Warren Richardson’s photograph Hope for a New Life reveals the shocking everyday struggles Syrian refugees have to overcome. This past July, Hungary began constructing a fence on the border with Serbia to block out all refugees attempting to escape into Hungary. This image depicts an infant being pushed through the barrier fence through barbwire to breakout with an adult and regain hope for the future. The image has a distinct black and white color and blur of focus representing the darkness and confusion of everyday reality. Richardson was able to capture an infant, representing hope and new life, among such a harsh environment that represents war and death. These two main elements of a harsh environment and innocence create a juxtaposition between one another. Richardson’s argument of the everyday difficulties a refugee has to face is expressed through the underlying metaphor between the infant and environment and the emotional response viewers receive. 

The photograph is powerful due to the use of Richardson’s ability to create pathos within the viewers. The infant is surrounded by barbwire and darkness which evokes an instantaneous response that is immediate and tangible because of the difference between such an innocent child and a war like environment. The guardian of the infant is forced to release their own child to someone that is willing to take it which shows sacrifice. This example of sacrifice further strengthens the argument of the everyday struggles for a Syrian refugee. The action of selflessness is a deed that viewers can relate with making them have a stronger emotional reaction to the photograph. The blurriness of the photograph further emphasizes the strong impact the image makes on the viewer. The photo seems as if it is moving which allows viewers to feel as if they are a part of the scene. This rushed and panicked appearance makes the viewer more aware of the danger and seriousness of the situation. Along with making an emotional response, the contrast of black and white colors further strengthens the impact of the overall photo. The background of this image is a black color with a white light reflecting upon the infant which further reflects the focus of this picture. The darkness creates a tone of despair, while the white light upon the infant resembles a tone of hope. This idea of hope stresses the innocence and vulnerability of the infant among a war stricken environment. The black and white color scheme of this photograph further reveals the power of Hope for a New Life.

The juxtaposition between the infant and the environment creates the under lying metaphor within the image. The infant is a symbol for hope and new life where as the barbwire is a symbol for death and war. These two main focal points in the image create an overall contrast of innocence versus harsh reality. The man’s facial expression reveals a look of panic due to knowledge of the danger of the situation, but the infant is clueless due to his own innocence and lack of knowledge. The man’s expression reveals he is aware of the struggles he is going to have to overcome, whereas the infant is unaware of the trials it will have to face. Though the situation is dangerous, it is an opportunity for the child to regain a hope for the future which is representing by the crossing of the barbwire fence. By crossing this threshold, the child is able to obtain new found freedom while the other adult is left behind to face further every day struggles. 

This reflects the argument of continuous difficulties refugees encounter on a daily basis. The contrast of the two symbols, the infant and environment, creates the juxtaposition between the overall elements in the image. 

The photograph first makes a devastating, yet powerful impact upon viewers. Upon looking deeper and interpreting the image the viewers are able to find contrast between multiple aspects of the photograph, such as the overall theme of innocence versus harsh reality. The color scheme, symbolism, and blurred focus all contribute to overall impact of the photograph on the viewers. Richardson’s photo is not a symbol of defeat, but a symbolic representation of hope. 
