Picture Exchange TCC D. Reiss

Picture Exchange Sample-English 111

D. Reiss Tidewater Community College

This exchange has several purposes. Students select a photograph or other visual image from their own collections so that they are writing on a topic about which they are knowledgable and in which they have an interest. They write to an audience of their classmates and do so with a friendly letter so that their first writing of the term uses a familiar genre. They engage in a conversation with a classmate, establishing a small but significant community. They practice distinguishing between objective and subjective responses. They attend to concrete details and attempt to articulate interpretations. They recognize that the same visual image can elicit differing understandings and that even their objective descriptions may vary, focusing on different elements or different senses. I hope in a future class to have enough computer time to publish these to the Web and add document design and extended audiences to the project.

Step One

Bring to class two copies of a visual image that has some significance for you and that you are willing to share with your classmates. The image can be a photograph, drawing, or painting so long as the content or associations have importance for you personally. If you select an image for which you have no negative or duplicate, consider bringing a photocopy instead. Bring this picture plus two photocopies of the picture to class clearly labeled on back with your full student identification and email address. You will exchange images with a classmate and will turn in one copy to me.

Also bring two copies of a description of your picture, addressed as a letter to a classmate, 300-500 words, in which you describe the picture both objectively and subjectively. Bring two copies of this letter, one for your classmate and one for me. Use any approach you like that balances the description and explanation. You can do the objective first followed by the subjective or you can weave them together. Address your letter "Dear Classmate" since you won't know in advance who will receive your letter. Sign your name at the end. If you have access to a word processor, please bring the file to be submitted electronically. You will exchange writings with a classmate and give me a copy as well. I recommend keeping a copy for yourself. Credit: a quiz grade.

Objective description (no opinions) of the image using specific concrete details to recreate the image as you see it and as you would relate it to somebody who had not seen it, for example, shape, color, texture, and other visual elements that recreate the appearance of the picture. About one-third to one-half of the content of your composition must be concrete details to describe the image.
Subjective reaction and interpretation (opinions and attitudes):

what the picture means or suggests to you
your reasons for choosing this picture for this activity

Step Two

Using your classmate's picture as your only reference (do not ask your classmate any questions about the image), write a 150-300-word letter addressed to your classmate by name in which you include the following:

Objective description (no opinions) of the image using specific concrete details to recreate the image as you see it and as you would relate it to somebody who had not seen it, for example, shape, color, texture, and other visual elements that recreate the appearance of the picture. About one-third to one-half of the content of your composition must be concrete details to describe the image. At least one-half of the content of your composition must be reaction and interpretation in relation to the image.

Subjective reaction and interpretation (opinions and attitudes)

Reaction: what the picture means or suggests to you, for instance, feelings it evokes and

Interpretation: speculation on what the picture suggests to you about the person who brought it and that person's reasons for choosing it

Prepare two copies of this letter, one for your classmate and one for me. I recommend that you keep a copy for your files. If we have access to computers, we will use email for this part.

Step Three

Read your partner's letter about your picture. Write a 100-word thank you letter to your partner in which you thank your partner for the interpretation and identify specific points that you found interesting in your partner's description and interpretation and why these elements were interesting or helpful. Give one copy to your classmate, keep a copy, and submit a copy to me.

Part Four

Discuss the exchange and what you learned from this exchange, in particular, what you learned about people's ways of perceiving what they observe. Together, write a letter to me, at least 100 words to present and explain your perceptions. One of you record this response; the other edit it. Sign the response with both your names and roles: Pat Smart, recorder; Chris Jones, editor. Print a copy for me and for each of you if you want. If time permits, each group will offer a brief oral presentation to the class. Credit: a check for each of you.

Student Picture Exchange Letters Parts 1 and 2, January 1997

Dear Classmate,
This is a picture of me in Puerto Rico in December of 1996. In this picture I am standing on exposed reef looking out at the booming surf about 10-15 foot. I am holding a 7 foot board and to the left of me is the only way to paddle out, which is a sandy channel 3 foot wide. The channel only lasts till the water gets thigh high and then its all reef. The exposed reef is about 5 feet above the water level and for the the most part the reef is a light brown to a dark brown color. The inside reef (in front of the breakers) is extremly shallow, sharp, and full of sea urchins. On the outside the waves are constantly breaking on the outside reef, which creates huge walls of white water pusing over the inside reef. The water and sky are a light blue color and the winds are blowing offshore. Behind me is a small sandy parking lot surrounded by a jungle, and the only way there was by taking a dirt road from a bad neighborhood. While I stood on the exposed reef I was extremly scared and nervous and wondering if I should go out or not. Their where butterflies in my stomach as I watched some guy get crushed by a 15 foot close out and get washed over the inside reef. In this picture I was also nervous about paddle in and out. To get in or out you had to paddle thru the shallow inside and the strong south westerly current with constant swells hitting the outside reef. This pictures my favorite because it reminds me of the Puerto Rican experience; warm wheather, big waves, and over coming my fears. This picture to me is facing my fears and then over coming them. When I finally paddled out I got lucky and missed a big outside set wave. After I adjusted to the lineup (where you sit and wait for waves) I caught my first wave in the the serious surf and enjoyed the rest of the day surfing the big waves. After that day of surf I felt as if I had over come a great fear, big waves.

