http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/picture/2012/feb/23/remi-ochlik-syria
The above link is a fantastic photo that I saw on eyewitness, a Guardian app that every photographer should have on their phone or tablet. If you cannot get the eyewitness app on your phone or tablet then visit this website instead http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/series/eyewitness
This is a great example of when to break the rule of one-third that I waffled on about in a previous post: http://www.evejam.co.uk/rule-of-one-third/ .
It is difficult to describe what I like about this photo, the depth of field is shallow to bring focus on to the subject, but at the same time you can still work out what is happening in the background. It makes it clear that it is a war zone and even if you didn’t know the title of the photo you could probably work out that it is after the battle with the burning smoke blowing across the background, and the apparent lack of alertness of the soldier.
I am drawn to the soldier in the middle, looks as if he is wondering whether the war is worth it, is he thinking about his comrades who have died in the previous battle or questioning if he should continue.
The rich colours of flag contrast against the sparse sepia-like landscape behind him. If the flag wasn’t there the photo would have had a significant difference.
The saddest thing about the photo is the photojournalist was killed, I assume he was killed doing his job as the article says he was killed during the shelling of the Syrian city of Homs on 22nd February. This bring a certain poignancy to the photo and makes you realise the risks that some photographers take in order to bring a visual picture of what is happening around the world so we can better understand the world around us.
Thought about adding the image to the post, but think that would be in breach of the copyright? so if you want to see the picture go the link provided in the article.