When first looking at this photo and reading the caption, I interpreted it to be a moment of overwhelming joy, relief, and maybe a release of emotions from experience. I saw a man who was in service to the army playing an instrument and with the caption, I assumed that meant that maybe soldiers were returning from a war and "going home". After realizing its context of happening during President Roosevelt's funeral procession, I understood it differently. All the people crying and looking at the man were brought to emotions because of a great loss. I know that music can touch the senses and make any moment more meaningful.
This new realization opens my mind when it comes to photojournalism. There is no right way for a reader to know authenticity when it comes to an image without context or "peripheral". As World Photo Press juror, Donald Weber explains, "Right off the bat, any individual image is deceptive,because there is no peripheral vision. Peripheries provide the greater context." I know this story is true because of logic and reason. Life goes on.
Principles of "Going Home"
Principle #1- Subject's Expression : The navy man's face tells the intense emotion of the scene. Tears are streaming down his face as he remains determined to fulfill his duty and display respect by playing his music. A man in the background has his head down while another woman holds her face with her hand, showing the somberness of the experience.
Principle #2- Background: The background compliments the composition of the image. Although there are numerous people in the background, they help with the experience of the image and do not clutter it. Also, the large white pillar behind the man helps to accentuate his importance in the scene as the main subject.
Principle #3- Black and White Color: Although this was in an era where there wasn't color photography, the lack of colors actually adds to the image. Viewers are not distracted by different elements that color might have enhanced. It keeps the subject and feeling simple and pure.
Photo By: Laurent Van Der Stockt
This photo represents truth to me because it shows how daily life has to, and does, go on in war-torn areas. Many news stories cover tragedies and then once the fervor has died down, attention goes to a new situation. But what about those people who are left to live after the first story. There lives do not just get better; they are surrounded by devastation that is left to them. There stories still deserved to be documented and understood. As Weber says, "A story cannot live on its own, it needs someone to tell it..." Well known photographer, Shahidul Alam, agrees that this can be done by engaging, as long as a journalist can see a situation critically. Ultimately, he says, "If that role becomes one of facilitating the people to tell their stories, I think we've achieved our goal." To me, this photographer has told this woman's story.
Principle #1- Simple: The composition is simple but powerful. The woman is walking alone in the street with her child. There is smoke rising in the distance behind her. That is the only other evidence other people's activities.
Principle #2- Depth of field: The photo shows maximum depth of field. This was a good idea because it is not just the subject that is important but her surroundings. The street, buildings, and smoke give the image context.
Principle #3- Texture: The texture adds a lot to the feeling of the image. The rubble all around her shows the gritty existence she is enduring. The smoke shows that there are still issues going on, either immediate as consequence other people or as the aftermath.
Photo By: Chris O'meara
To me, this image does not represent truth. As Professor Nordell emphasizes, "It's of vital importance to look at the possible biases of the photojournalists creating the images, as well as, taking a look at our own biases might be." I recognize that my personal bias affects my interpretation of this photo. It conflicts with my truth because of my concept of the American flag. The American flag symbolizes a land where people are supposed to have opportunity, freedom, and tolerance. Trump hugging the flag to chants of "Build that Wall" is not a good representation of what I hold to be the truth of the American spirit. I can relate to Shahidul Alam when he says that if someone does not address an issue that has caused others pain, than they have "contributed to the problem but have done nothing to fix it." He was speaking about class divide but I feel like it relates to ethnic and religious division, as well. The way I know this image is untrue is because of emotion and intuition. It does not sit well with me.
Principle #1- Contrast Appropriate - The contrast is very good for this picture because most of the background is black. Trump and the flag stand out very well.
Principle #2- Subject's Expression- The subject looks slightly overly posed, but he is a very animated man when it comes to speeches. He is doing it for the audience.
Principle #3- Background - The background detracts from the picture. The extra flag on the right should not be in the frame. It is distracting to the eye.
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