"Lunchtime Shadows, London" | A Challenge For Writers
Received many kind words after my last email, thank you.
Was a bit downcast, but all's well now.
In fact, more than well: last night I was taken to a performance of Beethoven's 9th and found myself sitting beside the massed sopranos. I mean: three feet away.
For an hour, they sat motionless - then rose from their seats and it was like being caught up in a flight of angels.
Interestingly, the proximity made it impossible to overlook the sheer athletic oomph required by all those long-held top notes.
The orchestral musicians weren't bad either.
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Joan Didion Writing About Pictures
Sketch by me.
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I was reading something the other day about the late journalist, essayist and author Joan Didion.
It was about how she honed her prose writing photo captions at glossy magazines. I wish I could remember where I read it, but that doesn't matter enormously. The point is: if it worked for Didion, perhaps it could help the rest of us?
Which brings me to...
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[ Drum roll please! ]
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Alt Text Challenge, Series 2
How would you describe this picture, in approx 30 words, to make it “visible” to somebody who can’t see it?
[ If the picture isn't showing in your email, click here. ]
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Purpose of the exercise: To practice your observational and verbal skills.
Additional purpose: Make the internet more accessible to unsighted people.
Tip: Give a sense of what is shown, and the “feel” of the picture, but remember that you are only trying to deliver a textual alternative to the picture.
Here’s an example:
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“Bright, warm-grey pavement. Human shadow nearing faded utility covers (left), leans and twists to photograph own shadow with shadow of dog on tight lead (right), plus one white paw. Red brick paving in corners.”
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Your turn now: The winning submission will be decided by the judge (me, almighty and wise).
To take part, reply to this email with your 30 words.
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I'm going to send one Alt Text Challenge every day for the next two weeks.
Compete as often as you like, or just look at the photos and get on with your day.
Naturally, you can unsubscribe any time.
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Adequate Projects
If you're a patron of my Adequate Projects, please join me for a 30 minute Livestream on Zoom tomorrow. I'll be sharing some long-awaited progress on the Potaias project.
For your diary: these take place every month, on the second Tuesday, at 12.30pm UK and 7pm UK, to cater to patrons in different time zones.
Want the link? Let me know and I'll send it.
If you're not a patron yet, please think of joining: Adequate Projects
I'm looking forward to receiving your 30-word description of that shadow photo.
JPF
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