PHOTOGRAPHY | TRAVEL | STATUES | VIDYA’S FEBRUARY PROMPT

Statues: February Prompt

February Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Statues”

We thought you’d never get here!

Yes, they nailed it with that welcome sign, didn't they? I couldn't have said it better myself. So I didn't.

I was in New Jersey in October last year (seems so long ago already!) visiting my classmate and BFF and had a fabulous time.

One of the places we visited there was the Grounds of Sculpture, a 42-acre not-for-profit sculpture park and arboretum in Hamilton, near Princeton envisioned by J Seward Johnson, sculptor and philanthropist. He wanted to create a public sculpture garden and museum for people to experience art in a familiar, accessible, and informal setting. There is an outdoor collection of over 270 larger-than-life sculptures besides over 2000 species of trees, themed restaurants and peacocks running free.

Remember these pics of me daydreaming with a statue and eavesdropping on site? Yes, this is where I took them.

We especially loved the “reenactment” of the Manet, Degas, and Monet paintings. My friend is an art major and recognized and described them as we ooh-ed and ah-ed over them. We had the most delightful afternoon and I would love to visit this garden again.

The photo you see above is at the entrance to the Sculpture garden. I thought it was fantastic and so welcoming. I am laughing, thinking of how I darted around trying to take good pictures of that scene, while the Director of the place waited patiently in his jeep. Hehe!

The February Challenge is “Statues” brought to you by me — Vidya Sury

The concept is to take a photo that somehow captures the meaning of “Statues” in some way, whether it’s abstract or concrete, figurative or literal, physical or mental. The possibilities are endless — we’re looking for submissions with different perspectives, unusual stories, and brilliant photographs.

Please read about the Definition, Purpose & Rules of the “Statues” Challenge below.

Possible Definitions of How to Use “Statues” in Your Six Word Photo Story

I find statues and sculptures fascinating. Can’t blame me, considering that I see one everywhere I look in my country — predominantly deities and public figures. This month, I want to see statues and sculptures from where you live and have traveled!

1. “Statues” can refer to something emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical. A statue or sculpture of an inspiring figure or situation? Be creative!
2. “Statues” can refer to something material. You may have spotted a statue or sculpture anywhere, while on a walk, or your travels. Or created Lego sculptures in your living room.
3. “Statues” can refer to something in nature, the universe, or the life cycle. Maybe it’s the sun playing games to create a shape, icicles, snow, ocean, a human being, or yourself playing ‘statue!’
4. “Statues” can refer to food or drink. Yep! Think food sculptures. Fruit and veg carvings.
5. “Statues” is YOU and your perspective. It’s something that represents the meaning of “Statues” in some way or form, from your individual viewpoint — that connects to your photo and story.

What’s your “Statues” story?

The Purpose of “Statues”

1. The “Statues” Challenge is to explore and enjoy photographing cultures and statues that appeal to you. They can be of people or things or situations.
2. The “Statues” Challenge is an investigative challenge to capture statues and sculptures through photography and six words.
3. The “Statues” Challenge is designed for YOU and your perspective.

Can you take a photo that represents “Statues” and tell a story about it in six words?

“Statues” Challenge Rules

Guidelines, Formatting & How to Submit

Note: These apply to ALL stories in this publication. I know it may seem like a lot, but once you’ve submitted your first story to our pub, it’s easy to duplicate the formatting style!

Note: This challenge will run from February 1, until NOON, Pacific Standard Time, February 28, 2024.

The Photo

1. The photo must be taken by yourself (ORIGINAL & UNPUBLISHED elsewhere), and please include a photo credit.
2. Only ONE PHOTO can be featured in your story, and it must be placed ABOVE the title and subtitle. Your photo must be the first thing our editors see when we review your submission.
3. The only person that can be featured in the photo is YOURSELF. If you’re in the photo, it can be taken by someone else (please include the photo credit.) Photos of people other than yourself are NOT ALLOWED. See this article for legal reasons why.

The Title, Subtitle & Tags

1. Title: Choose your own title.
2. For your subtitle: Please use February Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Statues” (like the subtitle used in this article.) Once you have written your subtitle, remember to highlight it and click on the small “T” to format it correctly.
3. Please Tag your story using this tag: Monthly Challenge

The Six Word Photo Story

1. The photo must be connected to your story and concept of “Statues” in some way. The connection to “Statues” should be made clear either in the photo, six word story, or (optional) backstory.
2. All six word stories and optional backstories must also abide by Medium’s rules. Note: Any stories that the editors may view as disrespectful, inappropriate, or that fall into a grey area will be reviewed at the discretion of the editors and may be rejected.
3. The story must be six words only. Once you write your six word story, highlight it and click on the small “T” to format the six words. This is so your six words stand out; it’s a formatting guideline unique to this publication.
4. The 3 dots (like in this story) should appear directly below your six word story. If you don’t know how to do this, view the formatting guidelines.

The Backstory (OPTIONAL) & 2-Minute Maximum Read per story!

1. IF you include a backstory, it can be 1–2 minutes.
2. The 3 dots (like in this story) should appear directly below your backstory.
3. The entire reading time of your story must be no longer than 2 minutes! This includes the photo, six word story, any tags, links, or promotion of yourself or other stories. It will be unread and rejected if your submission comes in as a 3-minute read or more.

How to Submit Your Story

1. Submit unpublished drafts only. Previously published stories (self-published or published elsewhere) will be unread and rejected.
2. To submit your unpublished draft: a) Click on the three dots at the top right corner of the screen b) Click “Add to publication” c) select “Six Word Photo Story Challenge” d) Click on “Select and continue.” e) Click “Submit.”
3. WHAT NOT TO DO! When submitting your unpublished draft, DO NOT CLICK “Publish” first. If you click “Publish” first — your story will be automatically self-published to your own profile page, and we will NOT accept it if you then attempt to submit your self-published story to our publication.

“STATUES” is open for submissions from February 1 until NOON, February 28, 2024, PACIFIC STANDARD TIME.

If you have any questions about the rules or need further clarification about the Monthly Challenge, please leave a comment on this story. For formatting step-by-step instructions (these are unique to this publication), see Formatting Your Six Word Photo Story.

NOTE: Stories not formatted correctly, don’t follow rules, or that require edits will delay publication or may not be accepted. Formatting guidelines are unique to this publication. If you’d like to be added as a writer and submit to Six Word Photo Story Challenge publication, please read and follow the submission guidelines.

It’s time to explore the meaning of “Statues”

Grab those cameras or dig into your archives — you may be empowered and surprised to see what you come up with. Embrace the power of “Statues”

Freestyle stories

You also have the option to write a six-word photo story featuring a photo and topic of your choosing — as long as the photo and story are connected in some way. The story doesn’t need to be related to the monthly challenge prompt. For your subtitle: Please use your own subtitle followed by the word: Freestyle, OR use Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle. Please tag your story using this tag: Freestyle.

Submissions are always open for Freestyle stories.

— Village hugs, from the editorial team, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Sandi Parsons, and Mary Chang Story Writer — creator & editor of SWPSC. If you don’t want to miss any future Six Word Photo Story Challenges, please follow us, this publication, and subscribe to our stories by hitting the “green envelope” button next to our profiles.

About Vidya Sury

Writer, all genres. Poet. Artist. Diabetes Warrior. Traveler. Photographer. Wears son’s oversized t-shirts. Creates own sunshine. Flawsome. Here’s a detailed-ish About Me.

Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?

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