This photo will make you stop in your tracks. It oozes drama and hardship. The black and white effect on the photo only enhances its seriousness. The youngest child’s face is the lightest which causes attention to be drawn to it. It represents innocence and injustice. I think it is important to note that the youngest is staring directly at the camera while the other boys’ focus is elsewhere. He looks like he is asking for help. Why should a young child have to suffer? All of the boy’s expressions make a statement. They are afraid and unsure of what to do. The oldest is stoic, but the dark cast across his face illuminates the fear in his eyes. This photo in color would be powerful, but the black and white emphasizes the debris on their clothes and the dirt on their faces. Ansel played with light and filters to make this photo just that much more intense.