Dear Michelle,
This picture that I am viewing in front of me indicates a happy little girl caught smiling for the camera. The background shows green grass, a paved sidewalk, and leaves in the lawn. Shadows from a house is also shown in the background. The little girl is wearing a colorful outfit, consisting of pink and blue. The little girl has white shoes on, and she seems to be very happy. The day seems mild. It appears to be sunny, with temps. in the mild range. My reaction to the picture is that it shows the little girl in a happy mood. I think that the person chose this picture because it represents a happy moment for the little girl and the person caught it on camera.
Sincerely, Matt B.

Dear Davida,
My description of your picture is I see a beautiful girl. She is about four or five years old. She has long, curly black hair and big brown or black eyes. She has a pretty smile. She is wearing a long sleeve white or brown dress. It seems as if it is a clear dress or soft suede. Also, the dress is accented with flowers around the neck and on the front. She is also wearing some pearl studs or flower studs earrings. It seems as if the photo has a sky background. The picture may have been taken at a department store.
My interpretation of the picture is that I see a beautiful child. I see that she is very content and happy. It seems as if she knew she was the center of attention at the moment. Also, I see a young girl who knows she is loved by her parents, family and friends.
I think you choose this photo because this picture has some sentimental value. This individual is an important part of your life. She maybe your daughter, sister, niece, cousin or goddaughter. The reason you choose this photo tells me that you proud she is a part of your life and you are happy to show it off. I would show it off to!
Sincerely, Sabrina

Dear Classmate,
Holidays are the most exciting and often the most important part of the year. "Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" are common phrases we hear around Christmas time. The photo I selected for my picture exchange was a Christmas picture. The two individuals in the photo are very important to me.
My daughter Chasity is seven months old. She has curly dark black hair and dark brown eyes. Adding to her beauty is her adorable smile. She weighs sixteen pounds and is approximately twenty-four inches long. Her attire consists of a red velvet dress highlighted with creme lace. The accessories which accent the outfit are: creme stockings, black patent leather shoes and a red velvet hair bow. Around her neck is a holiday bib inscribed with two candy canes in the shape of a heart. Chasity is holding a white baby rattle.
Jovandra is twenty-one. She has brown shoulder-length hair and black eyes. Jo is wearing a gray tee-shirt with a Nike symbol on the left sleeve. She is wearing white sweat pants and blue house shoes.
Jovandra is holding Chasity in a hunter green recliner. Directly behind them are two artificial plants. In the background the kitchen door is open and dangling from the door knob is a blue hat. Also, looking closely in the kitchen is a big white Value-City bag and two wood dinner trays.
My daughter's Godmother is important to me because she is one of few who devotes her time and shows unconditional love towards Chasity. Therefore, nothing can come between the friendship and love we share.
Words are unexplainable for the love I possess for Chasity. It amazes me how she is aware of the people who love her. As each day passes, she adapts differently to the environment. Chasity is special and very unique. I often say "She is in a league of her own."
Looking at the photo of Jovandra and Chasity, I see happiness, love, sharing and caring. Also, I see two individuals enjoying each other's comfort. For those reasons, choosing this photo was not an option but mandatory.
Sincerely, Sabrina

Dear Heather P
In the picture there are trees on the right that look like pine trees. It looks very tall and rigid as it stands there. The clouds are above the landscapescape, as it floats in the air helplessly.
They have a fluffy shape to it also.On the left are some mountains, they look kind of rigid with snow on it. The grass looks green with rocks on it. Their is a stream going down the middle of the picture. It looks very clear and settle as it flows down. This picture means a quiet peaceful place to be for me. I am away from all the noises and stressful things I do in my life. Being here makes me at peace with myself and gives my a peace of mind. There are nobody to bother me or annoy me. The interpretation I think that she looks in this picture is that a good vacation to go to. She feels that this trip would be cool. I think she choosed this because it lookes like a nice picture.
Sincerely, Jojo

