Visual Storytelling

Req 7 — Tell a Visual Story

Using images other than those created for requirements 4, 5, and 6, produce a visual story to document an event to photograph OR choose a topic that interests you to photograph. Do the following:

A visual story is more than a collection of good photos. It is a sequence that helps someone understand what happened, why it mattered, and what details made the event or topic feel real.

This requirement covers three connected steps:

planning the pictures you will need
getting counselor input before shooting
choosing and arranging eight to 12 images that tell the story clearly

Why planning matters

If you only start shooting without a plan, you may end up with twelve versions of the same kind of image and none of the pictures that explain the whole story. Visual storytellers think in variety: wide shots, close details, action, reaction, and ending shots.

Requirement 7a

7a.

Using images other than those created for requirements 4, 5, and 6, produce a visual story to document an event to photograph OR choose a topic that interests you to photograph. Do Plan the images you need to photograph for your photo story..

Start by deciding what your story is about. An event could be a campfire program, service project, troop meeting, hike, or family celebration. A topic could be something like “how a bike gets repaired” or “one day at camp.”

Make a shot list before you begin. Try to include:

an opening image that sets the scene
medium shots showing the main activity
close-up details
people reacting or interacting
an ending image that gives the story closure

Photo Story Planning Worksheet Resource: Photo Story Planning Worksheet — /merit-badges/photography/guide/photo-story-planning-worksheet/

Official Resources

🎬 Video: Storytelling in Photography (video) — https://youtu.be/UtMXpomDWlk?si=Zo4DOxTQMgshkjFA

Storytelling in Photography (video)

Requirement 7b

7b.

Using images other than those created for requirements 4, 5, and 6, produce a visual story to document an event to photograph OR choose a topic that interests you to photograph. Do Share your plan with your counselor, and get your counselor’s input and approval before you proceed..

Your counselor may notice gaps in the plan that you do not see yet. Maybe you forgot to include an establishing shot, or maybe you chose a topic that is too broad for eight to 12 images. This step helps you improve the plan before you invest time in shooting.

Bring your shot list, explain the event or topic, and ask where your counselor thinks the story may need more variety or clearer focus.

Requirement 7c

7c.

Using images other than those created for requirements 4, 5, and 6, produce a visual story to document an event to photograph OR choose a topic that interests you to photograph. Do Select eight to 12 images that best tell your story. Arrange your images in order and mount the prints on a poster board, OR create an electronic presentation. Share your visual story with your counselor..

When you review your images, do not just pick the twelve prettiest ones. Pick the ones that work together. A strong sequence usually has:

a beginning that introduces the setting or subject
a middle that shows the process, event, or key moments
an ending that gives the viewer a sense of completion

Arrange the photos so one leads naturally to the next. If two images do the same job, keep the stronger one and cut the weaker one.

Build a Strong Photo Story

What your final sequence should include

Variety: wide, medium, and close images
Clarity: the viewer can tell what the story is about
Order: the sequence makes sense from image to image
Purpose: every image adds something new
Ending: the final image feels like a conclusion, not an accident

Official Resources

🎬 Video: How to Make a PowerPoint Photo Slideshow (video) — https://youtu.be/G-qyX_Ri17M?si=mFi7rrxZa1KDlNrT

How to Make a PowerPoint Photo Slideshow (video)

A photo story uses everything you practiced earlier in the badge: safety, light, camera control, composition, timing, and editing.