Photo analysis 2

In this photo taken on the day of the first Iraq elections in 2005, the family is the subject of this photograph. The background of the photo is blurry and the focus on the parents and child are clear because the photographer wanted to focus on the implications of the election for this family. The depth created in the photo with the unfocused background indicates an unclear future for the family and the country as a whole. This is an expressive documentary photo because it tells a story about this Iraqi family on the day of these historic elections. The vantage point of the photo is very direct, emphasizing the family again. The eyes of the viewer are immediately drawn to the young girl in the red dress against the washed out background, indicating a new future in a landscape that is desolate at this time. This girl represents a new beginning in the same way that the election does. Against a background of military occupation she confronts the future with bright hope. The background represents the murky and dangerous past, and the girl is representing the new and exciting future. The placement of the family on the left side uses the rule of thirds to draw focus not only to the subjects, but also to the background, because it tells a story too. The background, although out of focus, has a lot going on. Military tanks and empty streets give a context for this family’s story, and show the uncertainty of the day. Overall, this photograph represents a new future for Iraq in a time of war and uncertainty