10 Thought-Provoking Photos to Ponder Upon
A collection of 10 photographs that will make you think, and maybe even ponder the mysteries of life and love.
-
Hope Lingers On
“Hope can vanish, but can die not” Shelley
I was drawn to this photo for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was shot in black and white and the contrasts are lovely and secondly, of course, the graffiti on the wall. The whole scene has a post apocalyptic sense to it while the overwhelming growth of plants outside gives the picture, to me, a feeling of innate optimism that life will come through whatever.
-
Delicacy and Diversity
“My strength is as the strength of ten Because my heart is pure” Tennyson
As well as having the “aaaw” effect this photo really stirs the awe and wonder parts of the brain. The tiny baby marmoset clinging to a human finger is such a touching sight and a reminder that those with power have a responsibility to look after those who have none. A beautifully composed picture.
-
The Next Last Supper
“Man is an intellectual animal, and therefore an everlasting contradiction to himself. His senses centre in to himself, his ideas reach to the end of the universe: so that he is torn in pieces between the two, without its possibility of ever being otherwise.” Hazlitt
By Israeli photographer Adi Nes, this is a take on a famous work of art! I love the composition and the colors in this - the greens and the reds. It also makes me ponder what the true difference is between apostles of peace and the above apostles of war in their uniforms, obviously preparing for a fight. A singular take on the perplexing similarities between extremes.
-
Global Warming is a Reality
“We may become the makers of our own fate when we have ceased to pose as its prophets” Popper
Without any wish to dishearten and depress I thought it important to include a few photographs in this small collection that would provoke thought but not induce too many winces. This melted ice cream van is all we really need to see to take in the message that global warming is a reality. As such it is neither glib nor joking - once past the humor there is a much darker message.
-
Abandoned Child
“The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.” Burke
At first take this could be seen as a real child and the shock of the image is in the “what if” idea it posits. We all know that child cruelty exists in extreme forms and this photograph shows us the consequences without showing us the consequences. I find this a very troubling image and one which stays in the mind for a long time.
-
Ideas Above Our Station?
“It is difficult to be humble. Even if you aim at humility, there is no guarantee that when you have attained the state you will not be proud of the feat.” Wesley
This picture of a city swathed in clouds reminds me of the Biblical tale of the Tower of Babel. At the same time it awes us with the majesty of our own creation while worrying us about the consequences of hubris. This is a photograph that allows the viewer to feel very small and big at the same time.
-
The Gentler Sex
“When lovely woman stoops to folly, And finds too late that men betray, What charm can soothe her melancholy, What art can wash her guilt away?” Goldsmith
We are inclined not to think of the women of Afghanistan as having thoughts or feelings of their own; such is their dehumanization by the Taliban regime. However, as this photograph shows, now all women under the burkha are as meek and mild as we might at first suspect. Never judge a book by its cover!
-
Age Shall Not Whither Them
“Study the past, if you would divine the future.” Confucius
This is a moving portrait of old age and a face I could look at for hours without getting tired. What is the look in the old man’s eyes? Is it ancient and refined love, wisdom with a long-lived edge? Or is it the tired resigned look of someone who is uncertain what eternity holds for them? A strange, perplexing and enigmatic portrait of age for a world that worships youth.
-
Is There Any Hope?
“Something was dead in each of us, And what was dead was Hope.” Wilde
Image Source
This picture of a young drug addict called Beavis is taken by photographer Tom Stone. The ironic juxtaposition here for me is the love tattoos on Beavis’ hand as he pokes around to try and find a vein in to which to inject the drugs that will surely one day kill him. A portrait of utter loneliness, waste and lost hope.
-
Hope and Love Spring Eternal
“If all the world and love were young, And truth in every shepherd’s tongue, These pretty pleasure might me move To live with thee, and be thy love” Raleigh
I thought I would end with something heart warming, to at least counterpoise some of the images that appear above. Although the photo is heavily made over thanks to Photoshop I love its innocence. That love can brighten up a dull city street and make it magical is a lovely idea - the little cupids may be a touch over the top - but forgivable by the message the picture conveys. While there is love, surely there is hope!
