Every Picture Tells a Story
Tiny Cinderella Somewhere
Resource:
British Council: Teaching English Lesson Plan
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/teaching-secondary/lesson-plans/upper-intermediate-b2/tiny-cinderella-somewhere
Task:
Choose a picture from the set 'Every Picture Tells a Story' and write the story behind it, as if you were the photographer.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/eltpics/albums/72157626599491389/with/5740812611
Post your story in the 'Comments' section below.
"The side od the road" - I see a family that went on a road trip, a vacation and their car broke down. They are trying to figure out what to do - we can see that by their expressions. We can assume that they have been stranded on the side of the road for quite some time by the fact that they look really tired and the little girl is drinking water.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI chose the picture titled “Back to Front,” which shows a young boy riding a donkey through a dry, open, and almost barren rural landscape. At first glance, the image seems simple, yet it evokes a sense of calmness and a touch of nostalgia in me. It feels like a moment from a childhood connected to nature, simplicity, and an older way of living. What stands out the most is that the boy is sitting facing the opposite direction from the way the donkey is walking — as if he’s looking backward while moving forward. This detail gives the picture a deeper symbolic meaning.
OdgovoriIzbrišiFrom a critical perspective, “Back to Front” can represent much more than an everyday scene. The title emphasizes the idea of reversal — an unexpected or unconventional view of the world. It might symbolize growing up while simultaneously moving forward and looking back at what we leave behind. It could also express the contrast between tradition, represented by the donkey, and the imaginative, unpredictable nature of childhood. The image raises questions about isolation, simplicity, and the connection between people and the natural environment. In the end, it feels like every detail in the picture carries a story about time, place, and perspective.
I choose picture " locking love bridge ".
OdgovoriIzbrišiThis picture shows a metal railing covered with numerous padlocks, often known as “love locks.” Each padlock is attached to the rail, forming a long, dense chain of locks in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are shiny and new, while others appear old and rusted. The ground is made of stone pavement, and part of a metal post with graffiti on it is visible on the right side of the image. The overall scene represents a common tradition in many European cities where couples lock a padlock to a bridge or railing as a symbol of their love.
I choose picture "playtime".
OdgovoriIzbrišiThis image portrays an unusual yet heart-warming scene in which a cat and a dog appear to be interacting through a children’s bead maze toy. At first glance, the picture highlights playfulness and curiosity—traits commonly associated with young children, but here humorously reflected in animals. The cat is standing on its hind legs, seemingly engaged with the toy, while the dog gently rests its head on the opposite side, observing or participating in its own way.
The image can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of harmony between different species, challenging the common stereotype of cats and dogs as natural enemies. Their calm behavior suggests cooperation, coexistence, and shared curiosity. Additionally, using a children’s toy introduces a sense of innocence and simplicity, reminding viewers that play and connection are universal forms of interaction, not limited to humans.
On a deeper level, the picture invites viewers to reflect on empathy, communication, and the breaking of boundaries. Despite being different animals, the cat and dog find common ground—literally and metaphorically—through play. This can be seen as a message about overcoming differences and building relationships in unexpected ways.
This image “In the dark” for me represents a moment of complete silence and inner reflection for me. The man sitting in the dim light seems absorbed in his own thoughts, separated from the world. To me, it symbolizes the human need to step away from noise, from other people, from chaos and spend a moment alone with oneself. At the same time, the silhouette in the foreground adds a quiet tension, reminding us that we are never entirely unseen, even when we believe we are. That’s why this photograph evokes a feeling of intimacy, but also a subtle uncertainty, as if there is a deeper, unspoken story hidden behind that moment of peace.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI chose the picture titled “Abandoned”. At first sight, the image shows an old, neglected pavilion in the middle of nature. The roof is damaged, the pillars are worn out, and the floor is covered with leaves and dirt. However, one detail stands out. A single bumper car left in the corner. This small object suggests that the place might once have been part of an amusement park or a gathering spot filled with joy, laughter and movement. The picture speaks on many volumes. It shows the contrast of what once was and what remains today. This image shows us the passage of time, showcasing how we grow up fast and leave our childhood behind without ever looking back. The pavilion looks lonely, as if it is silently waiting for someone to return. Although nothing is happening in the scene, we can still feel traces of the past in the air. The place seems frozen in time and almost asks us to imagine the stories that once happened there. The photograph makes us think about how easily memories can fade if no one keeps them alive. The emotional aspect of this image is well-hidden and not very noticable at first, but once you really spend time looking at it, you can feel a sense of sadness, emptiness or grief for a simpler time. I believe that the author of this image wanted to remind us to never forget our past, nor to leave our childhood behind in an instance. We should enjoy the present but not dwell on time that has gone by, rather embrace everything that’s happened.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI choose the picture titled ''Out of line''. At first, the image looks like a sea of identical chairs, all facing the same direction. The rows create a strong sense of order, control, and routine. But the moment the viewer notices the single chair turned the other way, the whole meaning of the photo changes.
OdgovoriIzbrišiThat one chair breaks the pattern. It becomes a symbol of individuality and going against expectations. It makes the viewer think about people who choose a different path, or moments when someone refuses to follow the crowd. Because of this contrast, the photograph feels more powerful and emotional.
