Analyzing a Picture

http://www.photojournalism.org/2007%20images/web/contest/singles/source/general_newshm4.htm

This picture depicts the execution process of 5 criminals in Iran. There are 2 different groups of people in which this picture is speaking to. They are the citizens of Iran and the outsiders (meaning us).

Firstly, this picture aims to deter the Iranians against crimes. It is telling them they might be subjected to public execution if they engage in deviant acts. Public execution does not solely mean death, but utter public humiliation even before death. The criminals are subjected to negative evaluation by the audience present at the execution site. They are not the only ones suffering from humiliation, but this shame will be also brought on to their family members.

Secondly, this picture speaks to us, viewers via the internet. It informs us that in this modern era of vivid pushes for democracies and human rights, there is a small corner on earth where public execution is still being legitimized and practised. Public execution has a long history since ancient times. Women were stoned for even just suspected acts of adultery. Hence, as an outsider, we wonder if this act should be continued. If not, what power do we have to stop it?

I think that it is commendable of the photographer to exclude the faces of the criminals in his photo. Firstly, it is to protect the identity of the offenders as well their family members. Secondly, including the faces of people who are hanged might be highly disturbing. The photographer provides a space the viewers to imagine the un-captured and not using violence are gore to capture and retain attention.

Natural sunlight was used in this picture, this further enhance the fact that it was shot outdoors. This just remind us that this picture depicts public execution and not a private one which brings us back to the point of deliberate humiliation and to deter the public not to engage in crimes.

I feel that texture could have been added to further enhance the effect of the picture. Fine grain could be use to portray the importance and urgency of this issue to be addressed by the international stage.

The angle of view used for this picture is of an on looker. This shows that the photographer was equal status with the rest of the crowd.

The photographer engaged in sharp focus for this picture. Everything in the picture is in focus, without having objects being blurred out. I guess this technique is used because everything in the photo is of equal importance. From the crowd of people surrounding the criminals to the elements on the bodies of the latter itself. The thing which I noticed was the chains on the legs of the bodies. Although they are mere elements in the pictures, they signify a tremendous of meanings and connotations. To me, it means imprisonment even after life.