Inspiration Needed for Photo Project

[ema002]

I am a part of a photography forum at my church, and we are doing a "Personal Project" and displaying the photos in the church. I originally thought I had a few more weeks to finish the project, but just found out last night that I have until next Wednesday (Feb. 17). The idea and message I would like to get across is this quote by Rob Bell: "How you treat the creation reflects how you feel about the Creator". I would like to demonstrate the difference between the poor ways people treat the creation (environment, people) to the good ways people treat the creation (being "green", helping the poor, etc.). I live in Nebraska, US, so anything involving nature is sort of out of the question at this time of year as we are buried in snow.

I also wanted to contrast the difference between complexity and simplicity - usually poorly taken care of areas are cluttered with trash, and better areas are clean, simple, aesthetically pleasing.

Does anyone have any ideas of how I could demonstrate this through about 8 photos?

Thanks in advance...

[teedlepeep]

How much skill / experience do you have with PS ? I can think of a few ways to compare and contrast your shots, but most of it would be done ins PS

[ema002]

I have a little experience - but mostly it's just touching up and adjusting exposure, coloring, saturation, b&w conversion, etc. I'm always willing to learn new things! Send me your ideas! I can always google how to do something...

I also need ideas of what actually to take photos OF...in my town there isn't much in the way of "slums" and overly trashed areas...and also nothing too beautiful this time of year either...

[LeeR]

One idea that comes to mind for me is composting a beautiful composition that is ruined by trash. The more beautiful the image, the more glaringly offensive the trash will be. Sunsets on the beach with beer cans in the foreground. (OK, not many beahces in Nebraska, but you get the idea.)

[RLucas]

I am not familiar with Rob Bell, so I Googled it, and found this.

I could think of about 10 things I would do after reading that page.
Especially the imagery of Eve with the apple! I see girl in front of wilted tree or something to that effect. Since it is winter, you could maybe do something like that?