Dear Michael,
This photo shows alot of different people in New York. It appears to be an ordinary day in the city. By the way people are dressed it seems to be a chilly day. One thing that stands out to me is the fact that there is only on female in the picture. Another thing that stands out is the two gentleman running the card scheme. The thug on the phone seems to stick out as well. I see that there are alot of ordinary people but I don't see any police. I definitly see the Yankee fan with the bat.
Leon S

Dear K.j,
I see a basketball with a nike logo. I see figures of players, professional or otherwise(I do not know). I see a big empty space,like the black whole or a distant universe. I'm guessing you are big basketball fan or just could not find anything else. This is a very interesting ad . It does not say much, but I get it a sneaker aid. I like the idea behind "the revolution", but when I think about it I think about 'The Artist'. That is just my own personal revolution.
Fatima P

Dear Classmate,
The picture I have chosen is of three children who are my nieces and nephew. My youngest niece, named Danielle, is 2 years old and she sits on the right. My nephew, named Tyler, is 4 years old and he sits in the middle of the three. My oldest niece, named Melissa, is 6 years old and she sits on the left. They all have brown hair, brown eyes, light brown skin, and are dressed up for the picture. They are sitting in front of a fake background of trees. Danielle is showing no emotion as she stares directly into the camera of which the picture was taken. Her hair is in pig tails while she is wearing a light blue dress with white and dark blue flowers on it. She is also wearing a pink long shirt under her dress. Tyler, who sits on the left of Danielle, has is hands on his lap. His expression looks as if he is listening to somebody. He is wearing a shirt with small blue, red and different colored stripes. He is also wearing blue jeans. Melissa, who sits beside Tyler, has her hands at Tyler's side. Out of all of them, she is the only one trying to smile. She is wearing a light blue sweater with white sweat pants.When I look at this picture I don't just see three children. I see three beautiful children of whom I love very much and is a big part of my life. Thinking of their expressions, makes me think of three children that would rather be doing something else than taking a picture. Looking at this picture, thoughts of playing with them come to mind. I am also reminded of how mischievous they can be and how patient I have to be. I also think of how young they are and their whole life is ahead of them.
Sincerely, Korey D

Dear Tracy,
Your dog looks like he is very depressed. He has a lot of wrinkles on his face and body. He is a very hefty dog and he seems like he is very loveable. He looks like he does'nt do to much but lay around and sleep. It seems to me that there is'nt much for you to do but bathe him and take him for a walk. He looks like the type of dog that would take his time when you take him for a walk. For someone on the outside it seems to me that he looks sick and tired. Or is that just his everyday look. If I had a dog like yours I would laugh at him everytime I'd look at him. I can understand why you would pick a picture like this because
I think that dogs are the most loveable animals on this planet. Not meaning to exclude all of the other pets but I love dogs the most. He looks like he keeps you laughing with joy. What made you get a sharpeu? The dog I've always dreamed of having is a baby rockweller. Even though I know that wish will not be fulfilled because I still live with my mother and she does'nt want a dog that gets to be that big. The other reason why I know that you would pick a picture like this is because animals will always love you they never fault you for anything and they don't forget you.
Sincerely, Candace R

Dear JoJo,
In your picture that I have received I see a large beautiful wave in a large ocean with alot of bodyboarders.This picture was not taken around this area because there is never waves like that here. If i could see colors in this picture I am sure the ocean is very blue and the diffrent colors of the boards and wetsuits are floating around in the giant ocean.
Bodyboarding must be a hobby or even something you take very seriously. I have tried to do it, but am not very good at it. You probably do this year round if you chose this for your picture. You are probably very good at it to. The beach is one of my favorite places to go in the summer although, I dont get in the water much. I probably cant't appricate the ocean and it's stregnth like you can.
Sincerely, Heather P

Dear Classmate,

Your picture to me looks like a southern town in the 1930's. There's a furniture store with a bunch of old guys standing around the corner and their just shootin the breeze.Theirs a childs scooter and an old man standing on the corner by himself smoking a pipe. It looks like a hospitable little town with nice people around. The emotions I think envolved with this picture is just a bunch of old guys enjoying each others company on a nice day. The feeling I get with this picture is that its just a friendly little town.
Houston S

