For this part of the assignment, I chose three random images. Some people were aiming to use certain images in order to sway people into a certain way of thinking. This however wasn’t my intention. As you can see for yourself the three images have no relation to one another. From a first glance they are hard to combine into some sort of storyboard. It even takes me a while to come up with a few suggestions of my own. This task is all a matter of life experience. What people know to be a certain way of thinking or their perceptions of the world are a main influence when merging the images together.
My first image is that of a butterfly. That’s the basic analysis of the image. If you were to study the photograph for longer, then you would see a picture emerging. A black and orange butterfly, perched on a lilac flower, perhaps in a field due to the greenery in the background, would become apparent. If I were to go on like this I would finally end up with an in-depth overview of this image. From using my own observations shape, colour, and objects all become a key feature in determining some sort of meaning held within an image.
The picture of two shadows on the ground is pretty simplistic. When studying this you have to realize that one is a man and the other a woman. They are waving, standing linked together, with they’re bodies elongated on to the ground. You have to think about the bigger picture. In order for a shadow to be reflected on to the concrete ground there must be a vast amount if sunlight. The strong silhouette reinforces this and so you could assume it to be in a warmer season. Although there is not a lot to this image you can break it down quite a lot. Again this is to do with what people know.
Both of the previous images can relate to outdoors and warmer climates. Since butterflies have connotations of nice, warm summer days and shadows on the ground come from the use of sunlight then this connection can be made. I wonder if this is picked up on when I ask people to produce a story?
The third and final image is one that can also be connected to the outdoors what with the blue sky in the background. This image even though is still outdoors; it is different to the other two. This picture has been taking from looking upwards and so catches the guttering of buildings and the blue sky. The clock is attached high up on a building, usually suggesting the location must be that of a busy area. The other two pictures are aimed at the ground. The clock specifies 11:55 and so might be used when building up a picture.
Once I had gathered a few people who were willing to study my images I handed them around one person at a time, given in a random order each time. This would hopefully help them determine their own thought out story from start to finish and not influence them in anyway. I realized from my own observations certain things that viewers would find more apparent and so the responses may not be as varied as some others. I thought the outdoor connection would link the images all together.
Initial response:
Charlotte Matthew, 19, Design Student, Scottish
“As a couple were walking down their street the woman was distracted by a fluttering butterfly. As she watched it fly by, it landed on the hand of the hanging clock. It was then that she realized they were late for their appointment at 12 o’clock.”
I found this to be very interesting as charlotte singled out the woman specifically. This may be because she is a female herself and can relate more to how she would be thinking. Also she didn’t use the time specifically, she related to it.
Jonathan Macdonald, 19, Design Student, Scottish
“As I was walking on one sunny morning through my village I noticed a beautiful butterfly, flutter past my friend.”
From my own observations I picked up on the weather. Jonathan is the only one so far to pick up on this, which is interesting. Also descriptive movement of the butterfly has been mentioned several times and so must help people imagine the way they are describing the picture.
Lin ma, 20, Design Student,
Clock: Old. Silent.
Butterfly: Happy. Natural
Boy and Girl: Happy. Blessed
“ A boy and a girl fall in love, because of some reason they have to be separated. A year has passed… one day, at 11:55 they meet and they are so happy. They still love each other. They are sitting on the lawn. They see the butterfly flying happily, they are also happy.”
This was the first one to specify the actual time shown on the clock. What I liked about lin’s story was that she recognized the connection between the man and woman and so based it on that. She built up a story of how the simple things can make you happy. Also she showed me her thought process of how she came about her story, which no other person had done.
Charles Stewart, 20, Design Student, Scottish
“At 11:55 two people’s shadows appear on a butterfly’s wings.”
Again the specific time was used but in a different context to before. The idea of the image on the wings of the butterfly is more of an abstract meaning compared to other responses.
Calum MacBain, 19, Design Student, Scottish
“As we stood watching the butterflies in flight it was almost as if time was frozen, I’ll remember that time forever, 11:55. “
This was my favorite response, the simplistic observation revealed little about what all three pictures contained but managed to describe to others that there was more than one person, the butterflies were the main attraction and the significant time that all this was happening around. The use of the time plays a major part in this description compared to others.
