"How obvious should an image be?" asks Michael Freeman on page 140 of his text. There are some who contend that photographs should be clear and unambiguous, that one should be able to understand the story of the image immediately, at first glance. Others argue that images that contain a bit of mystery are more compelling, for they force the viewer to look longer and more carefully in order to "get" what is going on. And as such, these more ambiguous images are more likely to garner a reaction and to be remembered.
Ambiguity can be created a number of ways; an unusual point of view, dramatic and unexpected contrasts in scale, enigmatic expressions and gestures, figures looking "off camera," unusual play of light, even esoteric titles on otherwise straightforward images can create ambiguity.
Create an image that is ambiguous.
Read Freeman, chapter 5.
Shoot photographs that explore ambiguity. The goal of this assignment is to create an image that is unusual, compelling, thought provoking, and/or humorous. The viewer should not be able to understand what is going on at first glance. Rather, she she should have to study it for a while to see what the subject or event is. But carefully study should be rewarded.
As with the previous assignments, the subject matter is up to you (people, objects, landscapes, architecture, etc.), as long as the image meets the other requirements.
Don't employ any Photoshop tricks for this assignment. Create an "unadulterated" photo.