This is a picture about hand size in length and rectangler in shape. This picture has a smooth texture ahd it also is very coloful. There is a child in this picture, the child is a little girl, she is smil-ing. She has large dark- brown doe-like eyes. She is dressed in a light pink blouse with yellow, blue, and pink flowers. Her dark brown hair is pulled back with a pink clip and the rest of it is hanging below her shoulders. She has on pearl earrings, a touch of gloss on her lips, and blush on her cheeks. At the far right corner of the picture a subtitle of nineteen ninty-six Glamour Shots is written in white letters. The background behind the little girl is blue with white clouds. The little girls race is black and looks to be about the age of four or five years old. She has dark-brown hair and same color of eyes. This picture gives me a warm sense of love and proudness. The little girl looks as if she is very happy and has a lot of confidence in herself. She gives off a radiant glow with her eyes. When she smiles everything around her smiles and including me. She has a very pretty and even skin tone. Her eyes are very attractive and her lips curve into a perfect bow when she smiles. She has very beautiful hair, it appears to be wavy and curly. Her mom must be proud of her, especially taking her to Glamour Shots. This picture looks very current and it was taken in nineteen ninty-six . She looks very pretty in pink and in light blue, pink, and yellow colors. The colors give her a sense of innocents, not that she isn't. Her teeth look perfectly straight as if she never had a piece of candy in her life I choose this picture because this little girl means the world to me and more than life itself. I wanted to share this picture with my classmates as well as my instructor, to show how proud I am of my daughter. I remember being once like her and I wish that I could be age again, especially when the bills need to be paid and the nights I feel tired and want someone to tuck me in to sleep. I admire her and hope that she grows to be as confident as she appears in life.
Sincerely, Davida R

Dear Sabrina,
I got your picture and I see you and your daughter. You two are smiling and look happy. She looks to be 11-12 months old. I see she has on a bib and a white shirt underneath and a black skirt with white tights with black shoes. I see you holding her in your lap and You have a smile on your face as well. You have on a white top and white pants. Together you two are sitting in a dark colored chair in a room with two objects on both sides of the chair that look to be plants. I see an entrance to the left of you and your daughter, a patio I suppose. The room looks as if it ha white carpet. I also see a light switch on the wall above you. The feelings that I get from this photograph is love and happiness. I assume that she is your daughter and she does resemble you. You both look very happy and content. How old is she and when was this picture taken? Hope that you and your daughter have a prosperus future together.
Sincerely, Davida R

Dear Classmate,
I would like to share with you my motherAEs wedding picture. Even though I was not conceived at this time in her life just by looking at the pictures I could tell that this was her big day. She looked so pretty in her wedding gown. Her wedding dress was cream, and she had a shear shawl on with pink flowers on it which was tied up in a bow. She wore a summer hat which showed her curly hair. Her appearance was splendid she looked so beautiful. The day was very sunny and bright and hot. It was the perfect day to have a wedding. Her shape was out of this world so it was very easy for her to pick out a wedding dress. She wore a light makeup so that it would not look fake. Her smile lighted up everybody because they knew that she was happy. The reason why I picked this picture it means a lot to me. It lets me know that if my mother did not get married on that day my twin sister and I would not have been conceived. My mother is my role model I may not show it but that is the way I feel. She has been there every step of the way as my sisters and I were growing up. SheAEs my mother and
father because when my father wasnAEt there my mother was there to take his place. No matter how much I may get mad at her I know that I would not be the person IAEam today. My mother struggled all through her life to raise her kids. She would work night and day just to make sure that the bills were paid and made sure that we had food on our tables. This picture shows me that itAEs hard being a single parent. If my mother had a man by her side helping her out she would not be struggling like she does. I know by looking at this picture seeing what she has accomplished through her life, and she cares for her children makes me love even more. I could never do without my mother being in my life. She is not only my mother but she is also my friend no matter how much we argue she will always be my hero.
Sincerely, Candace R

This picture is filled with many beautiful fall colors containing browns and oranges. The setting is a cool mid-fall day with a brown and white St. Bernard puppy standing in the middle of a large fenced in backyard. Most of the trees are bare and the once green grass has turned brown with just a few remaining onion weeds. The puppyAEs black shadow lies to the right of him representing an almost perfect figure of himself. The St. BernardAEs colors resemble that of the fall because he too has light and dark browns placed on his fur. The light brown covers his back, ears and tail with the exception of an inch of white that covers the tip if his tail. The dark brown color falls on the left side encirciling his left eye while his face, chest, and legs are a pure snow white. The puppy seems to like pictures as he stares directly into the camera waiting for his picture to be taken. On more of a personal perspective this picture is very special to me because it is my dog. When I look at this picture I experience feelings of happiness because he is such a sweet, loving, and sensitive animal. He is not only all these wonderfull things but he is also very smart. When you talk to him or tell him things to do he responds to them by acting excited ,sad, or doing what you have told him to do. Samson is also a strong protector of each member in the family being very cautious to new people who come into our home; especially those who act like they are scared of him or just do not like him. Although he is a big dog weighing 150 pounds he is very gentle to people and to ALL kinds of animals.
Robyn L

