There are symbols all around us, in everything that we do. Most symbols are universal, but some symbols mean more to people

than others. It is all about interpretation.

*Note: Click to advance slides.

Biblical Symbols:

Sacrifice, Love, Compassion

Evil, Deceitful, Manipulative

Temptation, Sin, Knowledge

Romance Symbols:

Love, Passion, Growth, Beauty

Commitment, Unconditional Love, Always, Unity

Love is Blind

Light and Dark Symbols:

Enlightenment, Knowledge, Good, Illumination

Scary, Evil, Blindness, Ignorance

Good vs Evil

Using their own individual interpretaitons and vision, many photographers use symbolism to explain what can not be

explained in words.

http://shadowwings.wordpress.com/category/city-views/

I found that this website was an excellent example of someone who makes an excellent connection between images and words—the images Lynn Mari have

taken convey immensely powerful messages, and in conjunction with the quotes she uses to describe them, she makes a huge impact. The images of cities, cathedrals, and just plain beautiful places are so breathtakingly striking, they

leave the reader amazed at the depth of the messages that the pictures exemplify. The essence of the photos is beautiful and jumps right off the screen. My favorite quote/photo combinations are included below, and are taken directly

from the website. Check them out!

“My life with my abuser began..and ended at this

juncture. This one corner of the world holds so many memories

for me.”

“Crossing Over”

Lynn Mari, 2009

Source: http://shadowwings.wordpress.com/category/city-views/

Source: http://shadowwings.wordpress.com/category/city-views/

“Cathedral on the Horizon”

Lynn Mari, 1999

“I want to float through you…On a raft made of skin,

Pass prayers through your lipsToward the cathedral of your bones.”

~ Tony Medina

Source: http://shadowwings.wordpress.com/category/city-views/

“Covered Bridge on a Sunny Day”

“2 Corinthians 12: Paul the Apostle speaks,“7 And lest I

should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the

flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord

three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in

distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am

strong.””

Lynn Mari, 2006

Now focusing on homelessness. There are many profound images in the world that symbolize

the trials and tribulations of the everyday life of a homeless person.

Whether it is a cardboard box, a trash can, a sock, or a pencil, what those things represent are more than those

objects.

Source: bisforbrown.blogspot.com

What’s your address?

Source: journal.davidbyrne.com

Someone’s mansion.

Source: articles.sfgate.com

SHAME OF THE CITYDecember 03, 2003

“Not showing his face, this man claims, increases the amount of cash he can panhandle each day. “

Source: inhabitat.com

Its like a vacation.

http://www.hennartonline.com/ISayUSay/

This website includes touching pictures and symbols of homelessness, but not only images, it has quotes from people such as George Harrison. It also includes videos which I found especially

poignant. The whole “Dignity Within” series is what caught my attention because it is exactly like what we are discussing in class. They are images of homeless life, with captions and quotes that

translate the meaning of those images so effectively. In some cases, the author even goes as far as to let the images do the talking themselves saying, “Rather than speak on their behalf, I have

produced a visual series for you so that you can experience what they are saying from behind their eyes and hearts.” And she is right. Just as a reader, and viewer of the website, I was touched by the

images of the ordinary things around me that I take advantage of. Shoes. An orange? I have too many pairs of shoes, and so many people just discard an orange because it looks unappetizing. But

these things are how homeless people survive—it is how they live. It is what protects them and nourishes them. They value these seemingly everyday things so much because they may be the

difference between life and death.The following slides are origional images and quotes by Henie from the website.

At the side and bottom of the page, there are more images and stories to be told—I suggest clicking on them!

Photo by: Henie

Source: HennaArtOnline.com

“Left in a Hurry” (c)

“To know dignity one must sometimes walk the streets in someone else’s shoes…”

Trying to touch you with heart and soul

Please take my handThat I might understand

youWon’t you please?~George Harrison~

“HeavyLoad” (c)

Photo by: Henie Source: HennaArtOnline.com

“Somebody’s Meal For the Day”  (c)

“Somebody’s Meal For the Day” (c)

Photo by: Henie

“Awareness is the first step towards helping and making a change.”

Source: HennaArtOnline.com

Even though photos may show homeless life, what it is like to live in these environments or

what it “looks” like to be homeless, they symbolize much more than that.

Source: county.org

His paycheck.

Source: signseverywhereasign.blogspot.com

Cause:

Source: sfcitizen.com

Effect:

Source: rwongphoto.com

But what’s the cause of this?

The essence of a photo is what makes such a strong impact on individuals around the world.

It doesn’t matter your level of education, or what language you speak, they convey a meaning to every person who

sees them.

Photos are universal.