Don Saunderson, Framed Perception (PLACES 2023)

'Framed Perception,' intricately captures the deceptive nature of visual storytelling. At first glance, the image depicts two women, ascending a demanding sand dune under the harsh sun. The woman in the lead seems to have commandeered the single umbrella, seemingly leaving her companion unprotected in the blistering heat. The scenario offers an immediate narrative of indifference, perhaps even cruelty, as one battles the elements and the other appears comfortably sheltered. However, this image serves as a compelling reminder of the limitations of a single frame, as the truth behind the scene is dramatically different. Beyond the confines of this captured moment, the woman with the umbrella is, in reality, rushing to provide shade to a child further up the dune, exhausted from the climb. This unseen context completely reshapes the narrative, transforming what appears to be a selfish act into a compassionate endeavour. 'Framed Perception' is more than just a photograph—it's a commentary on the power of perspective. It poses an important question about how we interpret what we see, highlighting how the cropping of an image can significantly alter its meaning. In the end, it implores viewers to look beyond the frame, to seek the full narrative, and to remember that there's often more to the story than meets the eye."

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.