Critique #2

“Paratrooper”

What do you think of when you hear the word fear? Most will probably think of sky diving, dying, or war. People might think that because those are all common images of fear. This image “paratrooper” includes all three of these common fear images. The image represents overcoming fear so well because it is all about the first step. That one step from the relative safety of the aircraft to the sky can mean the difference between life and death. This is an even more fearful activity when you have to jump out of a plane just to land and have to fight a war. In the image “paratrooper” the photographer uses an extravagant background and foreground to create a symbolic photograph.

          Background is one of the most important elements in any image. The background of “paratrooper” is incredibly important to the image as a whole. The main ideas of the photo are placed in the foreground but the background is also important. The background shows a viewer how dangerous the activity really is. It also shows the other paratroopers that have come before the one centered in the image. The others pictured that have already overcome their fear and committed to parachuting.

          The foreground really makes me like this image. It shows the edge of the plane. That is important because the scariest part of parachuting is always jumping. The soldier pictured has just taken his first step. The soldier overlooked his fear and jumped. Another thing I liked is that you can see the stings of not only his parachute but all the other men that have jumped before him. This is a symbol of how selfless and fearless these guys really are. Also the edge of the plane is cool because it is almost like the viewer can see out to the ground below. The image is taken from the perspective of a paratrooper and the image lets you feel like you are about to fall out of the plane. I think that helps a viewer see what the paratroopers really have to deal with when parachuting.

          This image; just like any other, uses many different elements to make it flow. The two most important in this image are background and foreground. This image is a great representation of overcoming fear. It is also I good example of how fearless a person can be.  The image also allows a viewer an accurate depiction of the life of a paratrooper.