trees. Security cameras have been installed to monitor intruders amid the construction of New Clark City.

Lily De Guzman, an Aeta healer from Sitio Gayangan, prays over medicinal plants to be used for her sick grandchild. As one of the senior Aeta healers from her community, Nanay Lily is revered for her spirituality and vast herbal knowledge.

Sambong leaves are pounded to extract juice, taken orally to cure stomach ache and diarrhea. The Aetas, who live in the mountains, have utmost respect for the living world. Their traditional medicine practices are deeply rooted in nature.

Lily De Guzman presses on hagonoy leaves mixed with salt onto her grandchild's forehead after he shows flu symptoms. Lily and the Aeta community of Sitio Gayanon firmly believe that the hagonoy plant keeps them safe from the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘Anituhan’ is a kind of community healing ritual that is often performed by the healer along with family and relatives during a full moon. In Aeta culture, the ‘anito’ represent environmental spirits residing in the natural world. Aetas believe that their traditional dances and music make it possible for one to be in contact with caring spirits. ‘Pag-aanito’ is the purest and highest form of the ritual that they can perform to heal a person possessed by spirits. 

Oscar Capiz, an Aeta healer, chants as he performs the healing ritual of pag-aanito to his daughter Mary Grace (kneeling face down) and a grandchild. Oscar says he traveled for two hours to his daughter’s house in Sitio Flora after his personal spirit guide told him that his daughter was having a severe stomach ache. When medicinal plants don’t work, a healer is called to hold a ‘manganito,’ a séance, to ask the spirits for instructions to remove the cause of the illness.

Rosette David, an Aeta healer, walks back to her home with her children after gathering herbal plants. Medicinal herbal knowledge and spiritual culture are passed on to the next generation of Aetas through oral tradition.

An Aeta looks at a construction site that was once cultivated land in Sitio Alli, Capas, Tarlac. Aeta communities fear their natural cultural markers are being demolished with the construction of the New Clark City project.

This story is one of the twelve photo essays produced under the Capturing Human Rights fellowship program, a seminar and mentoring project

organized by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and the Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines. 

Check the other photo essays here.

Larry Monserate Piojo – "Terminal: The constant agony of commuting amid the pandemic"

Orange Omengan – "Filipinos face the mental toll of the Covid-19 pandemic"

Lauren Alimondo – "In loving memory"

Gerimara Manuel – "Pinagtatagpi-tagpi: Mother, daughter struggle between making a living and modular learning"

Pau Villanueva – "Hinubog ng panata: The vanishing spiritual traditions of Aetas of Capas, Tarlac"

Bernice Beltran – "Women's 'invisible work'"

Dada Grifon – "From the cause"

Bernadette Uy – "Enduring the current"

Mark Saludes – "Mission in peril"

EC Toledo – "From sea to shelf: The story before a can is sealed"

Ria Torrente – "HIV positive mother struggles through the Covid-19 pandemic"

Sharlene Festin – "Paradise lost"

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Photo Essay: The biodiversity of Palawan, Philippines

Community, Conservation and Natural Climate Solutions: Mantalingahan Landscape Conservation Project

Made possible with support from P&G

Conservation International is proud to share an intimate portrait of the elusive and rare wildlife of the Philippines, thriving in their natural habitats. The Philippines is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth and home to a variety of species found nowhere else on the planet. The photos included below offer a glimpse at the 120,457-hectare Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape — a vital habitat located on the Philippine island of Palawan that is home to more than 1,000 plant and animal species. The landscape also provides for more than 12,000 Indigenous people, many of whom rely directly on nature for their livelihoods and are among the world’s most climate-vulnerable communities.

Despite its protected status, the Mantalingahan Landscape continues to be threatened by deforestation and forest degradation, and 10 percent of its species are considered threatened, including the Palawan pangolin and the Philippine cockatoo. In 2020, Conservation International and Procter & Gamble (P&G) launched the Mantalingahan Landscape Conservation Project , a five-year project to restore and protect the landscape. We are working to ensure that this ecosystem can support local communities while contributing to the reduction of global emissions through forest and mangrove conservation. This project was the first to be developed as part of the Natural Climate Solutions Initiative in support of P&G's nature and climate targets.

The photographs highlighted below were captured by local photographer and filmmaker Jessie M. Cereno, as well as by members of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and Conservation International staff. The photos appeared at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) in Montreal, Canada, where nearly 200 countries discussed the implementation of new global biodiversity goals for the next decade.

Captions by Trond Larsen , Senior Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science at Conservation International.

From rugged coast to mountain peaks, Palawan boasts a tremendous variety of marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. The island not only harbors unique and endemic species, but also provides essential goods and services to people.

Mangroves grow along coasts and estuaries in the Mantalingahan Landscape, the largest terrestrial protected area in the Philippines. Palawan has the most mangrove cover in the Philippines, spanning approximately 60,000 hectares. These mangroves protect coastal communities by buffering against storm surges, serve as nurseries for fish and other marine species, support local food security, and absorb and store enormous amounts of climate-warming carbon.

“What really stands out about the Mantalingahan Landscape is the tremendous variety of ecosystems and species that are concentrated in this relatively small area, with habitats ranging from steaming coastal mangroves to cool montane forest around the peak of Mount Mantalingahan. While Indigenous people have long revered and depended upon this biodiversity, scientists are only beginning to understand the incredibly unique wildlife that is found here.”

Trond Larsen, Senior Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science, Conservation International

The Palawan pangolin ( Manis culionensis ), known locally as balintong, is a reclusive and gentle animal found only in Palawan. They spend much of their time in the treetops and use a long, sticky tongue to feed on termites and ants. Like other pangolin species, they are illegally hunted for their scales, organs and skin, which are used in traditional medicine in some parts of the world. The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, and its continued survival depends on reducing illegal poaching and protecting forests such as those in the Mantalingahan Landscape.

The Palawan Forest Turtle  ( Siebenrockiella leytensis ) is another Critically Endangered species found only in Palawan. Though this mysterious and elusive species lives in streams, rivers and swamps, it lays its eggs on the forest floor, where it covers them with leaves. Palawan forest turtles are highly sensitive to disturbance and require intact forest to survive. For much of the twentieth century, the species was not seen in the wild, until they were officially rediscovered in 2004. Unfortunately, since then the population has declined, primarily due to the pet trade.

The Philippine cockatoo ( Cacatua haematuropygia ), also Critically Endangered, prefers lowland forests with adjacent mangroves. Threatened by habitat loss and wildlife trade, only an estimated 430-750 individuals are believed to remain in the wild. The Mantalingahan Landscape supports healthy mangroves that are essential for this large parrot, as well as many other species, making it one of the most important bird habitats in the Philippines.

