The New York Times photographer, Damon Winter, won photographer of the year for his photo of a soldier before he deployed in Afghanistan.  In this picture army sergeant Brian Keith sitting with his wife laying on his shoulder holding him tightly as he cradles his baby son in his arms.  By looking at action, we see the connection and love shared by loved ones which is important because it illustrates what soldiers sacrifice to protect us.   

The activity shown in this image clearly conveys the message that it gives the spectator.  The sergeant’s wife’s proximity to her husband shows the intimate moment that they are sharing.  Furthermore, the face of Brian Keith as he is cradling his infant son depicts his sadness as he says his final goodbyes. These actions illustrate the closeness of the family and how much they care for one each other.  

This instance exemplifies the unity that this family has and the love that it shares.    The placement of the wife next to her husband shows the tight knit relationship that they have.  In addition, the father’s face is sad as he looks at what he is leaving behind, which is his son and watching him grow.  Each of them is holding one another, which symbolizes the tight bond that they share.  The elements of photograph show what family means and what it means for this family in particular.  

Soldiers going off into the army give up a lot in order to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens like you and I.  They have to say goodbye to love ones knowing that it may be the last time they ever get to see or hold them again.  Also, like this soldier, they give up getting to watch their children grow old.  This gives a respect to any soldier for their courage to leave being people they care about to risk their lives in order to protect the lives of others.  

All in all, Damon Winter shows the care shared by families through intimate proximity and facial expression.  This conveys the meaning of what it means to be a soldier.  It means to sacrifice everything for the good of everyone else and to have pure bravery. 

 


 