Read our stories. See how Lucia’a perspective from the outside in compares to Susan’s bigger picture. Then tell us what you see in this photo.
Lucia says: “Here’s a story about seizing the moment. This young artist has come to the park to capture a scene before losing the light of day. You know this because of the fading light on the stairs behind her. The discarded bike and helmet on the grass give a sense of her hurried arrival and her keenness to create her art. She sits alone with a concentration that can’t be interrupted. This story had another layer – mine. I seized the moment when I composed the photo to include the teenager with her bike, art bucket, and sketchpad. I could have moved in closer, but I wanted to show her alone on the stairs to capture the solitude of the artist. ”
Susan says: “ Photos like this are wonderful gifts to presenters. There is a depth of story here that can draw an audience into a place of learning and comprehension that is not possible with words alone. It is important, if you are fortunate enough to be able to use such a photo, to linger over it a while in your presentation. Don’t rush your audience through the discovery of its meaning. And don’t force feed the meaning to your audience. Let them come to it on their own. The lesson learned will be much more powerful.
A final thought: I often find that I can’t force myself into a creative place, but when I am ready, I will throw everything aside to be in it. Taking advantage of the moment is rich with rewards. Seize the Day.”
What do you see here? How would you use this photo in your presentation. Take a minute to share your ideas in the comments.
