When I came across this image on openverse, I felt it had a deeper meaning that we could all relate to in some way. As I grow older, I have started to realize the uncertainty of the future and this image perfectly illustrates how every day we are all walking towards the unknown. Why? Because the possibility of growth, new beginnings, and everything else that comes with it gives us the courage to continue walking towards it. With the help of the soft guitar, it creates a calm feeling to the tense and scary idea of the future portrayed by the image. The combination of the image with the audio gives us a realistic view of life and how moving forward is a natural part of it, even though we each experience it in different ways. At the end of the day, I guess that means we’re all just figuring it all out one step at a time.
Terms of Use: “Walking Towards the Unknown” by Jonathan Pupo is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
I really like silhouette photography. It is like you can fill in the shape with whatever you want. I do like the idea of moving forward, because the man does look as if he could take another step, right there in the picture. The audio is soft and short, almost like it could be the beginning of the journey, or even the end. Is the man setting off on his journey, or is he on his way home? I appreciate your thinking that it’s just beginning, because for us, especially those that are almost done with the program, the future really is just beginning.
Hi Jonathan,
Your pairing works well overall. The soft guitar complements the image nicely and evokes forward momentum, tying into your theme of moving through life.
Two small suggestions on the writing: First, when describing the image as representative of a “tense and scary future,” I’d stick closer to what’s visible (a man walking past anti-war graffiti, a Mediterranean gate, and a monolithic building) rather than the feeling it evokes. To me, it reads more optimistic, especially with him walking away from the graffiti, perhaps toward possibility? Second, the claim that it gives a “realistic view of life” felt a bit definitive for such an open-ended piece. The combo actually suggests hope to me, and looser phrasing might let that ambiguity shine more.
The audio could extend a touch longer to feel complete or have a way to play the audio in a constant loop could have worked as well. the audio ends on a bass line that feels unfinished, but if that’s intentional for “beginning” a journey, it fits. Great effort!
Maybe its the fever I’ve been running all day, but the lit area of the image seems to be moving away with the music. I like that you chose a short song, as the blocked style of the image gives the viewer the perspective that what they’re witnessing here is only there for a moment and then gone for good. No element of your image or audio lingers for too long, which lends to your view that life is to be taken one step at a time, changing as it may. Excellent work, really impressive choices.