Visual/ Aural Reflection

Richard Loeb, 18, left, and Nathan Leopold Jr., 19, look at each other after they gave separate confessions to the May 21, 1924, killing of Bobby Franks in Chicago. (Chicago Tribune historical photo, Chicago Tribune)

During this exercise I had a few options to choose from but this one in particular caught my eye. I'm not sure why, Just the way the two men’s eye contact intrigued me. I wasn't sure what was ahead but I definitely don't regret choosing this one. A Photo I Love by Erin Mystkowski, does an amazing job constructing this storyline using two different forms of media and really does a great job capturing the audience's attention in such a short amount of time. The visual and audio did a great job complimenting the storyline and creating an experience within the narrator, characters, and audience.

The audio was what really helped the flow of the story. The audio was a combination of classical music and the narrator's voice. Although you are mostly staring at a black and white picture of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold surrounded by men on the street, you wouldn't have guessed that the new men staring at each other have killed a 14 year old named Robert “Bobby” Franks in Chicago Illinois in 1924. The two men both have finished confessing at separate times and the eye contact really holds some sort of power but without the intriguing audio, you would have never guessed. It's almost like the photo is in “still life” because the tension between them is quite intense. This really grasps the audience's attention with the contrast of the picture.

The audio of the classical mischievous music with the calming almost enthusiastic voice of the narrator really ties the story together. As the narrator would explain the picture the music adds a nice touch because it almost puts you in the story and gets you “into it”. I really enjoyed the storyline and how it was constructed - short and simple. It really felt like it was straight out of a movie introduction. The story had a great hook to grasp the audience's attention. If I were to recreate this story, I wouldn't change anything because It is exactly how I would picture doing my story line like. This story definitely compels an experience for the audience.

Going through the process of brainstorming for my own photo/audio story, I definitely liked the idea of adding music that complements the setting of the story. It really added character with the story and picture. This whole picture/ audio story was very helpful and inspiring for my assignment. I am glad that I chose this story because not only did I enjoy it ( and showed my roommate and boyfriend out of excitement) but it was extremely helpful and inspired me with multiple ideas to better my vision of my project. I truly recommend everyone to give this story a listen, it is very short and simple but you wont regret it.