Monday, March 31, 2014

Snapshots and Story Prompts


March Snapshot 2014--kendaturner.blogspot.com
"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." --Eudora Welty

Have you ever reached for your camera and taken a series of random shots with no real idea of what you've captured until you check the results later? I did--and this is one of the images I got. Believe me it was truly random and serendipitous. I couldn't have staged anything this comical on my own. 

Littlest granddaughter and I were just hanging out together while Grandpa entertained two older siblings elsewhere. I grabbed the camera and snapped away as 15-month old Cecy played, tottered around, rolled on the floor, climbed on and off a tyke-sized bike, giggled and flashed endearing smiles. Before long she was into the Sunday paper still strewn on the floor, picking up a section here, discarding it there. I had no idea what print was on the back of the section she held up until I checked my photo roll later.

And there it was. A moment caught, as Ms. Welty said, before it could run away. Along with a funny story to tell.

Hmmmm...If I were to tell a story from this photo, what might be the log line? If I chose it for a writing prompt, what ideas would I run with? What would  be a good caption? Oh, the potential! Snapshots and story--they can work together in a creative way.

Do you rely on photos for writing inspiration? Do you post favorites around your writing space to keep you inspired? Do you use pictures for writing prompts? It appears a good number of writers do by the looks of Pinterest boards, including: Pictures as Writing Prompts, Writing Picture Prompts, and Picture Writing Prompts

What caption might you suggest for my picture above?
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15 comments:

  1. I can't think of a caption, but I sure would like to know the picture or article that captured her rapt attention.

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    1. I should have saved the section, Elizabeth, to see if there was a picture on the other side :-) But being the classified section, what could be so interesting?? We sure have had fun with this one...

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  2. Oh how sweet! She is adorable. :) This is truly a keeper. I agree, this would make a great prompt! Keep snapping away, it seems you have a knack for capturing great moments and writing ideas.

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    1. Thanks, Karen :-) I think it was a matter of being in the right place at the right time--and, of course, a photogenic subject!

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  3. Maybe she was apartment hunting :) LOL Very cute picture!

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    1. Love it, Catherine--I'll keep this caption in mind! Thanks for the idea :-)

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  4. Adorable! But alas, I can't think of a caption either.

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  5. Thanks, Cathy--I know you know all about cute grandkids :-)

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  6. How about "No Glass Ceiling for Toddlers"?

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    1. Peggy, a cute thought, thanks! Your idea is similar to what my daughter said (mom to Cecy)--that the little one looks like she's the one hiring, the one in control, and that we should save this pic in case she becomes a manager or CEO someday :-)

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    2. Yep that's her! Future CEO with a determination already very evident at such a young age! ha

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    3. Got another response for you, supermom. Writing buddy Connie said "I guess the way the job situation is these days one needs an early start in looking for a job." Too funny :-)

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    4. hehehe yep, never too early to get an 'edge', right?!

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  7. Yes Kenda, photographs have inspired me many times and with great results :)

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  8. That is a fantastic candid! So cute and funny. :)

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