Edited using BeFunky Photo Editor.
Original image: “Peaceful protests in Egypt” by Rowan El Shimi, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Derivative image: “Article 20.1: Peaceful Assembly” by Jennifer Gayle, created from “Peaceful protests in Egypt” by Rowan El Shimi. This derivative is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
I took this photo during a quiet visit to a cemetery in upstate New York, and I wanted the crop to highlight a reflective moment rather than the entire landscape. In the original image, the subject felt a little lost in the wide scene. Cropping the photo allowed me to shift the focus by placing the subject off center and adjusting the frame for better balance. The final image feels calmer and more intentional, using simple composition choices, such as the rule of thirds and reduced visual distractions, to draw attention to the mood of the moment.
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.
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.
My name is Jennifer Gayle, and I currently live in Naples, Florida. I work as an elementary school teacher in Collier County Public Schools, where I have taught second through fifth grade, spending most of my career in third grade. Teaching has been a meaningful and rewarding experience, and it has played a major role in shaping my professional goals.
I am in my second semester of Florida State University’s Master of Science in Information program, following the school libraries specialization. While I enjoy classroom teaching, I feel ready to explore new opportunities that allow me to support students and teachers in a broader way. My goal is to transition into a media specialist role, where I can combine my instructional experience with information and media literacy.
Outside of work and school, I stay busy with family life. I am a mom of six and a grandmother of two, and much of our time is spent supporting my youngest daughters in competitive dance. I also enjoy visiting Walt Disney World and taking advantage of the beautiful beaches here in Naples.
One of the things that interests me most about this class is the focus on digital media and design. I enjoy experimenting with digital tools, even when it takes a bit of trial and error. I am at a fairly basic level. Through this course, I hope to develop a stronger understanding of how to create high-quality, effective digital content that I can use both professionally and personally.
I am looking forward to learning alongside my classmates and expanding my skill set as I continue working toward my future role in school libraries.