I recently gave a talk on photographing things that are close to us.  Close in proximity and close emotionally.  I discussed how we take so many things for granted.  I showed photographs of kitchen utensils, articles of clothing (shoes, etc.) and some regular things (buttons).  I showed a photograph of 4 hats and coats hanging on hooks.  It was a tight shot showing the hats hanging above the coats.  Technically, it is not very good, but I tried to save it the best I could in post processing.  The reason I wanted to try to save it is because it is a photograph of my hat and coat with the hats and coats of three of my four living uncles.  The photograph is close to me emotionally.  I was wondering if anyone else could get anything from it, since they did not know the back story. 

  When you look at a piece of art and wonder why it was made.  Go to the internet or books or any library and find out.  Read about the artist and maybe you will get an idea of why it was made and why it looks the way it looks.  My uncles are in their 70's and the oldest is celebrating his 88th birthday.  That is why it is an important photograph even it isn't that great.

When I showed the photograph to the group of seniors (the talk was at a home for seniors), I was wondering if anyone was drawing on their life experiences to get anything out of it that I put in it.  A lady in the front row said, "That picture looks like a group of old friends.  It looks human."  I felt good.