Sonder Photo Essay

A study of YOU

(65 Points)

Part 1 Check In | Due: Friday 5/6

Part 2 Check In | Due: Friday 5/13

Final Project | Due: 5/17


"Sonder — noun. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own." 


The purpose of this photo essay is to shine a light on your vivid experience as the complex and wonderful person that you are. Even though we have spent the year together in photography, there is still so much more to understand about each and everyone of you. To complete this essay you will need to photograph and edit a total of 8 IMAGES. This essay should be a vessel for you to share your life experiences along with people, places, activities and values that make up who you are as a person. Please consider the following questions as a starting point:

  • What defines you as a person? Is it: Culture? Personality? History? Gender identity? Your interests or activities?

  • How can photography be used to represent these aspects of identity?

  • What do you wish to share about yourself? What do you wish to keep private? How much can a photographic portrait show about a person?


Part 1 | Places, things and moments (3 images)

For the first part of this assignment you will need to photograph one image in the following categories: 

  1. Safe / Happy place

  2. Moments of joy or comfort

  3. Interests or hobbies

You do not need to be present in these photographs but they must still convey a small puzzle piece into who you are. As you are composing these images, think about how the elements and design of your images communicate both information, emotion and most importantly, your individual identity. While the focus of these images are on WHO you are, do not forget to showcase your skills as a photographer. What type of light are you using, which compositional elements will help you tell your story, are there distractions in your background?


Images by: Cig Harvey

Part 2 | Important People (3 images)

This section will be focused on the human connections in your life through the lens of portraiture. You will need to capture three compelling images with each of the following subjects:

  1. Family members (posed or candid)

  2. Friends (posed or candid)

  3. Self portraiture (posed or candid feel)

After our portrait unit is complete you will have a greater understanding of body language, emotion, posing and cropping. You will need to utilize these new skills in order to truly capture the role and impact these people have on your identity. In your self portrait you MUST include a prop or be present in a location that tells more of the story as to who you are.


Images by: Cig Harvey

Part 3 | Free Choice (2 images) 

For this last section you will have free choice for the last two image topics that will continue your study of identity. You may choose to continue with portraits, compose a still life,  candids or even metaphors for abstract concepts. Whatever you choose it must connect back to your core values, ideas, people or places that make up your identity. 


Images by: Cig Harvey

Before You Photograph, Plan it Out!

Milanote plan / outline Due: Monday 5/2

Just like our previous photoshoots we will be creating a starting plan / outline for this project on our Milanote boards. With any essay it is crucial to have an outline for the overall direction of your topic, our photo essay is no different. We will continue our discussion on sequencing, however, the goal of this plan is to have a clear message and meaning behind the contents of your image. That being said, in Milanote you will create a plan for EACH CATEGORY: Place, moments, interests, family, friends, self portrait, free choice, free choice.

Each section must include the following elements:

  • List of potential locations, props, or people

  • Color  palette / story 

  • Inspiration images

  • Description of what you want the image to say