9/23/2025

 Visual storytelling can take many key formats. This can include images, videos, charts, graphs, and other elements that tell an interpretive story without any direct statements. In Claire O’Neil’s National Public Radio article, she shows that the key to a good visual story is using the right key components and media. She draws examples from decorative visuals to useful storytelling visuals like charts and graphs. She guides the reader to match the format of the visual to the function. The story should guide the reader through the visuals and be useful in the narrative rather than just accessorizing it.

In Zambelich and Jan’s National Public Radio Article, they dive deeper into not just mere photography but the importance of a moving portrait, or a portrait that tells a story about the person it depicts. The use of a portrait connects the reader to the person they are trying to tell about and goes far beyond a generic headshot. They build character and show the humility of a person. A person in their element, laughing, or simply just being themselves, can tell the whole story without words. She advises using simple backgrounds, focusing on the facial expressions, and contextualizing the person with the environment that they are in. They should feel natural and candid, not staged.

Both of these readings emphasize that the forms and visuals must follow the narrative of the story. This is something that can be used in photojournalist projects because, as we try to create compelling visual stories, we need to focus on the character of the people we photograph without creating a posed composition. We need visuals that complement the story we are trying to tell and not overcomplicate the environment. These articles really justified the idea that photojournalism isn't flashy and shouldn't just be done for decorative purposes, but to capture the essence of a story.

As someone who will be capturing visual storytelling elements, similar to my last question, is the general viewing audience less tolerant of a polished photograph? As trends go towards candid photography, should we really be emphasizing the ideals of the second article to create a story rather than a polished photograph?