The creation of Picture Post magazine in 1938 pioneered a new form of social documentary photography in Britain, based on the photo-essay. Women refugee photographers working in reportage were familiar with the photo essay format, which was widely used in Weimar Germany’s illustrated press. 

 

Photographers worked closely with writers and editors, combining text with a series of images to enhance narrative impact. In an era before television, this novel form of visual storytelling became a sensation. 

​