Ndbrown07's Blog

Hands on Globe

Simplicity

The purpose of this assignment is to show an idea or emotion that Winona State University embodies, in as simple a photo as possible.   The intent of my photo was to communicate the ideas that the world is at our fingertips, we are globally connected, we are an integral part of the world, and Winona State is where one can be a part of this essence to impact the world.

Only hands were chosen to simplify and convey the idea that the world is at our fingertips to connect and relate to.  I felt using faces would complicate the idea and may cause the viewer confusion.  Next, the arms are leading lines to the focal point of the globe. The arms are crossed with each other and touching the globe to show how the world and people are interconnected.   The students at Winona State are an integral part of the world and are preparing to contribute to it.  We learn by doing and WSU is a hands-on community and that is why it was important to have the hands appear as grasping, holding, and reaching for the world.  Choosing more then a couple of hands shows that we are part of something bigger when we join Winona State and that makes our impact greater.  Action in our world begins here!

Artificial light was used to focus the eye on the globe.  It gave the arms shadows and depth.  It created interest and one could also add that education does light the path for many new experiences and directions.  By taking this photo in the dark, the lit up globe helps to envelope the viewer into the photograph.  Using a slow shutter speed helped the camera to allow more light into the picture to light up the hands and the world.  The globe is a common circle shape that the human eye recognizes quickly.  It is an eye sucker right in the middle of the photograph.  The cast of the shadow is also in the shape of a circle and creates repetition that the eye likes to view and follow.

My goal was to create an image that could be used on WSU’s website or catalog to show the global connection our students have with the world.  Our lives and experiences while at college are preparing us to become members of the world community.  The globe is intended to show this connection.  A motto of WSU is, “A community of learners improving our world.”  This photo speaks directly to this motto.  We are the ones who will make a difference not only in our local communities but also in the world.  Our hands, our world, and WSU; that’s a bright idea!