Photo Analyzation: Revised Version

Post a photograph of some person to your blog and analyze it. Look at the size of the shot, the angle, what's included in the background, how the background is distinguished from the foreground, etc, etc. That concluded, you need to imagine a relevant cut-away or cut-in for the photograph you've selected. What companion piece would emphasize something about this person (according to your analysis of the photograph)? Use details from the photo to support your argument.




This photo is instantly recognizable to anyone who knows much of anything about the history of England or of World War Two: Winston Churchill (familiar even without his usual cigar), with his famous ‘V for Victory’ gesture. Churchill was one of the most inspirational figures of his time, and this photo captures that feeling well.

From a non-historical standpoint, the photo is still a good one. The ‘mid-shot’ of Churchill makes it very obvious that he is the subject of the photograph, and there are no distractions. Because the photo was taken straight-on, the photographer is able to show us the Minister’s usual wear (normal at the time, but old-fashioned to us)—bowler hat, watch and chain, waistcoat, and so on. More importantly, we see Churchill’s eyes, his smile, and the simple gesture that he used to instill hope in his people. Churchill's face is almost exactly in the center of the photo, and interrupts the line of the doorway behind him. His black hat contrasts with the white wood, which makes him stand out from the background. Because he is pale, his face is another contrast (although less so, due to the shadows on it) from his dark clothing. His arm draws attention to itself because of the position it is in-- it raises above his head and is the subject of the upper part of the photograph. His hand is another contrast: it is covered in a white glove, which stands out from the dark wall behind it. The iron work and wall behind him suggests that he is on the steps of some building, perhaps at the Ministry—but his location is not important to the photo. The only thing really important to the photo is Churchill himself, and what he symbolizes.

Keeping that in mind, Churchill was not the only important person in the war. A good cut-away shot could include a number of things—perhaps a photograph of his American counterpart, Franklin Roosevelt, or Hitler, the man they were fighting. Footage of the Luftwaffe bombing London would also be effective, or, if you were angling for something more shocking, Auschwitz or the bodies on Normandy beach. Anything pertaining to the war or to Churchill’s personal life would work well, though the final choice would depend on what message is trying to be conveyed. If it is about Churchill’s personal life, then a photograph of his wife or the letters they sent each other would be appropriate. If it was about the war, then any of the suggestions mentioned above would work well, along with many other possibilities.