Chapter 11 of Kenneth Kobre’s Photojournalism: The Professionals’ Approach covers the photo story in depth. Some might be crafted in the manner of minutes, whereas others take months. The chapter delves into what makes a photo story (a theme), and showcases a plethora of examples.

1. The best types of photo stories involve people, with three categories separating the types of subjects: the well-known, little-known but interesting, and little-known but representative. While the first two are rather obvious, photo stories that feature little-known but representative subjects are those that feature a few individuals that can be extrapolated out to a much larger scale. (pp. 233-235)
2. Visual consistency is another technique used to identify a photo story. While a recurring individual is perhaps the most well known example of such, multiple pictures featuring the same object, shot in the same location, or produced with the same composition, technique, or mood in mind can all qualify as consistency to create a story. (pp. 235-244)
3. Though a theme can qualify as creating a story, the truest picture stories are narratives, complete with a complication and its resolution, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Franklin. While photo stories can be formed without both, the truly compelling ones feature a narrative with both sides. It’s also important to remember that a resolution doesn’t necessarily indicate a solution. Sometimes a resolution can be negative, too. (pp. 244-248)
4. Stringing together the various qualities that constitute a compelling picture story, Kari Rene Hall’s character-driven photo story Motel Dad centers around a formerly dead-beat father of four who was forced into action when his partner was taken to jail for welfare fraud. The collection of photos include complication, resolution, visual consistency in its’ characters, and little-known subjects representing a prevalent problem. The award-winning story, captured over months of time, caused those affected by Henry Guiliante’s struggles, to come forth with donations to help keep himself and his family afloat. (pp. 254-259)
5. Not every picture story requires a narrative. The chapter closes by touching on different categories of pictures that still fall under photo stories. These include editorial essays, which typically contain a point of view, and documentaries, which are usually far more neutral. Photo stories in the form of documentaries include lifestyles (the book showcases a story featuring goths), locations, issues, or social issues. (pp. 261, 266)