What does this image mean to you?
It amazes me as to what we can perceive from a certain moment in time. In reality though, we are doing this constantly, without much realization about the psychological functions going on. So I'm curious....with conscious thought and analysis, what does this mean to you? I challenge you to look beyond the simple environment - think about the placement of the number, the story or relationship of the subjects, the vision of the photographer, whatever. A picture is worth more than a thousand words; it is a a collaboration of ideas, memories, and the ability to explore the depth of our imagination and intellect. So please, take a moment and ponder - you might surprise yourself.
Im not really a photographer so I can't really comment on the lighting or the shadow effects or the black and white sequencing or whatever. lol But, I can say what this photo makes me think about. The 3 people seem to be going towards the number one, the one on the right looking as if he's running. They are all chasing after this number 1, which is actually not facing them but is to the side from their vantage point. If I had to put it into a metaphor, I would say it represents the constant STRUGGLE for people to be number 1, but in the end it doesn't mean anything and is not what we thought it would be. It's not enough to satisfy us, cuz we need more.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carlo. I saw many of the same things but also, I noticed that the person running was actually going to completely miss the number one. On the other hand, the person walking most slowly in the back is in a direct path for the one. I think this shows how when you are trying hard to selfishly make yourself better than everyone else, you end up coming in last, missing the mark completely. But when one humbles them self, they aim themselves towards the correct goal. Also the guy in the back, his shadow kinda reminds me of the Penguin villain from Batman. Haha.
ReplyDeleteI know very little about photography however what I do know is that either that guy in the center is a "small person" or I believe the shadow is from a different light source based on my knowledge of physics. Maybe not he is a little farther back, so maybe that is the correct length of the shadow. I have no idea what the significance of making a shadow shorter would mean. Enough with the shadow cause I am pretty sure I might be on crack. Anyways as for the one I am also unsure about the one on the ground. It is directly lined up with the guy walking the slowest. Also the one is considerably the whitest object in the photo. The color white can sometimes be used to symbolize purity and the number one is the normally used to represent something that is the best. So maybe the guy in the back for some reason is higher on some psychosocial level that the people viewing the picture are not aware of. For the average joe like myself though it is simply a picture with three guys walking and a computer generated sideways one on the ground with absolutely no meaning at all.
ReplyDeleteHere's my interpretation: First of all, I see the people walking AWAY from the number. Is it clear as to which direction they are heading? The silhouettes of the people and the choice of black and white make it quite difficult to establish their travel direction. This applies to life on a daily basis. We interact with so many people, each on their own journey and in a specific direction. The identity of the people in the photo is not revealed, making it easy for you to place yourself above one of the shadows. Are you running somewhere? Walking? Towards the one? Away from it? Following the crowd? Something to think about. Anyways, I consider the number to be the most important part of this photo. To me, it symbolizes the natural selfish nature of humans. Especially in America, shown by the the business attire on the shadows, there is a constant pressure to succeed and be #1. Why? Is it because, like Jayson referenced, we have a ridiculous belief that this number makes us pure and good? Unfortunately, like this picture suggests, it is just a status that we can stand upon temporarily. Soon, society will come running down the sidewalk and shove you over, leaving you to travel in a new direction.
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