I was drawn to this image because it reminds me of the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, where I grew up spending a lot of time hiking and exploring wooded trails. This type of scenery brings me a strong sense of calm and peace, and it reflects the kind of environment I still enjoy returning to when I need to slow down or feel grounded. On its own, the image feels quiet, familiar, and inviting.
For the audio, I intentionally chose a sound that contrasts with that feeling. The assignment encouraged us to avoid obvious pairings, such as calming music or natural forest sounds, so I selected a more unsettling, “creepy” ambient drone. When combined with the image, the meaning shifts. Instead of feeling purely peaceful, the forest path becomes more unclear and slightly uneasy. The audio alters the viewer’s interpretation, suggesting that the trail may hold something unknown or unseen beyond the frame. Together, the image and sound create a new experience, one that challenges the sense of calm I personally associate with this type of landscape and invites the viewer to question what lies ahead.
Citations
Image: “MaláSkálaForest | Forest near Malá Skála, Czech Republic” by Ruben Holthuijsen, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Audio: “Sci-fi Ambient Drone.wav” by LookIMadeAThing, licensed under CC0 1.0.
Derivative work: “Echoes in the Forest” by Jennifer Gayle, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Hi Jennifer,
This was an interesting image. Though I am not a big nature walker, it immediately spoke to me about what a nature trail would have as both ambiance and familiarity. The image shows what natural beauty is, but the music almost shows that the natural beauty of nature comes with danger. The sound almost takes a different approach, as it is both intriguing and makes you feel like you have left the city behind to venture into this different kind of world. The effect is almost eerie and transformative.
One meaning is portrayed by this image and audio when view together is danger. However, when viewed separately, the image of a forest feels serene, while the sound feels almost extraterrestrial or alien in nature. If combined, they both emit a sense of peril or feeling that something bad is about to happen at the end of that trail.
Though this is a great combination of audio and sound, it is possible to even introduce sounds that have echoes or maybe even sounds that show someone is following you. The pathway that the image shows provides that possible interpretation, especially as it is a manmade pathway. If you include voices echoing, this might also make the viewing/listener think that others might be close by who do not have your best intentions in mind. Additionally, if you hear footsteps like someone is following you, you will have that same fight or flight response in your mind.
That creepy feeling comes from a place that a person might not feel as familiar with, especially a dim lit forest area where there could be wild or dangerous animals, or other humans when bad intentions.
Kelly,
Cool picture, Jennifer! I haven’t been to New York, but to me the picture reminds me of the forests in North Carolina. Not too long ago I went on a trip to NC and while hiking around on a trail for waterfalls, the scenery looked very similar to that of this image. I agree with your interpretation of the picture being peaceful and serene.
The audio that I would expect to be paired with this photo would be nature noises, like that of birds and bugs and perhaps a distant river or waterfall. I was surprised by your choice of audio! It immediately felt sci-fi to me with a haunting undertone. I found the combination of the audio and image to be very striking. I would certainly agree that it creates a new, unique experience for viewers. The forest no longer feels peaceful, but rather offputting and maybe even dangerous.
Also, you should try linking to the creator’s pages in your citations next time! I checked out the photographer, Ruben Holthuijsen, and he has some really nice work!
Hi Jennifer,
My reaction to this pairing was different from your, I didn’t find the music “creepy” at all. I love to walk, be alone, take stairs, etc. So a picture like this makes me to find out what is on the other side. Similarly, the music has the some effect on me just in a different way. Now what I expect ahead is not typical (waterfall, vista, bench to eat a sandwich) but rather, something supernatural and yet I am still compelled to make the discovery.
Thinking about this week’s topic, I don’t think the effect would have been the same if you had cropped the photo. Something about the path before the stairs evokes the full effect of the music that something lies ahead. Still, the viewer has to make a decision. It isn’t too late to turn back. This is good storytelling.