“Going Home”
Image by: Ed Clark (1945)
Image Source: http://www.thegreatleapsideways.com/?p=209
Subjects Expression: There is no other way to describe this photograph than remorseful, it is obvious from the subjects expression that he is in pain, feeling a sense of anguish, mourning a great loss. What I noticed from the background figures, was the Officer is not the only one in a deep emotional state, others are greatly affected by the event that has obviously affected many. The photograph is set up in a way the audience initially reacts to the Officers facial expression, but after assessing the image, the background subjects become more inclusive to the makeup.
Feelings Created: Initially I already felt remorseful and sympathetic to the emotions depicted in this image. I felt as if I was a subject in the background. Any good photograph can empathize with the audience. And more than that, the feelings that came from this photograph made me want to figure out just what was happening at this moment to create such a powerful, emotional experience.
Black and White Composition: I've always connected color with emotion. When it came to this picture, I believe a black and white composition was appropriate. Black and white compliments the subjects expression and the background of the image. Color would have taken away from the emotion and power that was being conveyed here.
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“What we have, in other words, is a vivid example of the
cameras unique capability: not the creation of a myth but its depiction” –Geoff
Dyer “The Ongoing Moment”
Many presidential figures to our nation have been remembered
as the Founding Fathers who had a profound impact in and around our Country. John F. Kennedy, Ronald Regan,
and of course Lincoln, all have left their effective woes behind as their
presidency ended.
FDR, happened to be the only president to be elected into
the nations highest office of authority.
Although his reign was short, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s magnitude can
be held conclusive to the fact that his passion both exceeded what supporters
and cynics originally encouraged. A man
who saw our Country through the shadows casted from World War II, his political
capital strived to push for delegated policies to revolutionize our
government and society.
Ed Clark took this photograph, capturing the weeping eyes of
Chief Petty Officer Graham W. Jackson, playing “Goin’ Home” on his accordion as
FDR’s funeral service passed through the streets in April of 1945. Initially my first reaction to this photograph seeing it as an emblem to FDR’s service and efforts as president. He strived to acknowledge the position
African Americans faced in society and Roosevelt fought for their rights on
behalf of the civil rights movement. A black American, a black Petty Officer was the subject focused on here, the irony remains behind the fact that FDR fought for more than just civil rights, he fought for equality. And that ideology pinpointed just what Clark aimed to depict with his camera.
Nothing is simple when it comes to analyzing an iconic
picture such as this one; especially keeping in mind the technique in origin to
the story. According to an article from Vantage, "The Rules of Photojournalism are Keeping us from the Truth" by Donald Weber, “A clear focus on intent leads to authorship, honesty, authenticity and a story.” Especially when it comes to assessing the status of symbol or compositional principles behind the motive of the photograph." The
most significant interpretation from Clark's unforgettable portrait was the
feeling of anguish, and sorrow. Officer Jackson’s face was not the only one
mourning that day. Clark clearly
depicted the idea that we all see, and we feel as a unified nation.
The technique I see here is aesthetically pleasing, in an
emotionally beautifully broken way. The
image does not dictate the events that happened that day in 1945, but the figures
capitalize the ideas being produced. Weber also added, “Technique is integral to image making, but it should service the story first and foremost; the type of image being produced should never dictate the story.”
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Photo by: Brent Stirton
Source: http://www.brentstirton.com
Rule of Thirds: Instead of putting the subject of both Rhino in the middle of the frame, I find it more natural to see the subject off to the right. Dividing the image up, having both Rhino in focus, it was obvious that the majority of the photograph was delegated to have a strong focus on the injured animal (centered in the middle). While the second Rhino is placed in the outer third placement in comparison.Texture: The skin of Rhino is unique. And in this photograph the wrinkles, the lines, and the outer skin is all clearly in focus. Even the texture of the grass is shown here, making the angle and point of view more interesting.Feelings Created: The main idea of this image is to show the cruelty towards this animal. Initially the first thing the viewer sees is the injured Rhino, but with the comparison of the second Rhino, the lasting impact is quite insightful and thought provoking. The image has a shock-startling value to it. |
According to (WOKS) by Oliver Kim, You know certain things, because you can see and perceive them yourself. Being able to visually see the damage provides a sense of perception.
