Kevin Carter pulitzer prize winning image - Essay Example

Full Elements of Photography Through Carter’s Lens The famous photograph taken by Kevin Carter in Africa of a very malnourished child who was naked and under the scorching also includes the image of a vulture near the child which was probably waiting to have a piece of the remaining flesh of the child. The photograph may have caused Carter a lot of criticisms due to the compelling social issue but his skill is undeniably an eye-catcher as well because of the elements of photography that are visually evident.

The image portrays balance in a presenting the major figures, the child and the vulture. On the wide area of the land which has the lighter colors, is the Black child on his four limbs with his head to the ground, seemingly being supported by his right hand. Just a few inches behind him is a vulture on its feet, positioned in a way that makes it appear that it is imitating the child’s raised shoulders. The sizes of the two images are not greatly different and this makes the balance in the photo.

The child, being near the photographer, appears to be bigger than the bird but one might just assume the difference in their sizes. Nevertheless, their size and color make the two as the dominant figures. The two focal images have dark hues which contrast their environment. Coincidentally, the child has a white necklace and bracelet that is comparable to the color of the vulture’s feet and beak. The feathers of the bird and the skin of the child are smooth, in contrast to the rough texture of the ground with the dry soil, pebbles and stones scattered around and the dried grasses.

Such elements of photography, aside from the sensitive social issue, make the photograph a real treasure.