Sophie Roberts, 19, Architect, English
“ Last summer my flat mate and I took a trip to the zoo, whilst we were there we visited the butterfly house. They were beautiful, bright, fragile creatures; Louise’s favourite of the day. She was so captured by the way they flew freely around that the time just went and before we knew it, it was lunch time already”
This analysis of the photographs was quite interesting. Sophie used herself rather than talk about someone else, suggesting that the story being told could actually have happened. The way in which she describes the movement of the butterflies is also similar to others and wants the reader to understand how she saw the butterfly through her eyes.
Charlotte Torck, 20, Architect, French
“I am flying through this city on a bright summers day when I notice the shadows of two friends enjoying the last 5 minutes of quietness before the madness of lunch time.”
Again just like the one before she chooses to use herself as the basis for the story. As charlotte does travel a lot the idea of this happening is believable. The simple idea of appreciating the quiet surroundings offers the reader time to think about this for them selves.
From doing this experiment I then added a fourth image to the equation to see how this would affect the results and whether or not this would expand on the story that was already in place or create a new one altogether. Again asking people to devise a story from what they saw I gave them another random picture, this time of a bike. From the selective few I asked some had already looked at the pictures before and others not.
Sophie Roberts, 19 Architecture Student, English
“What does summer mean to you? To me I think of bike rides, sunshine, walks on the beach, sitting in the wonderful flowered gardens with all their creatures’ great and small. Oh how I long for summer to come.”
Again the way in which Sophie has approached this exercise is very different to how the others have imagined it. Maybe this has something to do with her creative nature or maybe the images bring back memories of her own that mean something to her.
Hayley Thompson, 16, Student, Scottish
“ As the clock struck twelve, the travelling lovers could see the outline of a butterfly as it invaded their moving shadows”
I was quite impressed what with this response coming from the youngest person I asked, though this view is very stereotypical because of the way she has described the two people as being in love, also shows a slight degree of naivety. Being said though Hayley uses the butterfly in a negative way, implying that it’s beauty is being over shadowed because it’s invading the couple’s space.
Georgina Thompson, 50, Supervisor assistant, Scottish
“The young couple set off to cycle on their bicycles to explore the local country side and were taken aback by its breathtaking beauty. All the more enchanting because of the stunning butterflies.”
I think with her being slightly older she automatically pictured a young couple exploring rather than people her age. This may be easier for her to picture, as life does seem a lot simpler and more exciting when young. The appreciation about the use of the countryside must have a lot to do with her own enjoyment, what with the word “enchanting” used suggesting a separate world.
Danielle Mullane, 20, Architect, Irish
“ I looked up at a clock and noticed, with great satisfaction, that it wasn’t even midday yet. It was nice having woken up early and spent the morning strolling in the sunshine, birds singing and butterflies fluttering around us as we joked with each other and took silly photographs, I felt full of energy and much happiness than if I’d decided to sleep in late on this glorious Sunday.”
Most people, old and young have made it clear through their own stories that they have a strong appreciation of the outside world. This also applies to Danielle. The way in which she develops this idea into taking silly photographs suggests this would be an ideal day for her to spend doing with a loved one.
This time to try and achieve a greater outcome I then added the word to the equation. At first I thought about making the connection to the outdoors what with this theme being apparent in all photos but then I thought about introducing the word “separated”. By doing so I would hope that people would make the connection between things not being together i.e the people being divorced. This can also adapt and interpreted to the different images if done wisely.
Georgina Thompson, 50, Supervisory Assistant, Scottish
“ The young couple were the first to arrive at the meeting point under the town clock and as they waved to friends across the road they caught side of a beautiful butterfly in the field behind.”
The use of the word separated didn’t so much affect the results as I thought it would have, but developed a story where the use of space creates the distance between the couple and friends.
Hayley Thompson, 16, Student, Scottish
“ The butterfly flew in between the space of the separated lovers”
This idea of the lovers being separated was the approach I thought most would take as it comes across the most obvious out of all the images presented. However the separation in this case doesn’t affect the relationship itself, more so the space between the two, causing them to separate for a brief moment.
