Pre-Writing Assignment 1

This black and white photo is from Roark Johnson's Stranger A Day photo collection. It was taken on June 5, 2004. At first glance, this photo looks like a picture that could be taken anywhere in Plainsville, USA on any day of the week. But upon closer examination of the photo one can infer a lot about the time of year, location, and the story behind the people it. The vector of attention of the photograph is on the couple centered in frame, as well as the objects in the woman's hands. The surroundings have been cropped out of the photo so that there is little distraction from the 'main event'. The black frame on the photo and faded edges create a focus on the sharp image of the people. The black and white coloration of the photo adds a simplicity to the photo that is reflected by the everyday people within.

A whole story can be composed for the people in the photo, just from the simple details. These people in the photo are probably in a romantic relationship, based on the protective body language of the man with his hand on the woman's shoulder and the contact and inward lean towards one another of both individuals. One could also infer that, judging by the age of the couple and the ring of the woman's left ring finger, they are either married or going to be in the near future. The expression on each of their faces is a simple happy smile of contentment. These smiles could be a result of the comfort of their relationship with one another or what they are doing on this day. This couple appears to be the American "average joes" with a solid nine to five job five days a week. The jeans and t-shirt quality of their clothes and the case of Miller Light beer and modest purse in the woman's hand tell the audience that they are probably middle class citizens with enough money to get by, but they are definitely not frugal. This case of "light" beer also clues us in to the fact that one or both of them are watching their weight. Their clothing not only clues the audience to their economic status but where they are from and their intended destination.

The baseball emblem on the man's hat and the Cubs logo on the woman's t-shirt give clues to where they are on their way to. The classic American combination of beer and baseball is also indicative of their purpose. The clothing also is representative of the time of year, though we are already aware of it from the date on the photo. The environment they are standing in also allows one to determine the time of year. The grass behind the couple is at a height that would be normal for June as well as the trees with full leaves. The couple is probably standing on a sidewalk next to some sort of a park in front of the apartment building in the background. These apartments could be where they live and they are on their way home from buying beer before sitting down in front of the TV to watch the Cubs game. They could also be on their way to a BYOB party at a friend's apartment for the baseball game.

This photo emits a relaxed feeling representative of a lazy summer weekend afternoon. I can almost feel the soft sunlight on my face as I sit at a Saltdogs baseball game.