Despite the many poignant photographs displayed at the Pulitzer Photo exhibit, Slava Veder’s photograph titled ‘Burst of Joy’, which won the 1974 Pulitzer prize, particularly captured my attention. The photograph depicts a returning Air Force lieutenant colonel, Robert Stirm and his family as they first see him arrive.
To convey meaning through his photograph, Veder used several key techniques. Firstly, the photographer used a wide shot. He includes the whole family as they rush to embrace Stirm in the frame. This allows the audience to see the happy expressions of the whole family instead of just one individual. Although the focus is placed on Lorrie, Stirm’s teenage daughter who runs toward her father with outstretched arms, the rest of the family is also included in the photograph. All the family members, including Stirm’s wife, two daughters, and two sons, are shown to be excitedly racing towards Stirm. The range of ecstatic expressions portrays the family’s closeness and bond.
Also, the photograph’s point of view and use of wide-angle lens is important. It includes the whole height of the individuals instead of perhaps taking the photo from above their waist. This is extremely significant, as with a head-to-toe capture of the family, Veder captures the movement and speed in which they rush to greet the returning figure. As they run towards Stirm, the family is paused in full movement – legs mid-air, arms flailing in their sides, and the wind blowing their clothes and hair. Veder probably used a fast shutter speed to keep this movement focused and clear. The speed that the photographer captures through his point of view further highlights the excitement the family feels. Imagine if they were walking steadily towards Stirm instead. The feeling of swift and excited movement will not be present in the photograph, and its message will not be as strong.
However, it is important to note that although Veder uses a wide angle and point of view to capture the full height of the subjects, he also keeps his focus. The photograph has a fairly small depth of field. Instead of including the whole tarmac, he chooses to limit the depth of field and keep the camera’s subjects reasonably close so that the audience is able to see the emotions of the family’s faces. The photograph’s area of focus is the family - not the background or setting. Moreover, to portray their emotions, Veder also adjusts his lighting to ensure that their faces and emotions are captures within the light. Again, this allows the audience to focus on the family’s exuberance.
This photo caught my eye because among the many sad and heartbreaking photos that depicted war, injustice and tragedy, Veder’s photo captured a moment of unabashed happiness and joy. The photograph somehow sends the message that despite the horrors of war, hope can still be found. It also highlights the strength of family ties. Ultimately, I liked this photograph as it radiated optimism, hope and the sense of healing. However, through my research I discovered that despite outward appearances, the reunion of the family was not an entirely happy one. Prior to his arrival, Stirm’s wife filed for divorce and they ended up separating. Thus, although I undeniably still appreciate the atmosphere of happiness and hope in the photograph, it also made me question if photographs were always truthful and gave the right impressions.
To convey meaning through his photograph, Veder used several key techniques. Firstly, the photographer used a wide shot. He includes the whole family as they rush to embrace Stirm in the frame. This allows the audience to see the happy expressions of the whole family instead of just one individual. Although the focus is placed on Lorrie, Stirm’s teenage daughter who runs toward her father with outstretched arms, the rest of the family is also included in the photograph. All the family members, including Stirm’s wife, two daughters, and two sons, are shown to be excitedly racing towards Stirm. The range of ecstatic expressions portrays the family’s closeness and bond.
Also, the photograph’s point of view and use of wide-angle lens is important. It includes the whole height of the individuals instead of perhaps taking the photo from above their waist. This is extremely significant, as with a head-to-toe capture of the family, Veder captures the movement and speed in which they rush to greet the returning figure. As they run towards Stirm, the family is paused in full movement – legs mid-air, arms flailing in their sides, and the wind blowing their clothes and hair. Veder probably used a fast shutter speed to keep this movement focused and clear. The speed that the photographer captures through his point of view further highlights the excitement the family feels. Imagine if they were walking steadily towards Stirm instead. The feeling of swift and excited movement will not be present in the photograph, and its message will not be as strong.
However, it is important to note that although Veder uses a wide angle and point of view to capture the full height of the subjects, he also keeps his focus. The photograph has a fairly small depth of field. Instead of including the whole tarmac, he chooses to limit the depth of field and keep the camera’s subjects reasonably close so that the audience is able to see the emotions of the family’s faces. The photograph’s area of focus is the family - not the background or setting. Moreover, to portray their emotions, Veder also adjusts his lighting to ensure that their faces and emotions are captures within the light. Again, this allows the audience to focus on the family’s exuberance.
This photo caught my eye because among the many sad and heartbreaking photos that depicted war, injustice and tragedy, Veder’s photo captured a moment of unabashed happiness and joy. The photograph somehow sends the message that despite the horrors of war, hope can still be found. It also highlights the strength of family ties. Ultimately, I liked this photograph as it radiated optimism, hope and the sense of healing. However, through my research I discovered that despite outward appearances, the reunion of the family was not an entirely happy one. Prior to his arrival, Stirm’s wife filed for divorce and they ended up separating. Thus, although I undeniably still appreciate the atmosphere of happiness and hope in the photograph, it also made me question if photographs were always truthful and gave the right impressions.
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