This is a photo taken after the Boston bombing. I thought that since the images were so raw and tragic, it might do to do my own image analysis of the photograph above.
Personal: My eye is first drawn to the mess on the ground, and I can tell right off that something awful has happened here. Next, I notice how stressed and frightened everyone seems by their body language (as most are facing away) and it makes me uneasy.
Historical: It is clear to me even without knowing the context of the events that this photo documents something that will surely be remembered in history, and clearly not in a fond light.
Technical: Because of the frantic nature of the events pictured, less thought seemed to be paid towards composition, and more seemed focused on recording the events.
Ethical: The gruesome nature of the shot demonstrates that the ethical perspective in this is the categoricalĀ imperative. This story clearly needed to be covered, and photojournalists felt a responsibility to capture the events unfolding, despite the graphic nature of the scene.
Cultural: Seen at the top of the frame is an American flag, which seems to be hanging over the grisly scene with its head hung, rather than blowing in the wind. At the top is also the bleachers at the finish line, almost nodding to the viewer that they are spectators in this tragic event.
Critical: Based on my understanding of both the photo and the events depicted, my personal reaction to this, of sadness, anger, and distress, are based on the fact that these photojournalists chose not to censor the gore all over these Boston city blocks. We know the damage that the bombers inflicted because we can see it scattered across the sidewalk. This photo and those like it are deeply chilling.