Soldier Photo

1. What feeling does this photograph create in you, the viewer?
A bit of humor initially, but mainly of sorrow.

2. What story do you think this photograph tells the viewer? Does it capture something that would be hard to convey in words?
A soldier is not his uniform, but his actions.

3.  Who or what is the subject of this photograph?
The subject is mainly the soldier in warm colors, as he contrasts with the rest of his green environment.

4. Is the lighting natural or artificial? What time of day is it?
It is natural; It is most likely early morning.

5. What colors stand out?  
The red and pink of the soldier's clothing. 


6. What part or parts are out of focus, if any?
The background/What the soldiers are shooting towards.

7. What is the distance between the subject and the camera/viewer? What is the effect of this?
It's fairly close, no more than a few yards away. It gives the feeling of actually being present.

8. How is the picture composed? Is the subject centered? Is the "rule of thirds" followed?
Yes and no. While the photo features more than one person and takes up a lot of the picture's space(not rule of thirds), the main subject is placed on the left side, thus featuring the 'rule of thirds' to be followed.

9. How personal/impersonal is this photo? What elements make it this way?
Relatively personal, because it shows insight into the life of soldier in a rare and unique way. 

10. What strikes you most about the photo? Why do you think that is?
The soldier on the left side, displaying his "I Love New York" boxers. Soldiers aren't typically illustrated this way, even know it is conceivable that it isn't unheard of at all to fight in your pajamas.

11. What is the background for this image?
The background features a mountainous terrain.

12. Why do you think this photograph was taken?
People rarely see this kind of image in the media. 

13. Does this qualify as photojournalism? As commercial, casual or art photography, or some other category? Why?
It most definitely counts as photojournalism. It exposes a truth that many are blind to. This photo would fall under the category of news at best. 

14. Is the photo timely? Does it have a timeless quality? Both? Might it become iconic? Why or why not?
This photo is definitely memorable. It's rare and it's thought-provoking; and it resurfaces the notion that the soliders in Afghanistan aren't made up or fighting for an anonymous cause...they are real people- "the kid next door"- fighting for a cause and fighting well.

15. What else do you notice about the photograph?
The photograph seems to have been taken from a higher elevation than the actual subjects, though it is not immediately recognizable.