If you want to understand today’s complex media environment, a focus on what is fundamental to media is essential in understanding how and why humanity uses these tools. The History of Visual Communication claims it is “no overstatement when we say that writing is the essence of visual communication and by extension of visual communication design.” So if writing is the essence of visual communication, the real question is, what is the essence of writing?
Walter J. Ong, author of The Written Word, claims writing is a technology that reorganizes consciousness — separating words from the present moment. The key is that there is a separation from the present. For visual communication, this is no different. Whether it is a photo, an infographic, or another form of visualization, its creation separates it from the present, only achieving meaning if it is observed once more.
Something we’ve lost in the age of the internet is the ability to discern what moments are truly worthy of capturing. There’s no right or wrong moment; however, social media has driven us to simultaneously over-share and over-consume, blurring the lines of what is significant.
A seemingly terrible situation has created a smile. But why? This is a photo from Bonnaroo, a music festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. In 2025, the festival had to be cancelled due to heavy rain. That didn’t stop the fun! As you can see, this woman is surrounded by a sea of mud and a wall of mud-covered legs. The festival goers were able to share a moment of joy despite the bad news.
In the last photo, we looked at a moment that went from bad news to unexpected joy. This photo demonstrates a different perspective of what visualization is capable of. Whether you consider it a split second or an eternity, this surfer has redefined what is humanly possible. In perfect harmony with his board, he defies gravity and floats above the waves.
In professional football, the journey to winning the Super Bowl is commonly compared to climbing Mount Everest. The season is far too long with far too many ups and downs for everything to go to plan. To make it to the top of the mountain is nothing short of a miracle. The mere existence of this photograph is a testament to that truth. The joy within this photo is undeniable, and every arm is outstretched to get their first touch of the top.
This is the first photo in the collection that doesn’t appear to be entirely candid, but does that remove its value? Absolutely not. This photograph has the strongest sense of character in the group. Mike Montalto, a design and storytelling expert, claims that characters are 1 of the 4 principles of visual storytelling. Montalto writes, “Remember, stories that make an impression feature memorable characters readers and viewers can identify with.” To me, the sense of individuality that is expressed through the character in this image jumps off the screen.
Once again, the question of authenticity is invoked by this photograph. The number one thing that indicates is the color selection of each poncho. Each poncho is its own, just like the children who wear them. This is a representation of an ideal reality. The absence of color in the background and foreground of the photo surrounds the colorful joy of the children and emphasizes their importance.
Here we have another demonstration of the importance of context that can be provided through examining the background and foreground. Up close, the volcano is powerful and dangerous. But in the context of the stars in the sky, it is merely a small part of the earth, just like the trees it stands next to.
We examined humans and nature through photography, but what can these penguins teach us? The moments experienced by these animals are just as significant as those in human life. However, the penguins, and nearly all animals for that matter, will not get to experience observing the photograph.
Humans, as the controllers of this powerful visualization technology, have a responsibility to document animals as a time capsule to exhibit who and what we share this life with.
Getting to Know Stolen Focus 