Documentary Photography #2

In the photo, “new labour,” there are several ways that the photograph brings out the idea of resistance and defiance. Most clearly, the arrows pointing in the opposite direction of the protesters. There are many other ways that the picture has characteristics of anarchy though. Typically, streets are a place to drive automobiles and this street in particular appears to be a one way street. The group of people here refuse to follow the social norm of walking on the sidewalk because they have decided that what they believe in is more important than following typical social structure.

These arrows are arranged so that they are set about equidistant from the border of the picture and they can literally cut the picture in to two halves, making the picture almost look like a mirror. The ethos that is shown here allows the audience to view a picture that is very simple to find visual hierarchy. The large arrows are the first things that people notice in this picture. Seeing that the arrows are pointed directly at the audience, they can suck the audience into the picture. They become the main focal point because they point at the viewer. This draws the viewer in to more detail.

Pathos can be found in this photo, however, you would need to know the background of this photo to be able to make a knowledgeable, educated summary of it. Viewing this picture at first glance, without having knowledge of its background may lead an audience to think that its just a busy day in random city. You would not be able to gain any knowledge of what is actually happening in this picture. However, if you did know about the background of this picture, you would be able to make more of an educated synopsis. Since pathos is how your audience feels about what you are doing, knowing your political party and your views on the Iraq war would have an enormous impact on how you view this picture. This picture is trying to bring out the idea that the Iraq war was unnecessary. The people walking away from the arrows could put a “cause” in to play that says they are defiant towards the United States’ position in the war. The effect here is that you may have many people who are for this and many who are not. This means that this photo is not just a photo to look at and say “Oh, that sure is pretty!” Rather, it sends a message and the audience who views it can either be for it or against it. It divides the audience in half, just as it has done with the arrows on either side with the street line going down the middle.

Personally, I think this picture is very inspiring. After researching more about London and the social turmoil in Europe during the war, it is appealing to me that so man people can come together to show their disapproval of the war. I have been raised a Democrat and have never believed that the Iraq war was important enough for the United States to take such serious steps in trying to bring down the Hussein-ran government. All in all, this picture is not only a well taken photograph, but it is also takes a distinctive political stance.