This looks like a very happy day for you. you seem to be in a deep concentrtion of what lies ahead for your future. Your expreesion on your face seems to be the focal point of the picture because of the thoughts of what marraige means to most people. I'm sure by the determined look on your face it will be succesful.
Sincerily, Tracy C

Dear Houston,
As I look at your picture I see a surfer standing on the beach holding his surfboard, looking at the ocean. It also looks like the sun may be setting and the surfer is looking for the last set before he calls it quits for the night. It also seems that he is on a pretty deserted beach and possibly goes often. I think the picture could represent you in your eyes. It could possibly mean to you peace of being peaceful when you are surfing or just having fun. It also looks like you take it seriously from the picture maybe even spritual. I like the picture because I like the beach just as the man in the picture does.
Sincerely Nick M

Dear Classmate,
With arms extended vertically, and both hands clasped tightly around the ice picks buried in a sheet of ice. A man looks for the next foot hold. Hanging tenaciously from the side of the mountain, the only security is the will to succeed and the nylon rope that secures him to the mountain. On either side are walls of solid rock that can only afford a place to steady himself with his feet. His face grimacing with determination, is overshadowed by the beauty of the snow capped mountains behind him and the crystal stream in the lush green meadow below.
As I view the side of the deceptively smooth, rugged mountain and its cloud lined peaks that cascade downward, I find myself thinking of the challenge that looms large ahead. Armed with only a climbing rope, clips, picks, climbing shoes and the sheer will to succeed. I pit myself against nature and the unknown. As I tackle the side of the massive mountain I can only imagine what awaits me. Scaling the great mountain one must be in great physical condition, but also be mentally prepared to the distance.
The mountain in this picture represents life and its challenges. The open space represents the freedom of choice. The person in the picture represents me, the path I have chosen and my determination to be successful. Reaching the pinnacle is a goal I have set for myself. Along the way loosing my grip or my footing, means only a temporary setback, as the nylon saftey rope affords me the opportunity to try again.
For me there are many levels of success, how I approach each day mentally, determines the level I achieve. At my age there are many mountains to climb and many pinnacles to reach. Each of these represent the pieces of lifes puzzles.
Brandon

Dear Fatima,
What's up? In your picture I see a cracked heart with I guess blood dripping, and your name across it. I also see rose and some type of sign surrounding the picture. I guess it your tattoo or something. It's pretty smooth. I guess your boyfriend has this tattoo. Anyways. I loved the tattoo.
Sincerely, K.J.

Mr. Leon S
Wow... I've just got ot start with the way this makes me feel. I love photography and this is one of the best I've seen. The huge sky with its drastic color change is very beautiful. Combined with the off-center image of the towering basketball net in the foreground it gives me the overall impression that the baller is reaching for the sky. The Anytown, USA neighborhood makes a fittingly universal background for the concepts of personal achievement and competition that this picture expresses to me. Although the image is a little fuzzy, the look of concentration and dedication on the athletes face stands out like the sun in the sky. All around an amazing and powerful image.
Peace, Dave G

dear Robin
I see a puppy in a field which resembles a yard with a faint picture of a house and trees in the background. The sun is in the back projecting shadows forward. It looks as if the sun is setting or rising. The puppy looks like a cocker spaniel. If this picture were color it looks like the puppy would be white with brown portions. The puppy is facing the camera of which the picture was taken. It has a collar with a stubby tail. this picture looks like it was taken in the fall of winter by the leaves on the ground and short grass with weeds here and there. I also see a faint image of a picket fence in the background. this picture reminds me of our puppy at home. It makes me think of how fun they are yet it reminds me of how much responsibility they are, too. I would think that this puppy is important to the person the picture came from and/or that they have an interest in dogs.
sincerely, korey D

Dear Heather P
In the picture there are trees on the right that look like pine trees. It looks very tall and rigid as it stands there. The clouds are above the landscapescape, as it floats in the air helplessly. They have a fluffy shape to it also.On the left are some mountains, they look kind of rigid with snow on it. The grass looks green with rocks on it. Their is a stream going down the middle of the picture. It looks very clear and settle as it flows down. This picture means a quiet peaceful place to be for me. I am away from all the noises and stressful things I do in my life. Being here makes me at peace with myself and gives my a peace of mind. There are nobody to bother me or annoy me. The interpretation I think that she looks in this picture is that a good vacation to go to. She feels that this trip would be cool. I think she choosed this because it lookes like a nice picture.
Sincerely, Jojo V

modified 29 January 1999 by D. Reiss