bildserie

A bildserie is a sequence of images arranged to present a narrative, progression, or conceptual development. The term is used primarily in German-language contexts and can apply to photography, illustration, or mixed-media works in which several images are displayed together to form a unified whole.

In photography and journalism, bildserien are used to document events over time, convey movement through space, or document variations across subjects. The ordering of the frames, the pacing between images, and the use of captions or titles all influence interpretation and readability.

Formats and presentation: Bildserien are commonly shown in books, magazines, galleries, or online galleries and slideshows. They can be chronological, following a sequence of moments, or thematic, linking images by subject, mood, or concept. The layout—columnar, grid, or immersive wall display—affects rhythm and viewer engagement.

History and related concepts: The practice has its roots in early photography and the development of photojournalism, where series of images replaced single-shot reporting. In the arts, bildserien relate to the idea of a cycle (Bildzyklus) or a sequence, and in contemporary media, digital platforms have popularized interactive or scrolling image sequences.

Rights and interpretation: Authors hold copyright over the images; publishing a bildserie requires consideration of licensing, permissions, and attribution. Interpretive reading of a bildserie can vary, as the sequence itself guides the viewer through a narrative or argument rather than a stand-alone image.