The film suggests we ‘read’ photographs like a language. Post an image from your smartphone camera roll and describe one ‘visual word’ you notice (a symbol, gesture, object, or detail) and what you think it could possibly communicate. This padlet is a discussion, so feel free to interact with your peers in this padlet. by Kathryn Mayo

w0904677 — 2025-10-01 02:52:49 UTC

I recently went to Mexico where I gave a workshop. While there, I visited the small town of Bernal where I got to try a real gordita at the restaurant where they were invented! I took this photo on a stroll through the town. There is a monolith in Bernal and it is the third largest monolith in the world. In my mind, the monolith symbolizes strength and stability, protecting this small town filled with artisans.

2025-10-07 04:24:45 UTC

The week before last my daughter and I flew to Helena, Montana. In Salt Lake, the airline announced the plane was overbooked. They were offering $1,200 each to two people who would give up their seats and go later. We looked at each other and said no. I grew up in Helena, but my California girl daughter knows Montana only from her visits. Still, she recognized that sunny afternoons in Montana are short and infrequent. You don’t sell them for any amount.

The symbols in this photo are the Capitol and the wildflowers. The Capitol symbolizes Montana, my home. The wildflowers symbolize the fleeting summers.

2025-10-11 01:34:40 UTC

The “visual word” I would describe this image with is contrast. The young, curious cat behind and the frail, aging Jinxy in front (I've forgotten the name of the cat behind him). Especially since they are cats, their lifespans are shorter than ours. Being able to see this progress is sadening, losing a pet that you've lived with for years, yet also bittersweet. I didn't want Jinxy to desperately hold onto his life any longer, as it pains me seeing him this fragile, not being able to eat, not being able to move well, to see, and many more sufferings. That is why it was somehow bittersweet, knowing that he could finally rest after many years of being a fun cat. This contrast shows the passage of time and the cycle of life, capturing both liveliness and tiredness in one photo.

2025-10-13 03:10:13 UTC

When I am stressed, I love to go camping to decompress. I will take my homework or work and just stay out for the weekend focusing on regrounding myself. This is one of my favorite spots because the owner let me have a space all to myself so I wouldn't be bothered. This was a time where I was grieving my brothers murder, so this symbolizes that when times are hard for me, I can go escape reality and be in my own peace.

2025-10-13 04:58:16 UTC

this was the first year of me being in my own shop as being an haristylist. and also takinf my own clients. looking back at this photo i learned that i have came so far. compared to what my work looks like now. just lets know exactly how hard works pay off.

2025-10-13 18:57:27 UTC

“Motion”

Joy in motion, nature in motion. My dog and I are in motion, the shadows suggest the tilting earth in motion, and the waves in constant motion with the tides.

2026-03-05 18:39:51 UTC

2026-03-06 00:29:49 UTC

“The visual word I notice in this picture is nature, because of the little ladybug and the soft dandelion. The tiny bug makes the scene feel calm and simple, like a small moment you might miss if you’re not paying attention. The bright colors make it feel peaceful and kind of happy. Overall, the image gives off a vibe that even small things in nature can be really beautiful.”

2026-03-09 03:42:58 UTC

One visual “word” in this photo is the dog’s upright ears and direct eye contact. This could communicate attentiveness and curiosity, as if the dog is focused on the person taking the photo and waiting for attention or a command.