Danielle Mullane, 20, Architect, Irish
“ This image is separated from the stress and busyness of the working week when you haven’t time to do whatever you like”
Danielle’s response actually refers back to her previous story and explains how the fun day out she describes is actually the contrast to the usual busy week she would have and what she would do to chill out. This was also an unusual take to the exercise, maybe because it’s something that also like Sophie means a lot to her.
Charlotte Torck, 20, Architect, French
“And at lunch time the shadows split as the two friends have to go their separate ways”
Referring back to her previous statements as well she takes her quiet lunchtime scene and relating it to a very common image that happens a lot, when lunch time hour is over.
From using the different ways to affect people’s views or ways of thinking, it’s interesting to see that most people when presented with the same images respond near enough the same way. The ranges of age groups are not so different what with the appreciation of the environment, mainly just being outdoors to most be a great benefit to reap. As they say the simple things in life mean the most.
The other night I was sitting in my room, working away and thought, why not chill and watch a DVD. So I had a look through my own collection but nothing seemed to stand out so went on a hunt to find one that did, mainly searching through flat mates collections. I came across Hunch Back of Notre Damn and thought, why not relive my childhood memories.
While watching, I remembered the lecture we had a while back to do with The Disneyfication of Culture.
Now as a fan of Disney films while growing up you could always rely on them to seek amusement or another magical world to jump into for a couple of hours. But the satisfaction you get from watching them doesn’t stop when you get older. The great thing that Disney achieves with their films is the appeal they have to all. They can capture an audience young or old and keep them, entertained throughout. But what you don’t realize and I didn’t until this was pointed out to me, the underlining messages to do with the roles of female characters. The portrayal of women being dependent on men and taking on that role as a “Damsel in Distress”, did come to the attention of many and was therefore scrutinized. People took this as Disney encouraging the idea that for woman to succeed, they have to belong to a man, loose their independence and flaunt their womanly assets and so, creating a message that children believed to be right and showing them how to behave in society.
Like I said earlier I did not notice this until it was pointed out to me and as a keen Disney viewer I do not believe that this was their intention nor do I agree with what has been said. I think there nothing wrong with girls being inspired by their pretty dresses or their beautiful looks because I, myself grew up with Cinderella changing from rags to riches, Snow white poisoned by the evil witch and Esmeralda befriending a bell ringer and for me the films brought nothing more than hours of enjoyment. From recently watching the Hunch Back of Notre Damn I saw it from an adult point of view and realized just how clever Disney are.
Subject: Gary Gourlay
The writing highlighted in blue is Gary's response to my observations.
Photo one:
This photo was one of the first one’s I studied. Comparing this to the others, it’s the only photo where Gary is actually on his own, giving us an inclination into how socially active he really is. This may be because he prefers being in large groups or the simple reason that he doesn’t like to be on his own. He seems quite content, from his wide smile that I later, picked up on throughout all his photos. He seems comfortable in his surroundings and for his picture to be taken. From this conclusion it is probably a family member preferably a parent, enjoying some quality playtime with their son.
While conferring with Gary he thinks it would be his mum taking the picture, he agrees he is always with people. I was right in saying he doesn’t like being by himself, which is apparent in his photos.
Photo two:
This photo for me represents a big unit of friendship. At such a young age it’s nice to see how well these small children get along. By the way they are gathered in a huddle along the bench they all resemble one another in their behaviour and physical appearance. All children seem to have short hair, cut roughly the same way. They are also wearing similar outfits, of shorts and t-shirts, parents obviously influenced by fashion at that time. Gary is mostly centered in the middle of the surrounding people, specifically girls. This may be because of his sister’s influence and is therefore comfortable around woman. The environment looks as if it has been picked specifically for the picture to capture each child at that time and shows the recurring layout of people gathered together. The shadow of the person taking the photo seems to be a relative; due to how comfortable the children are in the person’s presence.
From talking to Gary he believes it’s his dad that is taking the picture. He explained that the children were all his friends that lived in his street and so justified the lack of boys in the photo.
