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Putting Photos in a Sequence: The Art of a Good Edit
Principles for creating a compelling visual narrative in photography.
You’ve just returned from an exciting trip to Africa: you went on a safari, sailed down the Nile, explored ancient bazaars in Cairo, and had the adventure of a lifetime. Now, you’re faced with a ton of photos waiting on your hard drive. Your goal might be to create a photobook for your family, friends, and yourself. Or perhaps you’re feeling more ambitious and want to put together a multimedia slideshow with music and authentic sounds. And while you’re at it, why not aim for an exhibition?
You may manage to select the most important shots, but how do you string them together in an effective sequence?
That’s what this article is all about: how to decide on the right order of frames so your visual story flows seamlessly from one image to the next.
A Good Edit
In today’s age of automation and algorithms, almost anyone can take a stunning photo. Even soccer moms often have amazing shots on their phones. But what they often lack is a compelling sequence of photos — what photojournalists call a good edit. This is what sets an amateur apart from a true professional.