The stork-billed kingfisher ( Pelargopsis capensis ) is named for its unusually large and brightly colored beak, which it uses to catch fish, frogs, rodents, young birds and crabs, such as the one pictured here. These large kingfishers thrive in forested areas along rivers and other wetlands.

The Asian emerald dove ( Chalcophaps indica ) is a brightly colored pigeon species that inhabits mangroves and tropical forests in the Mantalingahan Landscape. Like some other pigeons, they tend to be relatively unafraid of people. We are only beginning to understand Palawan’s incredible avian diversity – in 2007, Conservation International and partners discovered a species of finch ( Erythrura prasina ) that is new to science.

The Philippine long-tailed macaque ( Macaca fascicularis philippensis ) is a subspecies of the long-tailed or crab-eating macaque that is most commonly found in mangrove and swamp forests, such as in the Mantalingahan Landscape. Like most other primates, they are omnivores, eating a variety of fruits and animals, including crabs. Each group sleeps huddled together at night for warmth in a preferred tree, usually along a river. While they adapt well to the presence of humans, the species is considered Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to a variety of threats that include habitat loss, hunting and wildlife trade.

The Palawan porcupine  ( Hystrix pumila ) is another species found only in the Palawan region. While they are relatively tolerant of habitat disturbance, the species is declining, especially due to hunting and wildlife trade, and is considered Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. In most places worldwide, it is rare for scientists to find mammals that haven’t been previously described. The Palawan region is a notable exception to this rule. Here, Conservation International and partners have discovered several species that are new to science, including a species of pouch bat ( Saccolaimus saccolaimus ) and a species of shrew which may be endemic to Mount Mantalingahan. In addition, we rediscovered the Palawan soft-furred mountain rat ( Palawanomys furvus ), a species that had not been seen by scientists since it was first recorded in 1962.

Abundant streams, wetlands and rainforests in the Mantalingahan Landscape provide habitat for a stunning diversity of amphibians and reptiles. This includes the Palawan horned frog ( Megophrys ligayae ), whose striking appearance provides excellent camouflage in the leaf litter of the primary forests where it lives. Its tadpoles mature in small forest pools adjacent to streams and are sensitive to changes in water quality. This species is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List due to its restricted distribution and declining population. Ongoing research and conservation efforts are providing fresh insights into Palawan’s diverse herpetofauna – in 2007, Conservation International and partners discovered a new species of forest gecko ( Luperosaurus gulat ).

Palawan’s rich ecosystems and unique species diversity are also essential for the people that live there. The Mantalingahan Landscape hosts important ancestral domains that are home to over 12,000 Indigenous peoples called Palaw’an. The Palaw’an, along with the Tagbanua, Molbog and the Batak Indigenous communities, are known to be some of the island’s oldest inhabitants, and their traditional ways of life are closely tied to nature. This picture shows the cone of an almaciga tree ( Agathis philippinensis ). The tree’s resin provides a high-value product for the Palaw’an culture and is traded for industrial uses. Many other plant, animal and fungus species provide food, medicine, building materials and other uses to local communities. The sustainable management of Palawan’s ecosystems will help to ensure the continued preservation of its unique biodiversity as well as the countless benefits they provide to people.

View of the Aribungos-Ipilan portion of the Mantalingahan landscape threatened by numerous mining permit applications.

Learn more about the Mantalingahan Landscape Conservation Project

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A photo essay of beautiful Bohol, Philippines

We explored Bohol Island for four days after our fill of beach time on Panglao Island. Here’s a little photo essay to show off the beauty of the area.

Our days consisted of traipsing along the Loboc River to the little town of Loboc, zipping around the countryside on a motorbike, checking out the Chocolate Hills and Mag Aso Falls as well as a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary.

We stayed at Fox and Firefly , a lovely little resort with groups of cottages and a second floor open-air restaurant and lounge.  They also offer SUP tours of the island.  Todd and I got our first ever SUP lesson from them and were thrilled to SUP down the Loboc River.  It was one of the most peaceful nature activities I have ever done and we wish we had sprung for the longer tour.  I would highly recommend them if you are on Bohol.  The guides were great and this is ecotourism at it’s best.

Our first day we wandered around Loboc.

It’s a cute little town located right on the Loboc River.  They are known for river cruises, which go up and down the river serving meals (lunch or dinner), with live bands to accompany all of your karaoke dreams. It was a little touristy for us so we chose to skip them and instead ate at some smaller local restaurants.

Renting a motorbike is definitely the way to see the island from a local’s viewpoint.

From Loboc to the Chocolate Hills you wind up, down and around hills, through a man-made forest with its cool shade and past a lot of rice paddy scenery.

After braving some treacherous downpours on our motorbike, we finally made it to the Chocolate Hills.

There are somewhere between 1250 and 1775 of these conical and symmetrical hills, which turn brown in the dry season hence the name.  You pass them here and there on the roadside before winding up to a stellar viewpoint.  As a reward for trekking through the crazy weather, a double rainbow popped out just as we arrived at the viewpoint.  The viewpoint was up a long set of stairs, but totally worth it as you got complete 360 degree views of the hills.

A trip to Bohol wouldn’t be complete without visiting Baclayon church.

The town of Baclayon was founded by the Jesuits in 1596 and became a parish in 1717.  The church itself was built in 1727 and is still standing, although it sustained a lot of damage in the earthquake of 2013.  It was still under renovation while we were there.  We could tour part of it including the main altar and a very interesting museum filled with old church vestments, prayer books and statues of saints.

Our last day we rented a motorbike again and drove across the island to see Mag Aso Falls.

It was off the tourist path a little and well worth the drive.  We just loved seeing more of the countryside, waving to locals who always gave us a smile and an enthusiastic hello.

When we got to the falls, it was a short trek down some very slippery stairs, and what awaited us was magical.  The color of the water was an incredible blue that I have seen in oceans before, but never in fresh water.  We were in a jungle cavern and besides the main pool to swim in there were small pools created by rocks where you could relax and let the river wash away any stress.

There was only one other couple there when we arrived and they left shortly, allowing Todd and I to take it all in privately.  It was definitely an afternoon I will not soon forget!

At the end of the day, we checked out the Philippine Tarsier Foundation’s   Tarsier Sanctuary  in the town of Corella.

Tarsiers are the smallest primates and sadly are endangered.  They have been losing their natural habitat as the jungle is cut down and also are used as pets and to be viewed in small cages by tourists.  The animals are the size of a man’s fist (approximately) and are very shy and nocturnal.  They are sensitive to light and sounds and have been known to kill themselves in captivity.

We went to the conservation center that encompasses many acres and lets them roam in their natural habitat.  We were very lucky the day we visited because we got to see a few that were visible along a path in the jungle behind the museum.  You cannot talk or use flashes while in the viewing area.  They are interesting looking, cute with huge eyes which appear open even though they are asleep during the day.  There are only about 700 of these species left in the Philippines, although new efforts to conserve and repopulate are under way.