Photo Three:
Among the many photos I received from Gary, this is probably one of the few that were actually taking indoors. It looks as if it’s in a living room with a close relative, probably a sister? The sister is wearing a uniform no doubt, related to the captured moment they will try to recall. From this it could even be said that it’s her first day of school? Gary’s looks as if he is maybe three or four in this picture. It shows the good relationship he has which close relatives especially his sister. The way they have there arms touching one other shows how protective she is off her little brother and the mutual bond they share. I have noticed that Gary feels the need to touch bare skin, when embracing others, maybe a comfort thing? Again he is wearing an item of blue with strips, a key recurrence in most photos around that age. He has the same light, long straight hair, this time he is not showing teeth when smiling, probably not fully aware of the situation. The surrounding furniture looks dated now but then again may have been on trend when he was younger. For me this is probably one of my favourite photos. Even though there’s nothing much happening it shows the strong sister/brother bond they have already embedded at such a young age.
Lived in the house for maybe three years at that time. Maybe, Gary’s first day of nursery or her first day at school. Mum taking photo because dad would have been at work. He must have been four at then time it was taken. His sister is still protective over him now that he is older.
Picture Four:
Another picture where Gary is centered in between girls. It looks like family members due to their similar features. He seems comfortable enough with the other girls, probably because his sister is sitting next to him. Again the comfort thing arises, showing his hand resting upon one girl’s leg. This could conclude how well known the other girl’s are to their family or because he is the youngest out of all the children. He looks comfortable being in the company of older people, suggesting his maturity? It’s no doubt spring or summer, all are wearing summer clothing with trainers and Gary’s recurring blue and stripped clothing. The environment suggests that it’s a public place, maybe a day trip to a park or wildlife park. Same colours worn, casual outfits, maybe his favourite colour was blue? This is shown in his trainers and top. His hair is slightly dark and long, he looks tidy in appearance, something that has continued as he has grown up. Like most of his photos I have studied, the surrounding environment tends to be outside; therefore he probably enjoys being adventurous and doing outdoor activities rather than being confined indoors.
They would always go to this park every summer, with his family and close family friends. His mum used to baby-sit the other children so they have known each other from a young age. Gary then told me a story about how he got the chicken pocks from the others girls when he was younger. His favourite colour at that time was blue so my initial thoughts were right. Did a lot of outdoor trips with their family friends.
Picture Five:
This is also another favourite of mine. The full atmosphere seems to be spilling out. It’s the epitome of teenage life. The feeling of community and teamwork are obvious. It looks as if he is at a bonfire or camping, maybe even some sort of group, i.e scouts? This also leads me to look at the surrounding environment. Not a lot is gathered however with it being dark it does suggest the outdoor stay they are taking part in. Gary is once again centered among his friends, all different races. They show their team spirit, by wearing their yellow scarves. This reinstates the idea of him being adventurous both with his outdoor activities and with his social nature.
He was in the scouts, the yellow necker’s they all had to wear with name badges, kirsty is a life long friend and the other Amanda was his best friend at that time. When he went a trip to Japan he stayed at one boy’s house. Gary thinks that it’s one of the last nights, stayed 10 days at the camp in total.
Picture six:
The last picture, I studied was one that was a lot more recent, a lot more similar age to the Gary I am more acquainted with. In this he seems happy, relaxed, comfortable. It shows the closeness between his friends, no distance in the picture. Can conclude that they are his best friends. They are all wearing sunglasses, creating unity. They seem to be at a festival or some sort of concert. The glass of alcohol and possessions around their neck, reinstate this. They all seem to be fashion conscious; they have similar dress sense and have overall tidy appearance. This can mean his friends are similar in style but also personality. The choices of bright colours can emphasis this also. He definitely strives in the company of others. Like most of Gary’s photos they are all mainly posed but capture each moment well.
He was at T in the park, in king tuts. Kirsty was taking the picture, the girl who he went camping with a few years ago. They are all really close, all best friends. They have similar personalities, he told me that they are loud when they are together, obviously rub off on one another but are quiet when there not.
I think overall, Gary was quite intrigued about what i had to say towards his photo's. Some things i picked up on, he had never noticed before and agreed with a lot i had to say. The interesting part for me was discovering how much you can find out from just looking at a photograph and that they are significant in remembering lot about your life at those given times.
