“Three Teenagers in Kitchenette Apartment” by Wayne F. Miller
Medium prompt

A photograph, though wordless, is possibly the strongest medium for speaking an idea. By looking at a photograph, a viewer is able to observe the faces of its subjects or the situations presented. Words are not always necessary to tell a story. Wayne F. Miller’s photography “Three Teenagers in Kitchenette Apartment” is able to speak for itself. The situation the teenagers find themselves in is not a great one. A kitchenette is a very cramped way of living. They typically consist of one room, but sometimes they are separated into a bedroom and a kitchen. A bathroom is shared by several members of a family, as well as several other families.

However, one does not need to know the definition of a kitchenette in order to understand the condition of the teenagers in the photograph. Their home is not warmly decorated and does not appear comforting at all. The walls are bare with holes and the room appears to be cold and completely uncomfortable. Yet the teenagers in the photograph seem to tell a story. The boy has a smile on his face, while one of the girls is doubled over with laughter. They appear happy even in what most people would consider a bad situation. The room they are in does not resemble a home that is considered safe or warm. Yet the teenagers seem to make the best of it. They do not appear to be upset living in such a place. Instead, they are enjoying themselves. The photograph speaks for itself – the teenagers are able to have a good time with each other even in bad times.