For an entertaining dinner, stop in Baclayon at Don’s Ocean View Restaurant and Bar.

The owner was a feisty German expat and super friendly and welcoming.  He loved Americans and showered us with shots of rum (which under normal circumstances I never drink – but this guy was easily 6’5″ and an ex-Navy Seal).  The food was delicious – he offers mostly German fare with a few other international dishes.  And he hand-cut his own fries.  They were wonderful!  The views couldn’t be beat either, watching the fisherman ready their boats for some twilight fishing.

And that in a nutshell is how to spend four days on Bohol!

We really felt we got to see a lot of this island in such a little time since it was so easy to get around.  Even though we did do activities every day, we also left plenty of time for relaxing on the couches up in the lounge at Fox and Firefly where we met a lot of other travelers and swapped stories.  We also had some good hammock time overlooking the river.  Bohol is a wonderful place to visit in the Philippines if you want a little beach, a little jungle and a little relaxation.

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Fabulous story/pix love see.ing all this trip since I can’t go thanks so much a great travelogue went to school with a few phllipinoes wonderful kind loving they were through the war lost slot of their families. One friend saw her whole family murdered very sad her name was Lourdes Cohuangco. And her cousins also Cohuansgcos

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A good year for Filipina photojournalists and documentary photographers

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

FILIPINA PHOTOGRAPHERS. From left to right: Kimberly dela Cruz, Xyza Cruz Bacani, Hannah Reyes Morales

Photos from their official websites

Year 2021 will be remembered as the year that three young Filipina photojournalists and documentary photographers gained worldwide recognition for their visual stories and commissioned work.

Here’s a look at some of them.

Kimberly dela Cruz

Kimberly dela Cruz won a W. Eugene Smith grant for humanistic documentary project for “Death of a Nation.” Dela Cruz is the first Philippines-based documentary photographer to win the prestigious award.

Hannah Reyes Morales

Hannah Reyes Morales was selected to do the Nobel Peace Prize Exhibit to honor Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, the Philippines’ first Nobel laureate.

Morales’ image of shark feeding made it to the Photos of the Year selection by The New York Times and The Guardian . She was also the winner of ICP’s 2020 Infinity Award for Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism.

Xyza Cruz Bacani

In 2021, Xyza Cruz Bacani started her master’s degree studies at New York University. Bacani was admitted without an undergraduate degree. She received a scholarship grant from the Hong Kong WMA Foundation, Tim Herman, and NYU to cover her tuition and expenses.

Bacani did two major commissioned works for Ayala Foundation, and for a unit of French food giant Danone SA’s program to help coconut farmers in the Philippines boost yields and double their incomes within five years. This is aside from feature stories related to COVID-19 that run on National Public Radio, CNN, and National Geographic.

Her book, We Are Like Air , is now on 3rd printing and a collector’s edition will be available soon. – Rappler.com

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Sa akong paglantaw: a photo essay, surigao city through the eyes of young people.

Youth animators play an important role in supporting the needs and recovery of children affected by Typhoon Odette in Surigao. They volunteer their time in UNICEF-supported Child-Friendly Spaces , where they lead children in play, musical and sports activities.  

Child-friendly spaces provide a safe supervised space where children can play and receive psychosocial support. More than just fun and games, these spaces aim to meet the unique psychosocial needs of children who may not respond to traditional therapy after a traumatic event like a super typhoon. 

To mark World Children's Day in 2022, UNICEF conducted a basic mobile photography workshop for Youth Animators from Siargao, Surigao City and Dinagat Islands. Under the mentorship and guidance of photographer Larry Monserate Piojo, 10 Youth Animators learned photography basics, including composition, photojournalism, street photography, editing and enhancement, and how to be a responsible photographer. To apply what they learned, they took photographs in several sites in Surigao City, documenting life there almost one year after Super Typhoon Odette.

These photographs tell the stories of children and people in this community, as seen through the eyes of young people.

The photographers

Blink Kian C. Avila, 14 Elaiza Mae Bersabal, 15 Charisse Curro, 16 Abdul Durail, 28 Misdari Jelbani, 17 Romy Lanuevo, 24 Cesar B. Magalona, 19 Cristine Mae Navarro, 14 Shawn Daniel Rondina, 16 Aldrin Sapayani, 16 Ma. Eva Tanghap, 16

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This photographer's images of Filipino resilience are winning acclaim in Europe

We are often told, particularly in these trying, virus-ridden times of our resilience of spirit. It is almost a jarring point of pride—how supposedly Filipinos can retain a neighborly smile even in the face of brutal calamity—considering the frequency of our run-ins with disaster.

Think of it as you will, but that so many derive an uplift from seeing our good humor withstand tragedy is a truth that persists.

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One would be hard-pressed to produce a better encapsulation of this resilience than Per-Andre Hoffmann’s “It’s more fun in the Philippines” photograph. The photo, which bagged first prize in the Lifestyle category at the 2019 PR-Bild Awards, depicts a boy heedlessly leaping from a springboard into a bay all while an active Mayon Volcano looms largely in the backdrop.

The photographer, who has been published in TIME and National Geographic , among other publications, says the image communicates a message about “living life and love to the fullest.” Hoffmann, who is based now in Makati, adds that, due largely to Europeans’ unfamiliarity with volcanoes (there are but a few not located in Italy or Iceland), they are under the general impression that a volcano outbreak would strike a Hollywood-grade panic among the public.

In Hoffman's award-winning photo, we see the opposite. Its an image of children enjoying life and unimpressed with the threat of Mayon. "There’s the fisherman idly paddling by, going about his work as usual. And there’s the people on the Esplanade, casually strolling, holding hands,” says the photographer, who was raised in Brazil and Norway, describing the picture.

As arresting as the image is, the work of capturing it wasn't exactly a case of lightning in a bottle.

Hoffmann admits he had to observe and take numerous shots. “None was absolutely perfect and the light was fading,” he adds. “Without changing the original message, I requested one of the boys to jump in a certain way. After several attempts, the message was preserved and the perfect PR-shot was created. I left the kids with smiles on their faces and knew this image would fuel the imagination and touch the soul of people in the West.”

In addition to “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” Hoffmann had another winner in his piece entitled “Ten Generations Under One Roof,” which bagged third prize in the Visual Stories and Campaigns category. It depicts two Filipinos sitting in a nipa hut containing bones of their ancestors.

It was the Department of Tourism (DOT) who submitted Hoffman's works to the PR-Bild Awards which the German press agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) has been running since 2006. The awards honor achievements in public relations photography and visual communications.

Settling in the PH

So what drew Hoffman to this country? 

