Students will read and discuss “Looking in the Album” by Vern Rutsala.
Students will then use a photograph in which they’re the subject, previously included in their journals, to create writing which will be shared with the class. Distinctions between candid and posed shots must be clearly understood, as must the concept of “a moment in time” which is what a photograph captures.
Students with candid shots will write a narrative, telling what events preceded and followed the moment caught by the camera. If the photo is an old one and the student has no memory of what went on, he/she will be encouraged to create a story.
Students with posed shots will be asked to observe the background carefully. If it’s a natural background, they should write about memories associated with the place in the photo. If it’s a stock background, students will be asked to describe it in an exotic, mysterious way.