Audio Stories

     In today’s visual age, audio stories whether it be in the form of podcasts, audiobooks, radio, etc., are still an alternative that many enjoy to use on a daily basis. For instance, it’s portable and many are able to listen to it on a personal computer, a cellphone, or on the radio inside the car. Captivating stories being told by an engaging host can affect the audience tremendously. When people are able to convey a story through not only words but through sound effects and the sound of their voice it is quite intimate and influential. The expressiveness of tonality in the voice of the speaker can really sell the story. Stories that express enough emotional response or have created extreme tension are stories worthwhile because it leaves the audience on their toes and they could possibly relate to it on a personal level.
    I listened to part of an excerpt of the podcast called “No Place Like Home” on the This American Life website. The aspects that make the story engaging to the listener is the exchange in conversation almost like these two people speaking are right in front of you. The comfortable atmosphere that the two speakers create makes it more personal. Along with the tidbits of guest voices and sound effects, it keeps the story moving and interesting. Also, the fact that the audience has no clue of where the story may lead at the moment fills them with curiosity and wanting to listen to maybe more than just one podcast. 

Asterios Polyp Response

   The most compelling way of storytelling demonstrated through illustration in the graphic novel Asterios Polyp is through the series of illustrated panels and with no dialogue whatsoever. Because there is no dialogue in some the panels, the story relies heavily on being told through images. It’s simple but quite impactful because it takes the reader through the story visually and swiftly. Also, with the use of interesting compositions and stylistic choices of illustration it draws the reader’s eye to what is happening. It directs the reader’s eye around the panel without the aid of words, which is pretty neat.

   Storytelling may play an important role through my own work because it provides a narrative for the audience. A piece of artwork that is visually stimulating is probably, I guess in my opinion, not as impactful as a piece of artwork with a strong story behind it. Or in it’s own perspective it could be really impactful. It leaves an impression on the viewer that could really inspire them. I want to create visually pleasing art work, but if I can achieve that and attach a very compelling story with it and that could perhaps be thought-provoking then I would be quite satisfied. With my future work in photography, I hope to create more narrative-influence based work because I don’t feel as if enough of my work really explores that element just yet.

Woman Waiting to Take a Photograph By David Eggers (response)

The time frame for the vignette is modern time. (90’s-present)

The text implies that some photographers take part in exploiting their subjects more specifically, subjects that have a lower economic status. The text also implies that when a photographer uses that image as an advantage to boost their portfolios or in hopes of being more successful at the expense of another individual who may not have the same opportunity.

The writer’s attitude towards the woman is observant at the beginning but it is also bit critical because he uses goes into detail about the process of how the right picture would get her recognition in the art world. He includes words like “injustices of life” “ hypocrisy” and “exploitation of the underclass.”

The writer’s repetition of the term “Go-Getters” works as a motif.  The phrase can reflect the attitude of the photographer in the vignette because she is trying to achieve the right timing for her picture. She is eager to be successful no matter the obstacles. She is probably waiting for her big break because she is currently working in a temp job.

The final sentence builds observed details by describing the process of how some well known photographers come to be successful with exploitative photographs. It gets recognition in a gallery, bought by a collector, and later kept in a museum.

A new idea that emerges in the final sentence is the concept of exploitation of individuals like the poor, the underprivileged, or the people who are seen as anything other than the norm. It can be seen as intrusive and disrespectful because some photographers pick up on only the negative aspects of the area or they don’t respect everyone that they photograph. Some argue that photographers should give back to the community that they photograph.