The Message of Photos

So you all know what photos are right? 'Cause if you don't, you're probably living under a rock. But besides that, have you ever tried to figure out the message behind the photo? Well there are three things you need to know about photos:

1) Camera Angle
Different camera angles that can influence the way the viewer sees a subject.

2) Lighting
Different lighting set-ups that can influence the way the viewer sees a subject.

3) Proximity
Different proximities (distances) that can influence the way the viewer sees a subject

So today, I will be studying the picture below (As if I didn't already have enough to study)



So first we have the camera angle which seems to be at a somewhat eye level by captures his full body. He is staring straight at us (Or staring into our souls...what? It is possible!) He has what looks like a confident (Smug) smile on his face, which what most presidents would be seen in any magazine cover (Unless it's another scandal,I mean really, who actually cares if Obama isn't American?!)

Next we have the lighting. The cover is in black and white, making it look like one of those old black and white photos that would give any elderly person a "flash" of nostalgia (Ha ha, get it? "Flash"? Because you know the camera gives off a flash?...I'm gonna stop with the jokes now...) The lighting looks like it's coming from the left, if you consider that the shadows on his face are more of the right side. The shadows are somewhat soft, not much of hard light so the other half of his face is hidden, but gives him that air of "I'm friendly and laid-back but I will get the job done".

And lastly we have proximity. Like I mentioned for the camera angle, we are at a sort of eye level but we can see his whole body. He is leaning over what looks like his desk with one hand on his hip, probably saying that he a nice guy, but if you get on his bad side, you best better run and hide.

So, what are my thoughts on this photo? Well...to be honest, I really don't care about presidents and politics, etc. So if your like me (Sucks to be you) you wouldn't really care about it and not give it a second glance. But if you are the type of person who's into politics, they would probably be interested in what this guy has to say, seeing a he is smirking oh-so-confidently.

And that reaches the end of my photo review, please give me feedback on what I can improve on (That is, if anybody actually reads my blog) and I will see you all later!