Every Picture Tells

One eye looks within, the other eye looks without.—Henri Cartier-Bresson

This week I emailed three photos to several friends and asked them to view and briefly comment on them. They could say anything about any aspect of the photos.

No two people responded the same way to the photos. On one hand, this makes me wonder how we ever come to a consensus on anything—we literally see things differently.

On the other hand, that people noticed many different things and felt various ways about what they saw seems hopeful to me. For example, if we are stuck in some part of our lives, maybe it helps to look at things differently, not only metaphorically, but in reality. If we notice new things, different things than we typically notice, we change our internal conversations. We change the pictures inside of us.

The people who shared their thoughts for this post have many things in common, statistically speaking, and yet each perspective is quite unique. I can't imagine the wild range of perspectives that would come from a more diverse group. What would toddlers see? How about a 90 year old person? What about someone who lives in Kenya, North Korea, or Monaco?

Take a look for yourself at the photos and comments, below. The names are fake, the comments verbatim except for minor formatting tweaks. Before you read them, for fun, notice your own response to the photos.

My very sincere thanks to the seven lovely people who sent comments for this post!

Photo A

Ella:  Batik background and henna painting brought me back to the late 70’s, early 80’s.  Time of less stress and responsibilities. Flower power and love…feeling groovy.

Ingrid:
Henna Feet:
narrative
pleasing color
feminine culture
Compositionally, skin colors are very close to and in harmony with the fabric design itself.

Kate:
Here's what comes to mind: trendy 
Second word:  patterns

MJ: Foot shot:  I am struck by how beautiful the hands are, especially the left one and the feet don't look as beautiful, even though they are being henna tattooed.  The chipped toe nail polish remnants emphasize that to me.

Robert: Henna photo - Why are they doing this? Is it a special event?

Smith:  Friend giving friend henna job

Zara: the henna photo: i was struck by the juxtaposition of "folk art expression" ( i don't know how else to express it) with what i see as indulgence (but not in a bad way). those beautifully manicured toes!  this from someone who's never had a pedicure because my feet are so ticklish.  henna is such a beautiful and deeply cultural tradition--it needs no other embellishment.  and against that stunning batik background.  two forms of cultural artistry on a 'thoroughly modern millie'.

Photo B

Ella: That bright blue sky = California  I just want to jump in that pool and be 12 years old again.  I can just feel the hot pavement as I run around the pool (ouch!) to retrieve the pink float on the hammock to the right, before splashing into the cool (but not cold!) water.  Ah!

Ingrid:
The Swimming Pool:
Plastic walrus: annoying
Inviting, airy, sensual
Rhythmic composition

Kate: LA (as in the place)

MJ: Pool shot:  I find this shot stressful and creepy.  The floats are all so intentionally placed both in and out of the pool to create an effect to the point I feel like badness has happened here!

Robert: Pool- I want to jump in and ride that floaty toy.

Smith:
Summertime heat
Kids having lunch, no pool time

Zara: the pool:  i love the joyful  presence of the blue inflatable toy--it makes me want to embrace the goof in me.  i also loved the image of the pool lounge on the hammock--it is relaxation squared.

Photo C

Ella: 1960’s principal just called everyone back into the classrooms after lunch.  The outdoor hallways are a thing of the past now.  Too many weird intruder incidents make them unsafe.  This photo brings back memories of safer times and places without worries…except about that next class assignment or test after lunch period.

Ingrid:
Standing Figure:
awkward
poignant
60's schoolyard activity/chaos
Compositionally, the roof of the building adds a lot of uncomfortable tension; enclosing and pressing down.

Kate:  Lost

MJ: People walking:  I feel like the guy is missing the party ... It is happening in the other direction. With the boys swinging around the pole and the woman walking quickly to where the party is going to be!

Robert: 60's photo - I'm sure everyone has a photo from the 50s or 60s like this, very typical of that time.

Smith: Teacher on school recess duty
Dad dropping us off at school

Zara:  can't tell where it is--but was struck by people coming or going--they are in transit--not yet at their destination.  it is 'nowhere' time.  but the kids are totally engaged in where they 'are'.