Visual Metaphors with Hidden Messages!

Welcome to the weekly Light Stalking community wrap up!

Next in our visual metaphors – hidden messages! A theme that has triggered some nice responses — starting with Patrick who said the following right after Diane's call:

This is another one right up my street , can’t wait to see what you guys come up with 🙂
Nice themes theme pickers 🙂
A quick one to get your imagination juices flowing 🙂

Does that sound like an invitation or is it just me? In case you feel triggered by this incredible shot, you can swing by the original post and share some of your favourite hidden messages with us. Now, if you decide to join these folks in, think about creating layers of meaning beyond the obvious surface elements.

For example, you can use juxtaposition and scale to achieve some notorious contrast between elements. Such contradictions offer a myriad of literary artefacts capable of whispering stories in effective ways. Another route you can take in your quest for hidden messages in everyday life, is to use culturally significant items in unexpected contexts, just like Frogdaily did with this still-life scene:

Now, if you want to take this pursuit one step further, you can try doing a series of shots based on something symbolic of your culture. For example —and stepping out of my comfort zone— I could develop a visual scrapbook of everyday objects like cups, keys, or hats. Now, for the hidden stuff, I could juxtapose them in some mysterious ways. Or go for a series with sharp backgrounds where the main subjects are always out of focus or obscured. Focus on curious elements, hidden symbols, patterns, or even words.

Silly examples, I know — but don't stick to them, develop your own and share it with us!

Photo of the Week

In a row, Pat delights us with a strong juxtaposition depicting age versus youth. A strong hidden message comes about when we follow the grim gaze of the sculpture on the left. An implied line piercing the scene from one edge to the other, interrupted by a juvenile smile. From it, we could interpret this as a way of reflecting on the fleeting nature of beauty; of course.

Congrats again Pat, thanks for sharing such a high quality photograph with us!

Weekly Photography Challenge Digest

Thanks again to Diane and Dahlia for pushing our creative boundaries one step forward every week!

For contributing, check out the original challenge post!

Don't forget to check the photo contest winners for Color Theory in Practice; and remember, this month's photo contest is now open for entries. The theme is “Visual Metaphors“. Submit your photos for a chance to win $250 and please don't forget to vote as well. Last but not least, keep an eye out for the Members Picks — the instructions are pretty straightforward:

Members reference what you might consider a five star photo. Give a call out to the photographer and share their photo even if it lies in the Shark Tank and feel free to give a Critique on why it trips your Trigger. Be sure to mention the photographer and the Thread you saw it in.

And if you want to make out the most of your LightStalking user account, make sure to check the latest posts. Also, don't forget to swim the Mobile Monday Challenge! Last but not least, Check out the current reading throwdown, it has some nice insights and recommendations!

We'd Love To Hear Your Thoughts

Our Feedback Forum is a fine place for all those people wanting to grow fast as photographers. Here, you'll get your work reviewed by well-intended photographers, but you'll also have the chance to comment on the work of others. We believe in the power of feedback, and here are the latest shots shared in the pool:

The Shark Tank is a great place to learn and to discuss, but please read the instructions in order to get a better experience. Share your comments, opinions and doubts on any or all of the images above. We also will be delighted to see some of your own images. Remember all comments are given to the photographs; not the photographers. Also, don't forget to participate in our upcoming challenge!