Choose a photograph or postcard image that captures your attention. Although some of the best story-starters involve pictures containing people, the picture you select for your first project could also focus on an interesting building, a landscape, animals, weather or an object in an incongruous setting.
Jot down the elements that stand out the most as you study the image. If it's an old barn, for instance, maybe it's slanting sideways so precariously that a strong wind could knock it over. If it's a studio portrait of a family, identify which member appears to dominate by virtue of size, age, looks, body language or proximity to the camera. If it's an inanimate object, make note of its color, condition, perceived value or unusual features.
Scrutinize facial expressions, posture and clothing in pictures of people. These provide clues regarding their mood, self-esteem, vanity and economic/social status. Make note of whether they're rigid or relaxed as well as whether there's physical contact or estrangement with others in the picture. For architectural images, evaluate whether they're well maintained or neglected. Speculate what kind of people live or work there. Contemplate the effects an approaching storm, a blistering sun or fresh snow will have on the area's inhabitants. Analyze whether an object was dropped or purposely placed in position.
Consider potential genres for the story you want to write. If, for example, the image is vibrantly colorful and brightly lit, the mood this conjures might inspire a comedic, romantic or uplifting tale. In contrast, a black-and-white shot with sinister shadows and overgrown vegetation might be the perfect setting for horror, crime or the supernatural. Experiment with these obvious choices through reversals.
Examples:
The dilapidated barn that hints of extreme poverty might actually belong to a fun-loving millionaire who's only hanging on to it for nostalgia.
The candid shot of a clown at a neighborhood birthday party could mask the evil of a serial killer.
The loving pose of a celebrity couple might be a tabloid lie to squelch rumors.