WRITING ABOUT A PHOTOGRAPH

1. Describe what you see in the photograph in detail. Remember, you've got the photo, not your reader. Where does your eye go first? Why?

2.Who is in the photo. You might include names, like "Here is..." and
This one is ..."as though you are pointing people out to someone who is looking at your photo. What are the people wearing? Doing? Describe facial expressions.

3. What is the occasion? What is happening now in the photo? Tell the story of the moment that has been held still in the photo. If you're not sure, what might be happening? Allow the imagination to enter the historical record.

4. What happened before the photo was teake? If you're not sure, what might have happened?

5. What happened after the photo was taken? If you're not sure, what might have happened?

6. What is being said? What was said? What will be said?

7. What is behond the photo? Beyond the edges? Beyond the frame?

8. The details, the details, the details?

9. What do(es) the thing(s) in the photo look like now? What has happened since the photo was taken? What has changed? What has stayed the same?

10. What does the photo remind you of? For example in "A Snapshot of the Auxiliary" by Richard Hugo, he is reminded of the day that all of the bells started to ring in the church.

Due:________________

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This site contains examples from workbooks in progress and should be used in conjunction with our demo video.   Copyright 2004