Humans have developed a certain knack of wanting to learn. A desire that was inexplicably written in our genes.

And we’ve that same desire to pass that knowledge on to whomever we deem fit of our trust; family, friends, maybe even to the rest of humanity if we feel like it. It’s not so much a thing that’s pressed on by society, but rather an interaction taking place organically. Knowledge passed and earned is something completely natural; just as natural as the evolution that has made us come to be. Such is the case with this grainy photograph displaying three men partaking in their favoured pastime: fly-fishing. A pastime in which the techniques and methods have been passed down, and with the growing of an individual, that given knowledge grows along with them.

The photograph shows us a father-son relationship taking root with the three Maclean men, with Reverend up to the front and in focus. Our eyes drawn to him as our main focal point, not only because he is up front and center, but the colours on his attire are far more radiant than any other subject in the photograph, as well as having the most light directed towards him. It also happens to be a gentle nod towards his faith; an all-mighty being lending a smile towards Reverend for his loyalty towards his religion. Not to mention the fact that out of all three of the men, he is the most enlightened; the more knowledgeable and wise, as he should be through his title of: Father. Furthermore, this can connect with the idea of knowledge in the sense that before it can be given it must be possessed by a someone first. Someone to take up the mantle as a teacher, a mentor. Reverend Maclean is their guiding force, as his God is his.

Moving onto the Maclean brothers, our eyes are drawn to Norman next. Perched up on top of a rock, focus blurring on him only slightly. Also taking note that he is positioned not far from his father, indicating a more exceptional bond between the two. His attire also compliments his presence in the photo as he is more noticeable along with his father. And the fact that he stands on top of a rock and ending up towering over Paul, can signify his gifted superiority and supremacy over him; his own wisdom and insight that’s obtained through his growth could potentially even rival that of the Father’s. We finally see Paul on the far left, knee deep in the river himself, and focus being fairly obscured on him. Paul chooses to don some dark green clothing, bringing even less attention to himself, as opposed to the other men. (It’s fair to note that Paul and Norman have a likeness in the way they dress, as indicated with the rolled up sleeves and matching gear.) He is also taking up a more crooked stance and adopting a new style of fly-fishing compared to Reverend and Norman, who are standing upright with their chests out, fishing ‘proper’ way. But taking a look at all three of the subjects, we are reminded that knowledge is always going to be passed down through the ages. Wisdom is transferred from the wisest, Reverend, to their successors, his sons. But with the passing of knowledge, the more refined it has the possibility of becoming.
Focus plays a huge role in this photo, in the sense that it serves a dual purpose specifically for Paul, both positively and negatively, depending on perspective. From Reverend’s perspective, for example, we can see how the focus can make Reverend look like more of the proper and upstanding man of authority he is. We can think of him having the most clear vision and having the most wisdom on the matter. Followed by Norman, who we know heavily takes after his father and was influenced by him the most, thus he is placed up higher compared to his brother and staying close to Reverend. Then there’s the risk-taking with Paul and his own endeavors. Paul tended to his own being as he saw fit, and while he too was influenced by his father, likewise to his brother, he instead chose to stray away from his father’s knowledge, or dare I say “enlightenment”, and ended up becoming even less like him. Thus, his limited amount of visibility in the photo. But flip the focus to serve Paul’s perspective, and him straying away isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Because it also signifies development and the pursuit of veering away from your mentor’s ways and discovering your own path with the steps you’ve been given.
But that’s the thing with knowledge and wisdom. It’s never lost. It’s recovered, it’s passed on and transferred from generation to generation. But not only is it passed down, it’s changed. With the passing of knowledge, it evolves from the use of each wielder, and has the potential to adopt new styles and forms throughout. But for that development to occur, it all has to start from somewhere.