This image is called "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange. This photo is one of many in a series and is one of the best examples of modern photojournalism. It was taken in March of 1936 in Nipomo California during the great depression. Aside from what the Image makes us feel, the Story behind the image is about a mother of 7 that was living in a tent on a camp for Migrant farmworkers. This image was not only a powerful tool to show the world the conditions in America but for journalists today, it shows the real power of Photojournalism. With the arms of her kids wrapped around her, we see a mother who appears to be disheveled with a worried look on her face. Just by looking at the image, it is no doubt that we as people instantly feel concerned and want to know the context of the image. The candid and authentic aesthetic of the image is what makes it so powerful. The subject of the image is a real person with a real and relatable story. The impact of this image can still be seen today. Many other powerful images are taken by photojournalists still follow this same aesthetic of authenticness today. Many even still shoot images in black and white because of the way we as an audience perceive it. Along with its timeless element, Images of black and white emphasize emotion and subtly forces viewers to pay attention to details As a society, images like this have shaped the way we perceive America's history. There may have been thousands of other stories like this during the time, but impactful images like "migrant mother" visually puts things into perspective when discussing historic events.
Sources
Collins, Ross. “A Brief History of Photography and Photojournalism.” History of Photography and Photojournalism., 2019, www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~rcollins/242photojournalism/historyofphotography.h….
Geffin, David. Why It's Still Important to Shoot In Black And White. 3 Dec. 2014, fstoppers.com/education/why-its-still-important-shoot-black-and-white-48141.
Lange, Dorothea. Migrant Mother. New York City, www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/dorothea-lange-migrant-mother-nipomo-c…. Accessed 7 Oct. 2020.