ARTS2065 Workshop Exercise: Photographs

In my ARTS2065 class, we had a 12-shot Photograph exercise, which completely shifted my thoughts on storytelling. The task was to take 12 photos that told a clear, logical story. Then came the twist. We were asked to shuffle the order of those photos to create a new narrative.

Initially, I captured a simple, happy moment: my partner and I were on our way to celebrate him finishing his last exams with donburi (rice bowls). The photos followed us walking through the streets, admiring the nostalgic architecture of the buildings, and finally sitting down for our meal. It was a straightforward sequence that felt warm and celebratory.

When I rearranged the photos, however, a completely different story emerged. This new narrative made it seem like I was on a first date that was going terribly wrong. The sequence now conveyed nervousness and a sense of longing for escape. My "date" appeared absorbed in his phone, ignoring me, while I yearned for the freedom and openness of the tall buildings outside. The photos suggested that I was observing other happy diners and feeling out of place, unable to eat the donburi before me. The final image of the uneaten bowl left behind seemed like an emotional resolution to this imagined story.

This exercise taught me how much power lies in sequencing. Even with the same set of photos, rearranging their order can evoke entirely new emotions and interpretations. It was a great reminder that storytelling isn’t just about what you show but how you present it.

Credits

Music: "Surreal and Interesting Piano Solo of Sadness (1012112)" – Sourced from CapCut Audio Library.