His aim was to show people the disturbing reality of how illegal poaching has began to deplete the species of the Rhino entirely. His collection holds all his photographs available for viewing. The truth of these photographs are horrifying. In a video, Shahidul Alam mentioned, "A story has many truths at many levels. It can be teased out, unearthed, dissected and analyzed. But there is a more important issue, there are stories that need to be told."
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Photo by: Brent Stirton
Source: http://www.brentstirton.com
Keep it Simple: The composition is simple and straightforward. There are no other background factors that distract the viewer. The injured animal is obviously the main focus.Feelings: This image captured my attention because of the gruesome depiction of just how brutal the poaching issues have become. The blood is true, the horror is just disturbing. This is an image that is unedited, unaltered, real photojournalism.Depth of Field: The entire body of the animal is in focus here. The angle from which this photograph was shot at has everything from the injuries to the animals frontal body, to the abrasions to the rest of the body as well. |
Stirton proposed a story, a story that the world that was unable to see. And the power of photojournalism, the power of a true photograph has the ability to connect with the audience, to provoke people to think and make a difference. According to Patrick Kigger with AARP, "Words may strive to appeal to the logical portion of our minds. But the images captured by photojournalists often take hold of our hearts and reach us on a more primal emotional level."
The photograph above of the injured Rhino is emotionally rattling. According to Kim, We as individuals know certain things because we feel them emotionally. We know things are ethically not right.
This photograph has a connection between ethical morals of what is right in this world and what isn't. This animal is the product of illegal poaching.
The photograph above of the injured Rhino is emotionally rattling. According to Kim, We as individuals know certain things because we feel them emotionally. We know things are ethically not right.
This photograph has a connection between ethical morals of what is right in this world and what isn't. This animal is the product of illegal poaching.
Photo by: Brent Stirton
Source: http://www.brentstirton.com
Use of Shadows: The picture was very dark giving it a negative look of truth. The shadows add to the mystery and the illusion of the photo. The shadow from the angle in which the photo was taken contrasted with the ground giving the photo a natural feel.
Contrast Appropriate: The contrast from the soldier and the shadows reflecting off the ground was unique. The contrast really added to the angle in which the photograph was taken.
Quality of Light: The source of light really added dimension to the photograph. The source of light is coming from behind the soldier illuminating the texture of the grass and adding depth to the image. Everything is clear and crisp throughout the image.
This image above is from the Anti-Poaching Foundation led by Damien Mander. Initially this foundation is a group of anti-poaching soldiers who aim to protect and fight for the Rhino. When looking at this photograph, the first initial reaction may not be an Anti-Poaching Soldier protecting the species, the truth of this photograph is decrepit in color, angle, position and figurative makeup. Making this image untruthful in its perception. Weber also mentioned, "they (photographers) selectively choose what the audience will see, will believe. Right off the bat, any individual image is deceptive, because there is no peripheral vision."
The perception of the story changes, when this image appeared (below). "Peripheries provide the greater context."Concluded Weber.
Photo by: Brent Stirton
Source: http://www.brentstirton.com
Subjects Expression: Absolutely loved this photograph, probably one of my favorites from Stirton's collection. Subjects facial expression is intent and candid. Not overly posed, the body language, expression, everything, it all corresponds with what the soldiers are aiming to protect and what they are standing for. The body expression says it all.
Use of Shadows: From the angle which the photo was taken, it captures everything. There is so much that adds to the quality of this photograph. The background of the sky, to the shadows of the Rhino, and the Soldiers around it. The wide angle really amplified the shadows, adding depth and perception to the image.
Background Compliments Composition: The background is phenomenal. Just looking at the color tones of the sky, it's incredible. I loved how the angle of this picture really tied everything together- from the soldiers to the sky in the background. Everything is in focus, and all subjects add to the makeup of the story behind the image.
The angle has completely changed in the photograph above, we see an army of anti-poaching soldiers, protecting a rhino in an open plain. The camera appears to be using a wide angle, and the image becomes more truthful by the use of a peripheral approach. Its aesthetically incredible to see just how many principles can add to the truth of an image. Just as professor Nordell mentioned previously, "it really depends on the lens choice, the angle, and what perspective your trying to get across with your photograph." The emotion of the subjects expression is clearly captured, and the subject matter is incredibly, correctly displayed and articulated.
The bias encompassing this controversial issue is interesting and personally striking, the subject matter itself is something worthy of being deliberated.
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