Child Like Wonder

          This photo encompasses the child like wonder of the boy who is riding the bicycle, and also embodies the themes of balance and adventure.  The boy and the bicycle is clearly where the action of the photo is taking place. The height of the bicycle which places the boy above all the other people, and the pointing of the on lookers make it clear that this is where the action is taking place.  Also, the photographer, one of the pedestrians on this dirt pathway, has clearly either taken the photo using a fish eye lens on a Holga camera or enhanced the photo by giving the edges a blurry circular boarder. This forces the center of the photo to be the clearest point, or the action point.  
                One question that was aroused from the photo is about the color options. The sepia coloring makes this photo feel like it came out of an old collection of personal photographs, dating back to the 70s. However upon deeper inspection of clothing style, only one person, the only visible woman is dressed in modern 70’s style clothing.  
                Another question that comes up is that even though the bike takes the action away from the rest of the photo, it is clear that the location of the photo is at a fair ground or an event that is constantly moving. I question, if photo was staged. I find it extremely interesting that there is three groups of people: The guy by himself who looks to be in a hurry; the couple holding hands and walking but not in a hurry; and the group of three guys standing still enjoying their beverages and company.  Do these groups of people give commentary to the way society looks at people? When you are by yourself you rush to get to the next point in life. When you are with someone you are walking the journey together. When in a group, you feel content to be where life has taken you. Yet, how does this connect to the bicycle? Maybe this photo is about perspectives. The boy has a completely different perspective than that of the other people.
                This photo was actually taken by a good friend of mine at the March 2010 Harvest of Hope Music Festival. The boy on the bike is also a good friend of mine.