SKaiser writesviewfinder

“Your opinion is your opinion, your perception is your perception–do not confuse them with ‘facts’ or ‘truth.’ Wars have been fought and millions have been killed because of the inability of men to understand the idea that everybody has a different viewpoint.” -John Moore

A young woman leaves her home country to live and work abroad for twelve months. It's her first time living in a foreign country alone and she feels out of place. For three months she finds her way making friends, learning the culture, language, exploring new foods, music, and traveling to neighboring towns. It's only when she reaches a city rich in history and war, told stories from a grieving generation of those lost, decades earlier, that she realizes she always understood the people in this strange and unfamiliar place. She deeply felt the undeniable human connection that was written long before she ever arrived.

A beautiful thing happens when we can bridge differences by sharing stories that resound with all of us.

What we see every day is framed within our perceptions. Perceptions built over the course of every day living, of the people in our lives, experiences in our community, and ourselves fitting amongst all of it. What is around you and how do you interpret it's meaning? 

We want to see your perception through the lens of your eye. Bring us all the odd things, all the weird, can't look away, inspiring things. You're going to your favorite show and see something only you can understand, take out your camera (phone), shoot and send to skaiser@chirpradio.org 

Are you aware of what's around you? Tell the story of your perception through photos. 

Photos by Shawna Kaiser at the Out of Chicago Photography Conference