By looking at the dramatic effects that the bombing of Hiroshima had on the country of Japan and its people, it is evident that it was a devastating event in Japanese history.  In this photo the physical mass destruction caused by the bomb is very obvious, but with its colorlessness, line use, and the pictures element of design, much more can be taken away from the picture. When a thorough look is taken the viewer notices little details about the design of the photo that changes how the viewer sees the destruction that took place in the picture. Sadness, hopelessness, and surprise are all emotions the Japanese felt after this attack. Through the elements portrayed within the photo all of these feelings can be sensed by the viewer.

Color plays a big role in setting the mood for a photo. This picture is in black and white which gives an idea of how colorless and lifeless Hiroshima was on the day of the bombing. The ground is covered in debris all black or white so it is not known what all lies within the piles of what was left after the bombing, but the viewer wonders. It all looks the same but it is known that within those piles of garbage are human bodies, somebody's loved one, people's belongings, pieces of people's homes, etc. Peoples entire lives are within all of that debris and the black and white causes wonder about everything that lies within those mounds of rubbish. This shows how the bomb destroyed everything, big or little. From homes and buildings to little belongings used in every day life, everything was demolished. If the picture were in color it wouldn't make the viewer feel as sad when looking at it. Black and white makes the picture more dramatic and causes the viewer to look deeper into the picture. Every detail can not be noticed just by glancing at it. The viewer really has to look closely to actually realize the damage that was done. The sky is white and bare giving off feelings of hopelessness and emptiness, while the ground is a mixture of gray and black in absolute disaster giving off feelings of destruction. The photo is a combination of emptiness and chaos all in one creating different feelings for the viewer. The absence of color contributes to showing the viewer the absence of life and happiness after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima that day. Nothing but debris and parts of what was once a city were left and that can be seen clearly in the picture. 

Lines portray mood as well. The lines in this picture are pointing in every direction. On the ground all of the garbage is in massive piles creating chaotic lines to portray the chaotic damage. The lines surround one man. They are in no specific pattern but still seem to be framing him so that he is the first thing the viewer notices. In the building in the background the lines are either straight or rugged to show that even what was left was still destroyed and unsalvageable. Parts of the building have thick straight lines where the building still has some structure but in other places the lines are thin and rugged where the building looks like it is barely standing. In the background little straight lines can be seen that almost looks like poles but then after looking closer they are trees with nothing left on them but the trunk and a few small branches that can barely be seen. Just like Hiroshima the trees are wiped clean of everything that once was on them.

The only things left standing in this picture are one man, and the ruminants of a building. The picture is designed to draw attention to these two things by framing them with white sky and debris on the ground. All of the garbage on the ground looks the same and the sky is blank, so the eye automatically goes to the man and the building. The man is standing alone with no other human in sight. This gives the viewer feelings of sadness and loneliness and it is wondered where his family is. The viewer wonders why he is alone and what he is doing. He could be looking for his kids, his wife, or his friends. They could be dead or missing, either way he is alone in the middle of all of this destruction and the viewer is forced to imagine how that man must be feeling. He is just standing there taking in everything that lies before him. The debris goes on for miles and miles ahead of him portraying that there is no escaping this damage. There is no where for this man to go to forget what had happened to his home and nothing stands before him in the background accept for that building and what is left of a couple of trees. His arms hang loose by his side with his hands in his pockets as if he is in complete shock looking at everything but remaining calm. The mans body language shows how sad he is but he also gives off a sense of control and strength. His shoulders are slouched but his head his held high, looking forward as if he still has some hope left in him. 

This picture portrays everything the Japanese experienced on that day in their country's history. It shows the physical damage done but it all shows the emotional damage. It gives the viewer an idea of what it was like to be in Hiroshima at this moment in time and although the ability to completely understand is not there, an idea is given. The elements in this photo were used to create more dramatic effects. Everything in the picture plays a role in creating a mood for the viewer to pick up when looking at the picture. From the color, to the lines, to the placement of the objects of focus, each aspect of the photo contributes to creating to deeper meaning. Each technique is used differently but work together to create a general spectrum of emotion to be felt by the viewer. By first glance all that is seen is a man surrounded by garbage but if a closer look is taken there are many details to be noticed and it makes the viewer think about all of the emotion that lies within the picture. 