Liked it
29 Comments
carnivore83, posted this comment on Jul 22nd, 2008
Really good pictures, and remarkable thoughts.
Ruby Hawk, posted this comment on Jul 22nd, 2008
Even the last picture which you leave with us as a cheerful note is something to think about because this too shall pass away. As everything in life, it is only for the moment.
Lost in Arizona, posted this comment on Jul 22nd, 2008
Probably one of my favorites of yours. Truly though provking, as well as visually profound. Awesome work.
Anne Lyken-Garner, posted this comment on Jul 23rd, 2008
The picture of the old man is very striking. Do you know how old he is? The drug addict is truly disturbing.
Mark Gordon Brown, posted this comment on Jul 25th, 2008
I was not sure if I had a favorite picture, like other readers did, I enjoyed them all. Thanks
Liane Schmidt, posted this comment on Jul 28th, 2008
Remarkable.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Heart Stone, posted this comment on Jul 28th, 2008
Awwh… it does paint a thousand words.
David Johnson, posted this comment on Jul 29th, 2008
Wow, very nice article.
cody, posted this comment on Jul 29th, 2008
the graffiti in the first picture, Hope Lingers On, is actually a quote made by the great Jimi Hendrix, just an fyi. My favorite picture, other than the first one is number 6, Ideas Above Out Station
Sluie, posted this comment on Jul 29th, 2008
Great photos and even greater perception.
Lostash, posted this comment on Jul 30th, 2008
Splendid!
zelliot, posted this comment on Jul 30th, 2008
i believe picture number 6 is in Dubai. the picture was taken to show people how tall the buildings in the city are. great article, RJ!
Hein Marais, posted this comment on Jul 30th, 2008
Marvellous!
Unofre Pili, posted this comment on Jul 31st, 2008
Wonderful. Thought provoking indeed.
blooeyes36, posted this comment on Jul 31st, 2008
some very interesting pix…the ice cream truck is quite entertaining..
Maggie, posted this comment on Aug 3rd, 2008
Platitudes make the world go round.
Lauren Axelrod, posted this comment on Aug 15th, 2008
Great article. The pictures are powerful.
Kiefer, posted this comment on Aug 15th, 2008
The Dubai one was amazing.
Zunairah, posted this comment on Aug 16th, 2008
A beautiful mind with beautiful thoughts!!
Robert, posted this comment on Aug 17th, 2008
Nice piece, I like it how you put people’s quotes from History and the pictures that represent them
Karen N, posted this comment on Aug 18th, 2008
Very lovely!
Rookie Expert, posted this comment on Aug 18th, 2008
As usual, awesome collection, and i love the little quotes you have given along this the pictures.
MIKEY, posted this comment on Aug 18th, 2008
The addict is very real ,maybe even ‘too’ real picture of the way society is heading. Very sad!
joseph, posted this comment on Aug 19th, 2008
very nice pictures
G. Grissom, posted this comment on Aug 19th, 2008
I believe ever king took the words right out of my mouth! I could not put my feelings into words about this piece for some reason but after reading king’s post, I totally agree 110%!!!!
webrouzer, posted this comment on Aug 27th, 2008
Even the last picture which you leave with us as a cheerful note is something to think about because this too shall pass away. As everything in life, it is only for the moment.
the graffiti in the first picture, Hope Lingers On, is actually a quote made by the great Jimi Hendrix, just an fyi. My favorite picture, other than the first one is number 6, Ideas Above Out Station
CutRUp2C , posted this comment on Dec 14th, 2008
Brilliant - Most brilliant I have SU in quite a while. Many kudos RJ
AKA Ron White
Jake O, posted this comment on Apr 6th, 2009
Wonderful, thought provoking pictures. My favorite is the city above the clouds. If I am not mistaken I believe that is Dubai. An amazing city in and of itself. The melted ice cream truck is brilliant. It is humorous yet delivers a message at the same time. I really enjoyed this article. The quotes that you added in with the pictures make this article ten times better than it would have been without them. Great inspiration here.
Leave a Response
-
Follow Us
-
-
-
-
Popular Articles
Ronald Marbles, posted this comment on Jul 22nd, 2008
Nice one RJ. I love that Last Supper picture the most.