We have a broad range of subject matter to choose this week in the Black and White Book Club. And knowing that I would not be out and about much this week, I decided to take one shot that might be considered in the journalism or documentary style while at Sunday School yesterday. We were having one of our "casual" mornings where we bring in donuts and answer random questions the students might have.
A couple things to note about this picture. First, it has a journalistic sense in that it looks like there is a story going on. One girl appears to be excluded, but that is far from the truth. She was just sitting down when I snapped the picture. A second later and she too was looking at the picture on Alex's iPhone. It's interesting how the choice of black and white gives a colder feel to this picture- as if to emphasize that Sarah is an outcast- when she really isn't!
Secondly, it documents what I consider to be the complete and utter failure of our "beautification" committee. When they decided to spruce up the manse we were asked what we needed for our classroom. We told them we didn't need anything. We had posters up on the wall, a nice plush carpet, and a couple over-stuffed couches the kids absolutely loved. But that's not what the ladies on the committee wanted, so they took it all away and now we have a room that looks like a waiting room in a doctor's office- stark walls, rigid furniture, and a wooden floor with two small rugs. The kids are taking it well, but their teacher is still ticked off! (hehe) Why ask us what we wanted if you never intended to accept our answer? So now it's forever captured in black and white- the "un"-beautification of our classroom!
The occupants of a manse do not really have a say - it always seems to be the committee. If they choose it then they can walk in and out without tact. This couch looks comfy for their nice easy chat! Good photo!
@maggiemae Thanks Maggie! The manse is unoccupied other than the groups that use it for Sunday School. Our particular room is only being used by us. This couch is ok. But the kids miss their over-stuffed sink into the pillows couch and the color on the wall is really ugly!
So interesting. One of those shots where your eyes betray you. Committees will be the death of me. I have promised myself I will not volunteer for anything for 2 years. Just about one year and so far so good. A season of rest and listening.
Conveys so well what you are trying to document -- sparse and a little cold. But interesting to see the two interaction and the girl on the left looking a bit distanced from the others.
An interesting shot--it does look like the girl on the left is being excluded (glad she's not!) I like the range of shades and the light and shadows. Too bad about the failed "beautification." It's a shame they didn't listen to the people who use the room....
Great shot, and interesting as a journalism pic too. They do that 'consultation' thing at my workplace too - they ask us so they can say we've been consulted, and then do the opposite of what we want every time!
Until I read your narrative, I presumed that Sarah was the outsider. BW is powerful! I feel sorry about the unbeautification. Could the students bring in artwork (or create a mural or other artwork) and paint the room by themselves?
Great shot of this generation. Thanks for the narrative. It is amazing how you can tweak the truth in a photo.
I hope the kids make it their own space again. After all their what makes it beautiful.
@kerristephens Thank you Kerri! @archaeofrog Thanks Katie! @traceyhn Thanks Tracey! I almost wish I'd been on this committee so that I could have saved the classroom!! @taffy Thanks Taffy! @eudora Thanks Diane! Yes, I wish they'd been sincere when they asked. It might have just been better to say, "We're changing your classroom". @luvmynynix Thank you Laurie! And thanks for the fav! @alia_801 Thanks Alia! LOL your comment has me thinking I should have said we wanted a sterile uncomfortable room painted in olive green with a bare floor and Dr's office furniture- and maybe they'd have left it alone!! @sangwann Thank you Dione! @digitalrn Thank you Rick! @daisymiller Thank you Daisy! We tossed around a few ideas with the kids, but to be honest, I think if we tried to put any of our things back in, they would just take them down. We've even been told not to move the furniture- oh boy! @bill_fe Thanks Bill! @sgiesman Thanks Sarah! They are dealing with it. Unfortunately, we really can't do anything in there now. But I have to stay they are a great group and they've handled it better than I have!
Great shot, Ann! Very simplistic. It does tell a story. It does look as if the girl on the left is an outcast and not being allowed to partake in what is going on with the other 2. You captured this quite well. I think black and white really makes the photo. Job well done :)
Beautiful clarity and tone, and also the mood in the scene catches the eye. Perhaps it could be just a mite sharper, though? Or is it the late hours taking their toll on my eyes?
I hope the kids make it their own space again. After all their what makes it beautiful.
@archaeofrog Thanks Katie!
@traceyhn Thanks Tracey! I almost wish I'd been on this committee so that I could have saved the classroom!!
@taffy Thanks Taffy!
@eudora Thanks Diane! Yes, I wish they'd been sincere when they asked. It might have just been better to say, "We're changing your classroom".
@luvmynynix Thank you Laurie! And thanks for the fav!
@alia_801 Thanks Alia! LOL your comment has me thinking I should have said we wanted a sterile uncomfortable room painted in olive green with a bare floor and Dr's office furniture- and maybe they'd have left it alone!!
@sangwann Thank you Dione!
@digitalrn Thank you Rick!
@daisymiller Thank you Daisy! We tossed around a few ideas with the kids, but to be honest, I think if we tried to put any of our things back in, they would just take them down. We've even been told not to move the furniture- oh boy!
@bill_fe Thanks Bill!
@sgiesman Thanks Sarah! They are dealing with it. Unfortunately, we really can't do anything in there now. But I have to stay they are a great group and they've handled it better than I have!
@dluz Thank you Daniel! You are probably right. It is a hand held shot and my camera is not always good with "quick" shots.