Dasuni Choudhary Photography

When I first thought about the concept of “living versus existing” I focused on how it was two completely different types of people. I thought that the people who are “living” were the only ones who were enjoying life and maximizing opportunities and the people who were just “existing” were choosing to just sit around and miss out on life’s memorable moments. But then I realized it is very easy to let life pass you by, especially when you are preoccupied with something like school.

​

In today’s society, students in elementary school are taught to prepare for the future and everything they do now counts. So much pressure is put on them to do great in school, join clubs, and play sports and instruments. Unfortunately, while they are busy running from place to place, they do not realize their childhood is slipping away. School and societal pressures force kids into “existing” instead of allowing them to play outside, be carefree, and “live”.

​

In this image, my character is a young student who is overwhelmed with everything. The books, backpack, and instrument he is carrying represent his over-involvement. I had him have kind of a slouched posture to show how he is just doing this but is not really enjoying it. This child is just going through the motions of a day, therefore I had him stand outside as if he was walking to school or one of his many activities.Finally, the dead grass in the background helps add to the gloomy, sad feeling and opposes the idea of “living”.