Just like paintings and literary pieces, photographs are an important form of creative work. The invention of photography completely changed the face of art because it does something that these other forms cannot; it freezes an actual piece of time forever. They are not just imitations of what is going on, like paintings. They show what is actually going on. Although photographs do not allow for as much interpretation as a painting or sculpture, photographs allow creativity to be shown through real life objects, places, and scenarios. They convey emotions through anything; lighting, facial expressions, landscape…As notably said, a picture is worth a thousand words.  V-J Day In Times Square, shot by Alfred Eisenstaedt, is worth more than just a thousand. It is one of the most iconic photographs of World War II, if not alone in American History.  Not only does it show countless emotions, but it saves an important piece of history forever.

The setting of this iconic photograph is the infamous Times Square, New York City. On August 14th, 1945, also known as Victory Over Japan Day, Japan surrendered to the United States of America, thus beginning of the end for World War II. For many, this announcement brought a world-wind of emotions; excitement, relief, happiness. This chaotic six-year world war, which had only involved the Unites States for four years after the bombing of an American Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, resulted in casualties adding up to 3% of the world’s population and the destruction of many European countries. Hundreds of thousands of American men were sent out to fight for their country, leaving family, friends, and work behind. The American way of life was turned completely upside down. In turn, with World War II’s ending, and the return of the men back home, came celebration.

Photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt had been walking around Times Square moments before the official announcement by President Truman disclosing Japan’s defeat. Times Square, at that time, was buzzing with noise and excitement after receiving the news. Eisenstaedt was following the action, understanding that this was an important day in the history of the United States. As he tried to capture the celebration occurring with this news, a sailor sprinted towards him in a mad dash. Jubilated, the sailor grabbed countless women around him and kissed them as Eisenstaedt followed behind with his camera. In Alfred Eisenstaedt’s book, The Eye of Eisenstaedt, he stated the following:

“I was walking through the crowds on V-J Day, looking for pictures. I noticed a sailor coming my way. He was grabbing every female he could find and kissing them all — young girls and old ladies alike. Then I noticed the nurse, standing in that enormous crowd. I focused on her, and just as I'd hoped, the sailor came along, grabbed the nurse, and bent down to kiss her.”

Because this photo was taken in the spur of the moment during a chaotic celebration, the photographer did not get the chance to record the names of the two figures, thus leaving them anonymous for years. 

This photograph was later featured on its own single page in a 12-page spread entitled “Victory Celebrations”, an article in LIFE Magazine displaying the national reaction of the United States victory. It became extremely popular from its first feature, and since then, has remained a cultural icon. 

Its popularity is something that is still recognized to this day. Why this photograph? Why these two people? If the two subjects had been in different positions, the image would not be the same. One of the main reasons why this photograph is still popular to this day is because the viewer can almost feel the emotion while looking at it. You can feel the vibe of excitement emulating out of the photo, not only from the couple, but the passerby’s. The couple, especially the sailor, is thrilled about the end. This means that life can turn back to normal. There is no need to worry.

Even the absence of color plays a significant role. It’s an end of a war era. The black and white can almost represent the new peace brought into the once dark time. Notice, as well, how the sailor, wearing dark colors, is kissing the nurse, who is dressed in white garments. The dark is now welcoming the light, with arms.  As stated by Eisenstaedt: “Now if this girl hadn't been a nurse, if she'd been dressed dark clothes, I wouldn't have had a picture. The contrast between her white dress and the sailor's dark uniform gives the photograph its extra impact.” (The Eye of Eisenstaedt). Impact is right. This picture seems to freeze time in such a bustling and buzzing place like Times Square, where the city never sleeps.

It is important to have photographs like this in our possession today so we can truly understand what that time of war was like. Many spectators of this piece have not lived in a time like theirs. World War II had taken over the lives of every single American for four years. Whether being a man off fighting, a woman working in the factories, or a child collecting scraps of metals, everyone was dedicated to the cause. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. soldiers died. To many, the future of our world was unknown. Fear was taking over many. Us as viewers can feel that sense of relief that all the witnesses were going through after the end of the war was announced. A dark time was now over, and peace was returning again. This photojournalist helped show the true elation buzzing through Times Square at that moment. It helps allow us to feel as if we were there in that moment of time, which is the job of an artist. With the help from artwork like this, we can begin to understand what is was like to live in a time like that.

V-J Day in Times Square is one of the most romantic and compelling photographs to date. It is such an important work because it allows us to feel. We can imagine ourselves being involved in the action, feel the energy buzzing around us, and have a wave of comfort was over us. Maybe it is the passion, the intensity, the history, or just the story behind the photo, but this work remains to be one of the most recognized photos nationally. holds upmost importance to this day in explaining America’s part in World War II. 