The repetition of the chairs highlights how easy it is to blend in, while the single chair shows how even a small difference can stand out. The photo may also suggest the pressure to fit into a system, and how one small act of turning away can challenge that system.
Overall, “Out of line” uses a simple scene to express ideas about identity, choice, and the courage to be different.
"Every picture tells a story"
OdgovoriIzbrišiIn this picture, we can see a couple of pink children's chairs, both of which are left seemingly abandoned. No children left to play with them, maybe completely abandoned. Although that seems unlikely since there are no signs of decay or any sort of ageing on them. Maybe the children just went to take a nap, maybe they will return tomorrow to continue their cheerful games. In terms of symbolism, it could represent growing up, leaving the things which were a crucial part ot our lives, like games and toys. As a child, life without our toys is unimaginable and depressing, but as we grow up, we tend to leave everything that is considered childish, either consciously or unconsciously. In some ways, it may seem sad, but I believe it is beautiful. We leave the joys of one period of our lives to encounter others, to experience new things and new forms of fun, which just might make us happier than we were as children.
I choose the picture titled “Bitten by the travel bug”.
OdgovoriIzbrišiThe refrigerator in the picture is completely covered with travel magnets, and this creates a strong message about the person who owns it. At first glance, it looks colorful and fun, but when you look more closely, you realize it is actually a collection of memories. Each magnet represents a place the person has visited, and together they form a map of their life experiences. This wide variety shows that the owner enjoys exploring different cultures and discovering new environments. It also suggests that the person values travel enough to bring home a small reminder from every trip. What makes this fridge special is that it turns an everyday object into something personal and meaningful. A refrigerator is normally just a household item used to store food, but with all the magnets on it, it becomes a display of the owner’s identity. When someone walks into the kitchen, the fridge immediately tells a story about who lives there. It shows that the person is curious, adventurous, and open to the world. Overall, the fridge full of magnets represents a life filled with movement, discovery, and appreciation for the world. It shows that travel is not just about going somewhere—it’s about learning, collecting moments, and remembering the experiences that shape who we are. This fridge becomes more than a kitchen appliance; it becomes a symbol of adventure, happiness, and the joy of seeing new places.
I chose the image "Reflection" . It shows us how tiring life can be. It can often be overwhelming until it consumes you and you feel like there is no way out. There almost always is of course, but that's not the point. The man staring at the floor, the abandoned building. It's a cry for help, for a moment of peace, an attempt to either think or run away. The slouched posture indicates a heavy burden, either on the soul or on the heart, or both. He's trying his hardest to process and carry the grief, the constant pressure of society that men have to "keep it together", "not be a girl about it" as hideous as it may sound. They should be allowed to heal.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI chose the image "Freshening up". This photograph captures a person kneeling on a simple wooden footbridge, lowering their head to drink water directly from a clear, flowing stream below. The clear water runs over mossy stones, suggesting a refreshing and clean natural source. Overall, the image beautifully illustrates a moment of pure connection with nature and the simple pleasures of an outdoor adventure.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI choose the image "A sparrow stealing". For me, this picture shows that even when it seems someone has already “taken everything,” there is always something left for someone else. Life has a quiet way of sharing its crumbs with those who are patient enough to look. Sometimes the smallest leftovers become the greatest opportunities. What appears insignificant to one can be meaningful to another. And in these tiny, unexpected moments, we’re reminded that abundance often lives in the places we overlook. Even the simplest scene can reveal how generously the world redistributes what we leave behind. In the end, there is always enough for those who arrive with openness rather than expectation.
OdgovoriIzbrišiAs a photographer, I’m always searching for small, hidden stories in ordinary places. That morning, while walking through the city, something soft and pink caught my eye. On top of the pedestrian crossing button, there was a tiny pink shoe, too small for anyone but a child, yet placed so carefully as if someone wanted it to be found.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI stopped immediately. There was something touching about it. The busy street around me felt loud and fast, but the shoe told a completely different story, a quiet, gentle one. I imagined a little girl holding her mother’s hand, crossing the street, and somehow losing her shoe without noticing. Or maybe someone found it on the ground and placed it up high, hoping the owner would return.
I lifted my camera and took the shot. In that moment, I realised why I love photography: it allows me to freeze small pieces of life that others walk past without seeing. This tiny shoe, left behind in a big city, suddenly became a symbol of innocence, movement, and the stories we carry with us.
When I look at the photo now, I don’t just see a lost shoe, I see a reminder that beauty often hides in unexpected places. All you need is to stop, look closer, and give every picture a chance to tell its story.
The picture of the “locking love bridge” stands out because it shows how ordinary objects can take on a new meaning. A metal railing and simple padlocks are not special on their own, but when people attach them as “love locks,” they become symbols of connection, memories, and personal moments.
OdgovoriIzbrišiWhat makes this image interesting is how something common and practical — a lock — becomes part of a collective tradition. Each padlock represents a different pair of people, a different story, and a different reason for being placed there. Together, they transform an everyday bridge into a visual display of relationships and human habits.
This picture is special not because of what it shows, but because of what it represents: how people use ordinary things to express something meaningful in their own way. (Zerina Pinjić, Eir 4)