For my multi-modal essay I believe I want to incorporate a few pictures I myself have taken of things that usually seem to be universally beautiful and/or rarely beautiful, as well as incorporate a few items society and the modern era see as “beautiful” to get at the overall gist of my essay. Maybe about 3 or 4 images, but not too many my essay gets lost in them. I may incorporate some spatial modals but I am not yet clear on how it will be set up or why, other than just to display and draw more attention to my images.
I think your instinct to allow the spatial communication to organically arise from your formal draft is wise. Great ideas!