photo essay
This photo essay from the Tokyo Olympics really captures the power behind every moment. Each shot feels like it’s telling the personal story of the athletes—their struggles, victories, and everything in between. You can literally feel the energy and emotion through the photos, whether it’s an intense action shot or a quiet moment of reflection. It’s so dynamic and real, and it reminds you that behind every medal and every performance, there’s a human story worth knowing.
The Vanishing Lands photo essay from Stuff.co.nz is a stunning example of how landscape photography can tell a deep, emotional story. It captures the vast valleys, rugged mountains, and raw beauty of New Zealand’s high country, while also highlighting the lives of the farmers who work this land. The images are not just scenic—they’re powerful and dynamic, showing the connection between people and place.
The From Trayvon Martin to Colin Kaepernick photo essay is one of the most powerful visual stories I’ve seen. It honors Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old Black teenager fatally shot in 2012, whose death sparked national outrage and helped launch the Black Lives Matter movement. The images are filled with raw emotion—crowds of people wearing hoodies in solidarity, fists raised high during protests, and streets flooded with signs demanding justice. You see the pain, the unity, and the strength of Black communities coming together to fight against systemic violence and criminalization. One especially powerful moment shows influential celebrities like LeBron James and the Miami Heat posing in hoodies, turning their platforms into symbols of resistance and hope. Every image carries its own weight, telling a unique story of resilience and the ongoing fight for justice.
After watching Ryan Pfluger’s TED Talk, I was really inspired by the idea that photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images—it’s about telling honest, emotional stories. His focus on vulnerability reminded me that the most powerful photos are often the raw, imperfect ones that show real human experiences. Moving forward, I want to apply this by creating work that feels authentic and emotionally impactful. For my upcoming photo essay, I’m thinking about exploring the theme of “Everyday Resilience,” capturing moments of people pushing through daily struggles and finding strength in the small, often unnoticed parts of life.