In a world that is increasingly concerned about dynamic range, high iso performance, and “rules of thirds” it is easy to forget that the core of photography is about connection. It is about being able to connect with the subject of the picture without knowing who they are. So as many of you have heard about the earthquake in china which has been devastating. This evening I was looking through some pictures from the news and saw this picture which wrenched my heart.
Do I know the woman in this picture? no. But do I feel something when I see this picture? heck yeah I do. The caption to this picture was that it was a mother that had lost her son in the tragic collapse of a school in china. While i’m not sure how it feels to have kids, I can only imagine the pain of loosing a loved one. The emotion and anguish on her face just wrenches my heart. Its so real and I feel for her…without ever having met her. And this photo has may layers of interest as well. On the ground there appears to be a body with something over their head. [its assumed that this is the womans son]. Just lying there lifeless. Then there is a woman who is consoling and holding up the grieving mother. is this a friend? another concerned parent? And you have these people who are standing behind her. Also concerned parents? what are they thinking? feeling? Anxiously awaiting to see if the next body dug up will be their child.
powerful powerful stuff. Our prayers are with those who have lost loved ones over the past couple days of natural disasters.
-J
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