Week #2 Photo Analysis

  An old Chinese proverb states "A pictures is worth a thousand words". That is true in today's society where the media can sway public opinion with a well cropped or designed set picture. The Deepwater Horizon spill of April 2010 , was a disaster of epic proportions , with ramifications still felt today.

•  I choose photo #2 for Presidential confidence. Photo #1 makes the President look worried and confused. But then that's all the we see. It was cropped to make this impression. He may very well be listening to a question or comment from someone.
• Photo #2 shows a well designed set to put the President in the most positive light during a negative time.
•  There are big pictures and maps in the background. The Deepwater Horizon title is large to remind everyone why they are there. 
• The American flag off to our left to show American pride and strength.
• The President dressed casually in a light colored shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He is the main focus of the set and he is ready for action.
• It is a spontaneous picture taken during the press conference, this stated in the caption. He does not have a cheesy smile shaking someone's hand. 
• He is sitting at a table with paper and maps strewn about, not a formal podium. He wants the public to know he is there to get the job done.
• His hand gestures , facial expression and direct eye contact show me he is answering a question or comment.
•  The Incident Commander is in his casual uniform to show he does not have time for pomp and circumstance.
•  He is not real comfortable there. His brows are furrowed, he is frowning ,  his hands are clenched and he is looking away from whomever the President is speaking to. Hoping that by avoiding eye contact he won't be asked any questions.
•  He is sitting very close on the President's right side, almost touching the President, to support any question or comment asked of them.
•  He wants to be out fighting the fight.

Knowing a little about the publications can also explain the different picture connotations.

• The NY Daily news was very critical of the way the President was handling the situation. They may have a Republican editor that loves taking shots at the President, so they post his picture in the most negative way possible.
•  The Christian Science Monitor is a little more forgiving, in the sense that they did not give a political spin on the disaster. Their picture is more supportive.  

The 3 things I would infer from this picture would be

1. The president is showing the public that he is on top of the situation at that moment.
2. He has the best right-hand man at his side.
3. He is 'transparent' about the situation and he may have to get his hands dirty.

The 3 questions I may ask would be

1. How did this happen?
2. How do you plan to fix it?
3. How much will this cost the taxpayers?

Photo #1

Caption : Worried President Obama ponders his next move about the Deepwater Horizon Disaster.




                                          Photo#2

Caption: President Obama discusses strategies with Incident Commander Allen at a briefing on the Deepwater Horizon incident.

 

 Activity #3

Photo Analysis Lesson plan