Raising The Flag
Taken By: Joe Rosenthal
Background History of this Photo
This photo is very famous because it is showing American soldiers putting up the flag during the battle at Iwo Jima. "Raising The Flag" is not a posed photo so that makes it way more affective and emotional. The photographer who took this photo was actually fighting in the war at the time but he thought that this would be a perfect photo opportunity while they were putting up the flag.
Story
Not many people know but there were two American flags that went up that day. Sgt. Louis Lowery captured the first flag being put up. Once the flag was up people started cheering and yelling but the Japanese heard them and began shooting and firing at them. Lowery jumped to safety but sadly broke his camera in the process. There was talk about wanting to put up a bigger flag. Joe Rosenthal was on his way to the top of the mountain to maybe capture the moment again. He made it just in time and captured the famous photo we know today known as "Raising The Flag".
What can we learn from this photo
We can learn some things from this photo. I would say that seeing the men that are at war still have pride for their country. It also shows team work. That flag had to of been heavy so 6 guys got together and all put up the American flag. I wouldn't say that there is any over usage of any element/principal of art. I would say that it has good movement and nice contrast. Although there is controversies about whether this photo is staged or not to me it looks like it isn't staged.
In my Opinion
I really enjoy this photo and I don't think there would be any better way to "pose" them. This photo is unique because one it isn't posed an it tells a story. I really like when photo's tell stories and this one does without even knowing the background info. I do like that this photo is in black and white but I would really like to see it in color and make the flag the focal point. I wouldn't say this photo captures the men and their personality but it definitely captures their attitudes towards the war in general.