Photo Assignment 8: The photo essay

When I was taking pictures of us deep frying a turkey on Thanksgiving, I honestly didn’t think it would turn into anything other then a fun little assignment. I figured I’d just snap some shots and be done, nothing too deep about it. But after looking back at the photos, it kind of made me realize where I’m good and where I kinda messed up. It showed me how I think behind a camera, what I notice, and what I just overlook without even meaning too. I guess I learned more than I expected.

One thing I think I did good was showing the process, like step by step. From the raw turkey, to the oil heating up, and then the frying and final result. It all kinda flows, like you’re watching everything happen right there. I like that I didn’t force anything or tell people how to stand. The pictures just feel real, like how it actually was that day. No posing or fake smiles, just Thanksgiving in the driveway with propane and hot oil. Honestly, I think the story part of it was my biggest win.

But there was also some stuff I didn’t do so great. A lot of the photos look the same angle and distance, like I forgot I could move around or try something different. I shot mostly straight-on, and I wish I got closer or lower or more creative with the framing. There was also random stuff in the background that kinda distracts from the turkey and the fryer. I wasn’t thinking about details like that at the time. I was just taking the picture and moving on, which now I see could’ve been alot better if I slowed down and looked more careful.

Next time, I want to push myself more. Try new angles, get in close, maybe even take some risks with how I frame things. Instead of just capturing what happened, I want people to feel it. Like smell the oil, hear the bubbling, see the steam coming up. I want to pay attention to what’s behind the subject too, not just the subject itself. Being more aware and patient could make my photos stronger and honestly way more interesting.

In the end, the assignment was kinda like a lesson in progress. I saw what I did good, but also the weak spots I can fix and work on. It wasn’t perfect, but maybe that’s the point. I came out of it knowing what to try differently next time, and that actually feels like a win to me. If I keep practicing and pushing myself, the next time I pick up a camera I know I’m capable of doing even better.

A Thanksgiving turkey is lowered into hot oil in a backyard fryer at 9916 Chapel Road on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Potomac, Md. The photo was taken for a photojournalism assignment documenting the deep-frying process from preparation to completion. (Photo by Johnny Crowley)