In 1993, the DOT asked him—at that point he was already an established photojournalist in Germany—to promote the Philippines. (Germany was the world’s biggest outbound tourism market then.) In turn, his work featuring the country saw publication in renowned magazines and newspapers, which prompted the DOT to invite him back on multiple occasions.

During this time, Hoffmann would spend several months in a year working in the Philippines. Shortly thereafter, with the advent of the internet, the location of a “base” had become irrelevant to him. “After having been to over one hundred countries,” he says, “I chose my overall favorite place—the Philippines.” The photographer, who is unmarried, has since become an adoptive father to a girl from Bicol.

It should now require little imagination to see why Hoffmann, who studied visual communications and media design, should be so enamored with our islands. He describes the country as “an absolutely magical archipelago with enormous diversity, stunning scenery and natural beauty, diverse cultures and traditions, awesome fiestas and rituals…[all] waiting to be told.”

Electing to state the obvious, he adds: “The Philippines is a photographer's dream.”

Man behind the image

While Hoffmann took up photography “professionally” as a university man, he believes making images was in his DNA all along. “I found a photo of myself “shooting” with a self-made camera dummy when I was six or seven," he recalls. 

Eventually, in university, he began offering both writing and photography of his global travels to different publications. With a dogged determination, he slowly but regularly got work published, gaining national recognition in the process.

He recalls how his first major recognition was “boosted” by stories he had published from war zones, particularly his work capturing the civil war in Sudan. An editor in GEO Magazine , in attesting to Hoffmann’s work ethic, says he “risks life and limb for a good shot.”

To see some of Hoffman's works, click on the slideshow:

"Ifugao hut with boy and lola," 2019 Third Prize

"Tinguian boar hunter with dog," 2019 shortlisted

"Ethnic mother with daughter," 2019 shortlisted

"Filipino boy with banana gun," 2019 shortlisted

"Carabao and egret," 2018 First Prize

"Jeepney stop in rain," 2019 shortlisted

"Ifugao dance"

"Mayon," 2019 First Prize

"Fidel Castro"

I prefer Hoffmann’s own, more cogent take: “Basically, he meant I was a young nutcase.”

In earnest, Hoffmann is simply of the belief that he has to see everything from a different lens. In his work, he wants nothing short of “clean compositions, easy-to-grasp messages, exquisite and unusual light, and a touch of my personal twist.”

Asked about what subjects might figure in his work in the future, Hoffmann chooses to illuminate what furthers along his artistic evolution. “[It] is not expressed in what I shoot, but how,” he explains. “My philosophy is always the attempt to see things differently, pursue new aesthetics, messages, and techniques.”

Not only is this a personal ambition, adds Hoffmmann. “It is a professional necessity.”

Portraits of Hoffman by Patrick Mateo

‘We just need food’: Manila’s newly homeless tell stories of survival in lockdown – photo essay

As Covid hit, thousands of Filipinos were left trapped in the capital without work. Many ended up on the street and are still waiting to rebuild their lives

L ike so many others before her, Michelle Sicat, a 28-year-old single mother from the province of Nueva Ecija, had come to Metro Manila to get a job to support her family. She left her daughter with her parents so she could work as a shop assistant in one of the city’s busiest commercial districts. Sicat’s sacrifice was one that many Filipinos from rural areas have to make.

Despite missing home, Sicat was happy to have a job. But then the Covid-19 pandemic struck. The Philippine government placed the entire island of Luzon – where the Metro Manila region is located – under the strictest level of lockdown . The restrictions forced most businesses to close. Most people were ordered to stay at home.

For many living on the streets, there is no shelter from the elements

Many people – like Sicat – who lived from one payday to another suddenly found themselves without jobs. Without government support, going hungry was a serious threat.

Sicat tried to get home. But when she arrived at the bus station, she found there were hordes of people like her already there, desperate to leave Manila. She was willing to queue for hours to get on a bus. She didn’t care if she had to stand for the journey, or sit on the floor, as long as she could go home.

But she could not get on a bus. Instead, she found herself, along with others who were now stranded and homeless, taking refuge along the Manila Baywalk – a seaside promenade overlooking Manila Bay.

As public transport ceased, the areas near Manila Bay became a refuge to many homeless and stranded people

Before the pandemic, there were already an estimated 3 million homeless people in the city of Manila , largely the result of poverty caused by unemployment. Covid-19 added to the number.

The government deployed social workers to round up homeless people and place them in temporary shelters, which is where Sicat found herself.

It’s where she met Jerwin Mendoza, 36. Mendoza became homeless when the shopping mall where he worked as an electrician closed. Unable to pay for food or lodgings, he was forced to go to a shelter.

At first, he thought that living in the shelter would tide him over during the lockdown. NGOs and private individuals sent provisions. He said that the people running the shelter would ask him – along with others – to pose for photos while receiving boxes of food, clothes, and sanitary items. “After each ceremony, we always hoped to receive something from the donations,” said Mendoza. “But the donations were immediately locked up in the storage room of the facility. I thought we were supposed to enjoy some treats in lieu of the unchanging and bland meals that they served us every day. I don’t know why these shelter volunteers were keeping the donations from us.”

Neither Mendoza or Sicat ever thought they would end up living in a shelter, which soon became crowded and cramped. The government-run facility was supposed to offer reprieve. Instead, they felt like prisoners, they say.

These pop-up cubicles were supposed to be temporary shelters for those on the streets but felt more like jail cells

“Keeping us there was a death sentence to those who depend on us,” Sicat said. “My family hasn’t eaten properly because I haven’t been able to send them money. I don’t know what to do.”

People who had taken refuge in the shelter were not allowed to leave unless a family member picked them up, even though roads were blocked and there was no public transport because of lockdown. Quarantine passes were handed out to make sure that only one person from each house went out to get food and other essential goods.

The pair were desperate to leave the shelter to find jobs. They didn’t want their families to starve. So, they planned their escape. After three failed attempts that involved beatings from the shelter’s security guards, they were able to scale a wall and jump to freedom.

Thousands of those stranded in Manila and rendered homeless took refuge in shelters run by churches and private institutions during the early phase of the lockdown in 2020

Outside the shelters, the attempted exodus to the provinces continued. Thousands of people, including returning and laid-off overseas workers, waited in sports arenas, on piers and at airports in the hope of leaving the city. Several local authorities around the country had implemented stringent rules that further prevented many people from going back to their home towns.

Some people were fortunate to slip through checkpoints around Metro Manila to leave the city. Others were left with no option but to stay and cope with the daily struggle of surviving the pandemic. As the government scrambled to contain the virus, people in the streets were saying: “We won’t die from Covid-19 because we’ll die from hunger.”

