WGSS 1105 Final Project Option #2 – Photo Essay Assignment

You will produce a photo essay, which tells a visual story through the construction and discussion of 10 different photographic frames. Each frame, taken by your camera or from an online source, should be a compellingscene,and the 10 frames – taken together – should tell a complete story as it relates to a WGSS theme of your choice. Some examples of themes could be pop culture, Disney, media, the medicalization of bodies, sex education, feminism, sexual violence, immigration, etc. Choose something you care about! We love reading projects by students that put their genuine energy into them. If you are unsure if your topic connects, email your TA and ask. :)

You should show your photos to at least two other people (a friend, parent, guardian, sibling, roommate, anyone really) and ask them to respond to the images. Take notes on what they say about what they see and how the photo makes them feel. For your final project, under each photo, write a short paragraph that explains how others interpreted the photo and then give a brief explanation of what your intention was in using that photo. Make sure to cite at leastsixsources from class material (or some of your own research if you would like) in making your connections between your photo essay paragraphs and class material (videos, lecture, discussion section discussion, movies, documentaries, readings, etc. Include the works cited at the end with your cited sources.

You may use any camera of your choice: a cell phone camera or a disposable camera (provided it is digital) or photos that are already available on the internet. (cited, of course) What is important is that your 10 photos tell a story illustrating the theme and that makes explicit this theme.

Be mindful, also, of how you frame your subjects so as to not reinforce racial, gender, or ethnic stereotypes.

Photo Essay Requirements:

• 10 photos
• Captions under each photograph
• Written narrative under the photograph describing why you chose that photo and your intent along with how at least 2 others responded to the photograph. Did others’ opinions change your view of the photo? explain.
• Works Cited Page (1105 course materials cited at least 6)
• MLA style documentation