Blog Post #1

“Documenting America in the 1930s”

Activity:

Pick one photograph from your assigned photographer to examine in detail. In approximately 300-500 words in length, offer your interpretation of the photograph. Remember, your team is your immediate audience so your blog should build upon previous discussions about your assigned photographer.  Please adhere to the following guidelines in preparing your blog.

1.    Observe and Prepare

Study the photograph carefully and describe what you see in your notebook. The prompts below will help you to explore the details of the photograph:

What’s happening in the image? What do you notice first? What people and objects are shown? How are they arranged? What is the physical setting? What other details can you see? Are there details that you might not have noticed at first?

Does lighting or location or any other details influence the way you interpret the photograph? Where is the photographer (above, below, or at the same level as the subject in the photo)? How does the vantage point shape your response?

What seems to be the “mood” of the photograph? What can you learn from examining this image? Does the photograph tell you anything specifically about America in the 1930s that other kinds of historical documents that you are familiar with do not? In your opinion, what did the photographer want you to see in this photograph?

2.   Clarify and Focus in a Rough Draft

Just as you did in the presentation, develop a specific theme/thesis for your interpretation. 5-10 minutes of free-writing will radically improve your blog. Use this strategy here so you can feel good about the final copy that your teammates will read. 

3.   Post Your Blog

Include a copy of the photograph. Create a title for it that reflects your theme. 

4.   Comments 

Comment on at least 2 blogs. Each comment should be approximately 100-200 words (or more if you’re inspired).  Pick out a piece of the post that made an impression on you and to offer a thoughtful response to the writer. Can you add anything to your teammate’s interpretation of the photograph? You might also consider the photographer’s larger body of work. How does the photograph relate to it? 

Post to your blogs by noon on Monday, February 4. Post your comments to your groupmates' blogs by noon on Wednesday, February 6.