To avoid roundups and being placed in community shelters, homeless people hide in the Liwasang Bonifacio underpass

After escaping the shelter, but unable to leave Manila, Sicat and Mendoza ended up at the Liwasang Bonifacio underpass in the centre of the city. Before the pandemic, people from the provinces seeking work in Manila would go there. It served as a recruitment centre for those still looking for work. Employers knew to go to the plaza to find cheap labour, and most people staying there managed to get manual work – in small food factories, as stevedores, market helpers and construction workers. Daily wages ranged from $2 to $11. Though earnings were modest, people were at least able to send money to their families, retaining some to pay for food and accommodation. Those who earned the least ate from soup kitchens and slept on park benches. But over lockdown, the jobs dried up.

“Since I can’t bring anything to the table, I don’t want them to have another mouth to feed. Leaving is my way of helping them,” Alan Yongco explained

B efore the streets became his home, Alan Yongco, 58, was a mobile phone salesperson. He lost his job because of lockdown. Yongco was so ashamed of being unemployed that he decided to leave his family. His home was just a few kilometres from where he used to work.

Despite his daughter’s pleas for him to come home, Yongco refused. He said he didn’t want to be a burden to his family. It was left to Yongco’s eldest son, who works overseas, to get the family through the pandemic.

Yongco visited food banks to eat. He befriended Father Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva, of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). The priest had been offering meals, clothes and temporary refuge for homeless people at the St Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center (AJKC) in the Santa Cruz area of Manila, until it was closed by officials soon after lockdown for allegedly violating social distancing rules .

With the centre closed, Flavie worried that homeless people would become more susceptible to Covid if they were weak from hunger. He decided on some outreach work.

Children, pregnant women, elderly people and those with disabilities are prioritised in the distribution lines. Troublemakers are pushed to the back or denied a donation pack for that day

He asked Yongco to be the lead coordinator in the distribution of food packs, vitamins and hygiene kits – containing soap and face masks – to homeless people. Yongco felt he had found his new purpose in life – helping those in the same circumstances as him.

Yongco asked Marlon and Tisay Adesas to help him serve close to a hundred individuals and several homeless families staying at Liwasang Bonifacio. Marlon and Tisay had both worked at a market but had to stop because of coronavirus travel restrictions. They had been living with their 15-year-old son in a house shared by three families. But the cramped space became toxic and Marlon would get into fights. To avoid further rows, the family left for a life on the streets.

Top left: Homeless people wait for potential employers and food rations in Liwasang Bonifacio, one of Manila’s ‘freedom parks’ where permission is not required to hold gatherings. Top right: A Kalinga Center worker distributes face masks as hundreds of people line up to receive food and hygiene packs. Above: Marlon and Tisay Adesas and Alan Yongco with his head bandaged. Yongco had run out of meal coupons to distribute and had been attacked by an irate homeless person

The AJKC team created a list of those who would receive support packages – to maintain order and ensure that everything would be distributed properly. It was also to deter hoarding, and prevent other homeless wanderers from following the distribution route in the hope of getting supplies. “If we don’t do this, no one will and there will be chaos,” says Marlon.

The AJKC prioritises the sick, elderly people, and those with families to receive food packs. But as not all homeless people around the underpass could be listed as recipients, Yongco and his fellow volunteers have been threatened and physically attacked.

Tisay Adedas tends to a baby rescued from child traffickers. Illegal adoption of newborn babies from very poor families is widespread

Behind Manila’s central post office is a dead-end street that by evening transforms into the “sleeping quarters” for hundreds of homeless people. The area is also designated for sick and elderly people. The Adesases manage this area.

Whenever someone is ill, Marlon takes them to a nearby health centre for treatment. If medication is required, the couple seek help from local government and officials. “Our hearts are with the people here. They depend on us and we can’t just leave them,” says Tisay, adding that Marlon turned down a job because it would mean leaving the city. “He chose to stay here for them,” Tisay says with a laugh. “All we need is food for the day to survive. We have no reason to leave as long as we’re able to eat.”

A church volunteer distributes a meal of chocolate porridge. Donations became scarce as the lockdown dragged on

As the pandemic drags on, support for those left homeless and struggling has dwindled. With fewer donations, some NGOs and other institutions have been forced to scale down their operations.

O n the other side of Liwasang Bonifacio, Jose Quizon, 33, is starting to rebuild his life. He didn’t make it on to AJKC’s priority list for support, but says he no longer wants to depend on food donations.

Quizon left his job as a farmhand in Isabela province to seek better opportunities in Manila. At first, he jumped from one job to another until he was hired as an assistant cook at a Chinese restaurant. This brought him financial stability and he was able to provide for his family.

Jose Quizon built a push cart from scrap materials to carry his home and livelihood

When the pandemic started, Chinese Philippine offshore gaming operators halted their operations. Most employees returned to China. Among them was Quizon’s boss, who promised to return once the situation returned to normal. As days passed, Quizon waited for his employer to return. He depleted his savings, could no longer afford rent and was forced to live on the streets.

Unsheltered, alone and famished, Quizon found himself knocking on car windows to beg for loose change. Other beggars would ask him to write signs for them since, unlike most of them, he had a basic education. One day, a few months ago, while begging in front of the park, a car passenger rolled down his window and called to Quizon. “A car honked and the man called me over. He gave me 10 pesos ($0.20) and said: ‘You look like a big, healthy and able man. Why don’t you work, sell a few things, rather than beg for change?”

Top left: when food donations aren’t enough some families have to make do with what little they have. Top right: some homeless people, advised to maintain good hygiene to curb the spread of the virus, use unfiltered water from the park’s fountain for bathing. Above: homeless people are forbidden to stay in the park at Liwasang Bonifacio. Resourcefulness is required to find nearby spaces in which to sleep.

So, with $3 left of his savings, Jose bought packs of cigarettes and a few bags of sweets and started selling to passersby, as well as to homeless people. In time, he was able to add other items. He now has a modified push cart loaded with bottled water, juices and crisps.

“Begging for change was a rough time for me,” he says. “Having this cart and selling these items is no doubt more fulfilling. I am happy, and I know my old boss would be happy to know how I survived.”

Quizon is usually seen by the park’s fountain in the afternoons, where he was recruited years ago. He is still anticipating his boss’s return.

It helps when homeless families can find a small patch of soil in which to grow vegetables to supplement their diets

In August, Metro Manila and nearby provinces underwent another round of strict lockdowns owing to a surge in Delta variant cases. The country’s chief economist estimated that 177, 000 more Filipinos would be thrown into poverty and 444,000 more would lose their jobs in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas as a result of the lockdown, suggesting the likelihood of a further rise in homelessness.

Projections from the Asian Development Bank already showed that poverty in the Philippines had worsened during the pandemic and was set to remain elevated this year.

The bank’s country director Kelly Bird said in April that the crisis would probably “push the Philippine poverty incidence to 20% this year from 16.7% in 2018 .”

