Photographs, historical documents, artwork, and other personal artifacts can shape the tone and mood of your story. Your images can introduce the subject, setting, and characters, and give relevant information beyond what is in the text. Each image you use has a message, and all the images and text combined together form a whole that can capture the essence of what you are communicating. There are various ways of incorporating visuals into your story, ranging from the simple addition of a single image to the creation of an elaborate collage. We offer suggestions on techniques that you can use and materials you will need.
Some people develop the story first and then search for photographs.
Others do the opposite, starting with photographs and keepsakes as the basis for their story. Regardless of where you start, at some point you will be ready to combine the written text with visuals. When you re at that point, remember that the key is to let the story tell you what images to use. In other words, pay attention to what you see and how you feel as you listen to your story and then communicate that visually. Do a preliminary search for visual materials As you write your story, images may or may not come to mind.