Photo Assignment One

Link to story

Just as the story is a profile on Democratic candidate for Washington D.C. mayor Andy Shallal, the three pictures accompanying the story work together to give the reader a visual profile on the candidate. The first picture of Shallal is a close up of his face, which makes sense because readers need to be able to put a face to the name.  However, unlike most portraits, part of Shallal's head is cut from the picture and he is in an informal pose. Just as Shallal is an unconventional candidate for mayor, so is his portrait. Rule of thirds was definitely used in this portrait.

The next photo in the gallery is a good example of moment. The photographer caught the woman in the  picture holding the sign smiling at the right moment, and Shallal is standing behind the woman in a strong pose looking supportive.  The height difference between the woman and Shallal creates a leading line right to the face of Shallal, and rule of thirds was also used in this picture. Additionally, the pop of color that comes from the sign the woman is holding adds to the picture.  The photo works with the story because it shows Shallal working with the people, and dressed just like an average person in his baseball cap, tshirt, and jeans. Unlike the portrait, this shows the side of Shallal that attracts the "hipsters, artists, and bohos," described in the profile.

The third picture that accompanies the story shows Shallal in his home speaking to his campaign supporters. Since he is now dressed in a suit, this shows the professional side to Shallal. The way the staircase banister is placed in the picture creates leading lines directly to Shallal. Selective focus is also used, to highlight Shallal and make the supporters the background of the photograph. As usual, rules of thirds is also used in this photo. Moment is another element in this photograph. Shallal is caught smiling, and even though they are all blurry in the picture you can see smiles on his supporters' faces. Sense of place is also used because you can tell he is not at a podium, but in a home. Including a picture of Shallal inviting supporters into his home shows that he is appreciative for the support he has been given.