Government executives and business leaders are optimistic that the economy will rebound once Covid restrictions are eased. They expect poverty to decline as the economy reopens and levels of immunity rise.

After the April lockdown, Yuri, pictured, died from complications resulting from a bacterial infection. The incident led the Adesases to convince others to enter the shelter for their own protection

The government’s socioeconomic planning secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that the Philippines could still bring down poverty incidence to its target of 14% by 2022, despite the pandemic. Poverty in the country declined from 23.3% in 2015 to 16.7% in 2018, improving the lives of almost 6 million Filipinos.

“The 14% target is still doable given the anticipated head start and recovery this year,” Chua said. However, he said the government was “monitoring recent developments, such as a surge in the new Covid variants and imposition of stricter quarantine”.

So, will this projected economic recovery be felt by the people seeking refuge at Liwasang Bonifacio? There is cause for optimism. Some employers are returning to the plaza to hire staff. But Sicat, Mendoza, Quizon, Yongco and the Adesas family continue to live day-to-day without knowing what lies ahead.

Homeless people head for ‘home’ as curfew approaches during April’s lockdown

• Photographing the pandemic
• Philippines
• Asia Pacific
• Social exclusion
• Coronavirus

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18 Immersive Photo Essay Examples & Tips

By Tata Rossi 13 days ago, Professional photography

A photo essay tells a story or evokes emotion through a series of photographs. The essays allow you to be creative and fully explore an idea. Such essays exist in a variety of forms – from photos only to images with brief comments or written essays accompanied by shots. Choose a photo essay example that you can easily do based on your professional level and the equipment you use.

1. Protests

• View the “Resistance” photo essay by David Moore .

A great idea for photo essays for students is to shoot the protest to show its power. You can capture people with signs and banners to demonstrate what they are standing for. Besides, you can learn how to capture moving subjects. Use the best example of photo essay and don’t forget about angles, composition, and framing.

To create a photo essay , go up to the front and photograph the leader of the protesters walking forward. After that, go back to the end of the group to take pictures of families joining the protest. As a result, you will gain experience shooting big groups of people in motion.

2. Transformation

• View the “A Self-Portrait Every Day” photo essay by Noah Kalina .

This idea is all about capturing the way a person changes. You may take photos of a pregnant woman and then capture the same model with a child. By documenting the development of the child for several years, you can tell a great story in the form of a photo essay.

However, you can also create a photo essay about the transformation of different objects. For instance, you can create a time-lapse series to capture the history of a renovated building. While you will have to take a lot of similar photos to bring this idea to life, it will allow you to achieve an impressive result.

3. Local Event

• View the “Monday Marathon” photo essay by Quinn G. Perini .

Whether you are a resident of a large city or a small town, you can find an opportunity to visit a local event, like a marathon or a festival. This is a nice chance to follow modern photography trends and bring photo essay ideas to life.

You can capture the before-and-after stages of the event. Arrive earlier and take pictures of the preparation activities, then shoot the actual event starting with the official beginning.

Keep photographing even when the event is over and capture the cleaning up and disassembling processes.

4. Photowalk

• View the “Empty Campus” photo essay by Elise Trissel .

Explore the location where you live and find interesting objects to capture in the vicinity. Using the most interesting photo essay examples, you can decide how to make the best decisions. Don’t hurry and try to discover which angles you can use to capture the unique atmosphere of each place.

If you live in the city, you may capture architectural details, wide shots of busy streets, or just take photos of passersby and street signs. Think about the details that make every location unique. For instance, you can try capturing reflections to see how they allow you to see the city from an unusual angle. You can find reflections everywhere, so be sure to pay attention to mirrored buildings, puddles, and fountains.

5. Place Over Time

• View the “At Home in the Ozarks” photo essay by Kylee Cole .

If you want to document changes and show how the streets, buildings, and parks in your city change over time, select your favorite locations and start to visit them regularly to capture the way they look during different seasons.

• View the “Last Moments” photo essay by Ross Taylor .

You don’t necessarily have to focus on profound photo essay topics to evoke emotions. Capturing pets enjoying their worry-free and untroubled life seems like an easy but interesting activity.

Choose any animal – from a domestic bird to a dog, cat, or horse. For more emotional images, use such pet photography ideas when your pet is still a baby and recreate these shots when it is older or is in its final days.

7. Street Style

• View the Tribal Street Photography photo essay by Hans Eijkelboom .

People often express themselves with the help of clothes. The way passers-by on the streets are dressed may reflect the clothing style of a whole society. That’s why you can travel around the world and capture people’s outfits in various areas. When taking portrait photos in the streets, you can also include some of the surroundings to put them in the context.

You can ask people in the streets to pose for you or try to capture them in movement. Select a suitable location for taking photos and create a photo essay to document what kinds of people one can meet in this location. When doing urban photography , you should ask people for permission before taking photos of them. You can ask their contacts and send them your photos later.

8. Abandoned Building

• View the “Lost Collective” photo essay by Bret Pattman .

Old buildings are excellent architecture photography essay topics for students since you can capture a large number of elements. They allow you to imagine what a particular street looked like in the past. You may use a photo essay example for students as references.

Get approval before going in, but mind that such places are far from being totally safe. Bring various lenses: the macro lenses – for details and the wide-angle one – when you want to include many elements in one shot.

9. Alternative Lifestyles

• View the “Last Nomad Hippies” photo essay by Roberto Palomo .

Some people decide to lead a lifestyle that differs from the one generally accepted by society. Explore different areas and look for people with an unusual way of living. You can capture candid photos of regular people or take pictures of a person with an unusual hobby.

Take pictures of those, who reside in extraordinary conditions, representatives of various subcultures, or the LBGTQ community. These photo essay topics show other people that it is okay to go out of their comfort zone and run against the wind.

10. Social Issues

• View the “Juveniles in Prison” photo essay by Isadora Kosofsky .

The best photo essay examples for students are related to social issues, like unemployment, domestic violence, gender discrimination, and more. Address the topic carefully and look for a proper perspective.

Your shots may draw the people’s attention to a truly burning and relevant matter and have a stronger effect than any text.

11. Behind the Scenes

• View the “Follow Me” photo essay by Marius Masalar .

If you are going to visit an event, get ready to take some behind-the-scenes photos. For instance, you can document the preparations for a festival. Capture the work of the lead event planner and other professionals to tell the story of the festival from an unusual angle.

Alternatively, you can capture the events happening backstage during a drama production. Take pictures of actors and actresses when they are getting ready for the performance. Try capturing the emotions of the main lead and show how stage workers make final preparations. You can also document the work of designers and makeup professionals.

12. Landmarks

• View the “Volte-Face” photo essay by Oliver Curtis .

