Fav Photo

I have chosen a photojournalist called James Nachtwey.

www.jamesnachtwey.com

This image is in Chechnya, 1996 in the central city of Grozny, which have turned to ruins.

Subject Matter:

The Subject matter in Nachtwey's photograph is of a young boy. The eyes of this child tell the story behind the massacre behind him. Hurt, scared, confused and yet i think somewhat prepared. A sense of knowing what had happened, and the devastation it brought to so many lives.

The boy is position low and to the right of the frame. Cutting off just under his eyes, it leaves an awkward angle with the shape of his head.

In the background the subject matter is his town, in ruins. You can see train or tram lines which lead from the bottom left of the frame. This could just as easily be tracks from cars/trucks.

Form:

The circular and rough rounded shape of the boys head is the dominant point of focus in this photograph. Located under the midpoint horizon and slightly off centre to the right. A dark and grungy image, there is little contrast in majority of the image. The daylight shining on the top of the building to the left of the frame draws the eye to the carnage that surrounds.

The boy is in focus, with 3/4 of the photo being the scenery, which is out of focus. Kind of a dark ominous  feeling that hangs over the boys head.