So here is the deal in Keith’s words.
“Using this photo(below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
The photo
Ready by John W. Howell © 2016
“So what do you guys want to portray?”
“We want the world to look at our photo and see four handsome eligible men.”
“Okay, I think we can do that. Why did you hire me.? I thought you already published a photo.”
“Well, we did but er it just didn’t say what we wanted it to say.”
“Okay. let me see it.”
“Here it is.”
“Hmmm. What did this photo say that you wanted to keep quiet.”
“For one thing. See that chipped cup in the foreground?”
“Yes.”
“That says poor.”
“Uh huh. I can agree there. What about those ashtrays.”
“They are the finest crystal from Waterford. They say rich.”
“Also they say smokers with stinky breath and clothes.”
“Oh. We didn’t think of that angle.”
“How about that background? The electric cord and the drapes. That orange color looks like poster board. Where did you take this? Looks like the Holiday Inn.”
“That was taken in our office conference room I’ll have you know.”
“Uh okay. You know what that says?”
“No what?”
“No creativity.”
“But I’m holding a camera as a demonstration of my interest in photography.”
“Does a lot of good when your photo stinks.”
“I didn’t take it.”
“Even worse. What about the shirt outside the pants.”
“He forgot a belt.”
“I suppose you all got those ties from the same place.”
“Yes, we did. A guy on the street corner had a sale.”
“Let me guess. Four for one.”
“How did you know?”
“Just lucky I guess.”
“I think you guys need more than a photographer. I can put you in touch with an image consultant.”
“Why do you think we need an image consultant?”
“Your question just confirmed it.”