The pictures of landmarks are typically taken from a certain spot. One of the best photo essay ideas is to try shooting sights from various angles. You will also have an opportunity to improve your composition and your framing skills.

If you take a look at any pictorial essay example, you will see that the variety of perspectives is endless: through the streets, in the morning, afternoon, and evening, with a drone or including reflections.

    • View the “Family” photo essay by Olivia Moore .

You can capture the way family members interact with each other and demonstrate the strong connection they share. In some cases, it makes sense to focus on capturing candid photos when doing family photography .

However, you may also opt for a different approach and focus on more difficult social topics. For instance, if you want to examine the issue of immigration, you can take pictures of a family from another country. In addition, you may show how families cope with other social issues, including poverty or unequal access to healthcare.

14. A Day in the Life

• View the “A Day in the Life of Carlos Gaytan” photo essay by Sandy Noto .

One of the best photo essays concepts is related to a day in a person’s life. The main character can be any person – a relative, family member, teacher, writer, or policeman.

People are generally interested in finding out facts about the lives and daily routines of others. The life of every human is incredible, especially if you learn it in more detail. This idea is especially suitable for taking documentary photos. For instance, you can select any photo essay sample you like and then capture a portrait of a person with the tools they use for their work.

15. Education

• View the “School Day” photo essay by Nancy Borowick .

You can also take great photos in the classroom capturing the interactions of teachers and their students. Avoid distracting them, as it will be easier for you to take natural shots. Using a variety of settings, you can make your photo essay more engaging. For instance, you may visit chemistry labs, capture teachers during a break, and take photos in other locations.

• View the “Meals From the Motherland” photo essay by James Tran .

You can also focus on specific meals to create a professional photo essay about food. To make it more attention-grabbing, try using different food photography ideas .

For instance, you can take photos of popular meals, capture the meals made by a specific person, or document cooking traditions in different countries. When taking photos in a restaurant, pay attention to the surroundings as well to capture the unique atmosphere of a place.

17. Capture the Neighbors

• View the “Our Neighbors” photo essay by Jeanne Martin .

Regardless of the place where you live, you have to establish good relationships with your neighbors. People who live nearby can also be great models for professionals who specialize in portrait photography. To implement this idea, make sure to capture people at home or in front of their houses to include some of the surroundings in your photo essay.

You will discover many interesting facts about people who live nearby. Shooting a photo essay will allow you to learn them better and establish a strong connection with them. This way, you can create a sense of community and discover what holds its members together.

18. Climate Change

• View the “Effects of Climate Change” photo essay by Sanya Gupta .

It is possible to a variety of photo story ideas bring to life examining the impact of climate change. Travel to places most affected by climate change, for instance, glaciers or famous resorts.

Capture the way the continuous drought has influenced the environment, animals, and the inhabitants. As an alternative, take pictures of environmentalist protests or inexhaustible energy sources.

Photo Essay Tips for Students

Explore your topic . An in-depth exploration of the main topic of your photo essay will help you find the best ideas for conveying your message. You can also find some sources for inspiration and useful materials. This stage allows you to learn more about your subject and select the best way of organizing your photo essay.

Create a storyboard . Using a storyboard, you can better understand what shots you need to take and what order can help you to tell a story in the best way. It will also allow you to create the right mood.

Take as many pictures as you can . To create a compelling story, make sure to take a lot of photos. It will allow you to choose the best pictures for your photo essay. Besides, you will always have backup photos if some of your pictures get damaged.

Experiment with different techniques . By changing the angle and using a variety of editing techniques, you can transform the way your photos look. When taking photos, try using different angles to capture the subject in the best way. You can also try changing the distance from the model, using black-and-white film, or employing a range of developing methods.

Add text . While some photographers create photo essays without text, it can still help you bring your point across more clearly and make it easier for a viewer to understand what you imply. By providing extra information, such as some facts, you can change the perception of your image. If you don’t know how to write descriptions, you can hire a professional writer to perform this task.

Enhance your photos . To edit your pictures, make sure to use professional photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Using the available tools, you can improve and change your photos. They allow you to fix issues with lighting, adjust WB, make colors richer, crop your pics to improve the composition, and perform other tasks. In case you need to edit your photos in a consistent style, you can use Photoshop Actions or Lightroom Presets.

In some cases, your pictures may require more advanced editing. If you see that your skills are insufficient or if you don’t have enough time, you can outsource the task of enhancing your photos to the FixThePhoto team. They will professionally enhance your pictures for a budget price. Their prices start from $1.50 per photo.

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To streamline your workflow and quickly edit your essay photos like a pro, make sure to apply these actions to your photos. Even if you use a photo essay example when taking pictures, you can utilize these actions to give your images a professional feel, tweak colors, edit lighting, and improve the overall look of your pics.

In this bundle, you will find actions created by experienced professionals who used recent photo enhancement trends to create convenient editing tools. Here, you will find a collection of brushes, patterns, overlays, and other effects for editing your photos in a realistic way.

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Intimate Landscape Photography from Northern California & Western United States.

Human/Nature — A photo essay

People love to love nature. We go through great expense and trouble to leave our cities and put ourselves into natural environments where we can enjoy these beautiful places. In this photographic project, “Human/Nature,” I explore the relationship between people and the landscapes we love.

Throughout history, our aesthetic for the landscape has evolved. For example, during the mid-17th century, Europeans considered the wilderness to be ugly and unbridled. Travelers passing through mountainous and untamed landscapes during those times pulled the drapes closed in the carriages so as to not offend their eyes. The most admired landscapes in those times were fertile pastures.

These days, humans are more enamored with the wilderness. Many people treasure these wild places and fight fiercely to protect them. We go on safaris, flock to national parks, and take our children to zoos. However, do we regard ourselves as part of nature, or is nature something to be consumed?

About the photographs

In this photographic series, the landscape remains motionless in relationship to the people buzzing through it. Using some photographic magic, I hold a up mirror so we can see how we look as we interact with the natural places we love. Lines are blurred between human and nature. And, while the landscape is still and unmoving, people appear as ghosts in the scene, as if Mother Nature knows that our place here on this planet is transient.

I made the first three photographs in Yosemite National Park, one of the most popular parks in the USA. People travel from around the globe to see this breathtakingly beautiful place. Yet, most visitors rarely stray far from the pavement.

In the fourth photograph, made at a lesser known Northern California waterfall, a woman pauses momentarily to touch the cool water falling from high above — an intimate connection with nature is made.

