A beautiful, young, and courageous woman named Ieshia Evans stood up for what she believed in during a Black Lives Matter protest (Mowat 1). Ieshia Evans is shown standing still and alone, while police officers are charging towards her (Bachman). This heart-touching photograph was taken by Jonathan Bachman during a protest after Alton Sterling, aged thirty-seven, was killed by a white police officer (Mowat 1). By looking at the photograph Jonathan Bachman took during the Black Lives Matter protest, we can see how the angle, contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity effect the perspective on the picture; this is important since it changes the way the viewers perceive the photograph of Ieshia Evans.

In this photograph, contrast helps make Evans stand out to the viewers even more than she already does. Almost everything in the image has a shade of grey or black. The vibrant green grass in the background is directly behind Evans, and not behind the police officers. This makes her stand out and seem brighter to the viewers. This contrast creates warmth and comfort due to the fact that the color green resembles safety, even though she is shown in the photograph to be one against many of a higher authority. Although Evans did end up getting arrested during this protest (Cartwright), the viewers often view her as one whom is not frightened, due to both the green colored background, and her calm state of mind (Bachman).

Due to the angle that Bachman snapped this photograph at, it truly effects the way the picture is perceived. The repetition of lines from both the street and the grass causes the image to seem even, and makes it easy to follow. The police officers in the background on the left side are in a strong line, forcing your eyes to look right and look away from the intimidating authority that stands with decked out police gear. Thanks to the way the photo was taken, the depth of this picture creates a strong state of freedom and integrity. The angle the photo of Evans is taken at creates a powerful view on the situation. If Bachman had taken this inspiring photograph from a different angle, the entire picture could have been viewed differently. For instance, if Bachman snapped the photo a few feet behind Evans, it would have been clear that there were many people alongside her, also standing up for what they believed in. Since the angle was not in this direction, we view Evans as a courageous hero figure, since she appears to be one fighting against many police officers (Bachman). 

Bachman snapped the photograph very close to the scene; due to this perspective, it puts the viewers in the stance of being more involved in the situation. This allows us viewers to connect with the people in the photograph on a personal level, and almost makes us feel as we were a part of the protest. The photo was also taken straight on at eye level. Since the photograph was taken in this way, we see no dominance in either two sides, but at the same time this does not cause us to view either of the two parties to be in the wrong. Due to Bachman taking this photograph at a close and straight on angle, it helps us viewers understand the situation in a way as if Evans is courageously standing up to the police officers on her own. This helps the viewers further understand the pain and hatred that Evans and many others were likely feeling during this time (Bachman).

What draws my eyes the most, personally, is the way that Evans is standing. She has her arm out in front of her, causing a separation between her and the police officers. The breeze causes her dress to fly up just enough to show she has power, along with the police, of course. What stands out the most is her stance. She is still, fearless looking, prepared for the police to arrest her. Her feet are spread apart enough to keep her balance up. She seems to be prepared for the consequences that will take place, but she is fighting for what she believes in, equal rights, and she will not stand down (Bachman).

Shortly after this photograph was taken, Ieshia Evans was arrested due to the fact she refused to leave the area she was standing in during the Black Lives Matter protest in Louisiana (Mowat 1). This picture will forever leave an impact on anyone who sees it, due to the power it holds through many different forms. The picture of Evans shows her bravery of being alone against many officers, as it appears. It shows her standing up for what she believes in, no matter what the consequences may be. Due to Bachman’s stance at which he took the photograph, no true side is taken for the viewers. Many people will feel the pain that Evans is going through, but the photograph does not show either side to have more power over another, thanks to the way Bachman took the photograph. This picture will live on for many generations due to the meaning and potential that lies beneath the surface (Bachman).
