What Do You See?
What story can you find in this photograph of a red-haired boy and an old car?
Visiting the Making of Harry Potter Museum, Leavesden, UK. Photo: Tanya Clarke 2014
A Small Family Car
Often, when I'm searching for a photograph to publish here, I come across many I have no recollection of taking.
I don't remember the time or place or who I was with - unless, of course, they're in the picture. It's as if I wasn't there at all. That the act of taking a photograph outsources my brain to my camera which in turn bypasses my ability to lay down a memory, preferring instead to leave that work to a device in my hand.
I take a picture here, therefore I will remember the moment later. And therein lies the risk. Maybe I won’t. Sometimes this is okay. Because the photograph I’m taking is for its own sake. A line of light falling across the ground, a colourful sign, the shadows coming in through the windows of our house.
But sometimes taking a photograph is like a magic trick. It can make me feel like the boy in the photograph above. I’m squinting and frowning trying to remember. I need to put down my camera to see what's out and beyond the picture frame.
What Do You See?
Let's contemplate this week's picture and unearth some memories it might initiate. Have a good long look at the details. Without thinking too much, write some notes detailing what comes up in your mind.
Here. I'll give you a few thoughts and questions you might want to start with.
There's a boy with red hair standing close to the camera. He holds something in his right hand. He's looking away and out of the frame of the picture. His eyebrows wrinkle a little into a frown. Does he remind you of someone you know?
What do you think he might have seen? Do you think he's with the person in front of him?
The car behind the boy is old and small, with tail lights and a body shape inspired by the big American cruisers of the 1950s. The car isn't going anywhere. Its weight rests on a frame underneath which lifts it slightly so the wheels barely touch the ground.
A line of people stands along the other side of the car. Some people chat, others look at other things, a woman leans back to photograph the car with her phone.
It must be warm as most of the people are wearing short-sleeved tops.
Do you imagine yourself in the car? Are you driving the car or are you a passenger? Where are you sitting? In the back? Or the front? Are you a child or older? Where are you going? Where are you coming from? How does the car smell? Old or new?
What else comes up for you when you ponder this picture? Does it evoke any memories for you? If not, what story is there in the back of your mind? Write from there.
I hope that helps. Do let me know how you get on. The comments are open or if you prefer, do send me an email.
Until next time.