About the prints

These prints are available as limited editions, carefully crafted one-by-one in my studio and shipped directly to you from me. They are made using the finest archival materials available, and rated to last 250 years if stored under glass and out of direct sunlight. You can see purchasing options on my website, https://www.charlottegibb.com/human-nature .

charlottegibb

Charlotte Gibb is a contemporary fine art photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in landscapes of the Western United States. Her images are often taken in familiar places for the well-versed landscape photographer, but she prides herself on her keen eye toward the subtle and sometimes overlooked beauty of the natural world. Growing up among the beautiful mountains of Northern California, she considers herself a student of life, learning about people, nature, music, and photography along the way. But always, her life-long passion for the wilderness shines through it all. Charlotte earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and has exhibited her work in several solo shows throughout California. Her darkroom, long gone now, has been replaced with digital darkroom tools, and her style has evolved from a somewhat journalistic approach, to one that pays tribute to the natural world. 

Yosemite Renaissance 35

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Charlotte, I love this series. I want to see many many more. I also love the idea of this series as a way to shed light on your question you posed relating to our relationship with the wilderness. I think it is unfortunate that many people now see it as something to be consumed, but I guess its hard to expect less in our current economic culture.

I struggle with this concept, Matt. I realize that I am also part of the problem. As a photographer, am I not also “consuming” the landscape in a way? Isn’t it interesting now, as we all collectively sit at home to “shelter in place,” that the planet is starting to have cleaner air and water? It is as if the Earth is getting a much needed breather.

The saddest thing is, people cannot have a relationship with wilderness while present in quantity. An essential aspect of wilderness is the absence of people; therefore I think wilderness can only be experienced by a person when that person is alone. This is now very very difficult to achieve.

So very true. There are just too many of us on this planet.

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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• 10 April 2024

Total solar eclipse 2024: what dazzled scientists

• Sumeet Kulkarni &
• Lauren Wolf

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This shot of the start of the solar eclipse in Heber Springs, Arkansas, was taken by one of the authors of this story. Credit: Sumeet Kulkarni/ Nature

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Heber Springs, Arkansas

“It makes your heart want to skip a beat — and you cannot really describe it to someone who hasn’t experienced it in person,” said Lynnice Carter on Monday, after watching the total solar eclipse that crossed North America. Carter, a retired educator in Blue Springs, Mississippi, travelled about 230 miles (370 kilometres) to Heber Springs, Arkansas, to see the much-anticipated celestial event from the ‘path of totality’, the track from Sinaloa, Mexico, to New Brunswick, Canada, along which the Moon completely blocked the Sun’s face.

Carter wasn’t alone in making time for the eclipse. Millions viewed the phenomenon from watch sites along the path of totality, where people picnicked, listened to music and donned inexpensive eclipse glasses that helped them to see the main event safely. Some researchers celebrated in their own way — by chasing the eclipse in aeroplanes or with high-resolution cameras on the ground . Although more than a few were disappointed by cloud-filled skies in some locations, others were dazzled by the fiery activity they could see in the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona. Here, Nature chats with casual observers and solar researchers alike to hear about what they saw — and what they learnt.

Crowds gathered on the National Mall in Washington DC to watch the eclipse on 8 April. Credit: Kent Nishimura/Getty

Some marvelled at the science they could see by eye

The last time a total solar eclipse passed over North America was in 2017 , but it was during a solar minimum — a period of weak activity occurring every 11 years on the Sun, when there are fewer sunspots and plasma eruptions. This time, viewers experienced a solar maximum, when structures in the Sun’s corona are at their most fiery. “This one was just so much brighter, and so much prettier! It was just awesome,” said Alice Beverly, who journeyed from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Heber Springs to watch.

Astronomers have long observed ‘shadow bands’ during total solar eclipses. These as-yet-unexplained phenomena are alternating segments of light and dark that pass over the ground in the moments just before and after the full eclipse. One hypothesis is that they are caused by turbulence in the atmosphere as the sliver of light from the eclipse passes through. Viewers such as Kelley Boyett were particularly excited to see them. “I researched a lot, and brought a white poster board to see the little crescents and shadow bands. The coolest thing was the shadow banding — it looked like racing water across the poster board.” Boyett, a post-office worker, travelled from Bronson, Texas, to a watch site in Heber Springs for the festivities.

Others made the most of a cloud-covered sky

“I was disappointed, not so much for myself — since it was my fourth eclipse — but for my sister and her husband, for whom this was going to be the first time,” said Jim Klimchuk, a solar physicist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who travelled to San Antonio, Texas, to view the eclipse. “During totality, it got dark. [Automatic] streetlights and building lights came on. And then, for about five seconds, we could see the corona [amid the clouds]. No details at all, but we could see the brightness around the disk. That was very exciting.”

Marcel Corchado-Albelo, a solar physicist at the University of Colorado Boulder, spent the week leading up to the eclipse in Eagle Pass, Texas, visiting various schools as part of a public-outreach programme. On the morning of the eclipse, the approximately 400 people who gathered to watch at a student-activity centre were “very nervous”, Corchado-Albelo said. Clouds loomed. The Sun would peek from behind the clouds occasionally, and every time, “people were screaming”, he added. In the end, however, their fortunes turned — the clouds parted as totality approached. And everyone screamed again.

Bright red spots called prominences appeared along the solar disk during the total eclipse. Credit: Sumeet Kulkarni/Nature

Researchers grabbed data that they can’t wait to analyse

One thing that many observers were mesmerized by during the eclipse was the appearance of bright red spots protruding from the solar disk. These are called prominences — worm-like filaments of plasma. One in particular, along the southern edge of the Sun, “looked like it was potentially lifting off”, said Amir Caspi, a solar physicist at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, who travelled to Dallas, Texas, to watch the eclipse with his family.

Total solar eclipse 2024: how it will help scientists to study the Sun

Caspi leads 35 teams of citizen scientists who captured images of the eclipse from observing stations distributed along the path of totality. By recording images using identical telescopes and cameras, the project — called Citizen Continental-America Telescopic Eclipse, or Citizen CATE — aims to observe how structures in the corona evolve.

“A majority of our teams were able to get great data. But there were a few that got clouded out completely,” Caspi said. The citizen scientists are now uploading their data — as much as tens of gigabytes per site — to servers where they will be analysed to make an hour-long ‘film’ of the corona. Caspi expects the consolidated results to be available within a month from now.

Another scientist closely watching structures in the corona was Cooper Downs, an astrophysicist at research and product-development firm Predictive Science in San Diego, California. He is part of a team that has spent the past few weeks predicting where in the corona features such as streamers will appear, with the idea of honing the firm’s solar model. Streamers are densely packed spikes of plasma pointing away from the solar core. “My initial impressions were pretty positive,” Downs said. “I saw these two streamers: one was really bright on the top left and another to the south.” Downs is now comparing the simulations generated before and during the eclipse with images taken by astrophotographers. “When you do the detailed comparison, you start seeing some discrepancies,” which should motivate revisions to the model, he told Nature .

Nature 628 , 479-480 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01054-z

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