Significance of the 1994 Pulitzer Photograph

          On the first day of photography class, my professor discussed the two areas of the course; first was communication, and the other was creative art. He further highlighted that photography not only revolved around the picture making process but more importantly concerned on cause and meaning of the photo.

            Applying these ideas, the 1994 Pulitzer Photograph can be very significant to the course because it may serve as a perfect example of ‘real photography’.

            It communicates. True that hunger and poverty in Africa has been a perennial global problem and it has also become considerably old news. However, the picture only reinforces that people should not forget their responsibility to their fellow men and should also be aware that despite the convenience from luxury the majority experience, other people still suffer from the most basic problem.

           It exudes creativity. The photographer is obviously a professional because the picture appears fine and conforms to the rules and technicalities of a good photograph. Also, because it presents brilliance of idea, at the same time, candidness, the shot can be considered as a contribution to the field of creative art.

           The photo shows a cause and is very meaningful. Somewhat similar with the message it communicates is its cause which aims to expose the current situation African people suffer from—great famine. In the picture, even though the child still strives to survive from hunger, the vulture follows the child wherever he goes, expecting anytime the boy shall die and after which it can scavenge over the poor child’s body.

        No wonder the 1994 Pulitzer Photograph receives a lot of acclaims because of its brilliance and contribution to the world of art. Indeed, it works as a great inspiration for photography course because it embodies communication, creative art, cause and meaning that a real work of photography should have.