The Soviet Protester (aka a photo that I love)

Okay, so this is just one of those things I love that I thought might be worth sharing. I found this photo in an old National Geographic years ago and it's remained prominent in my mind as an example of astounding photography ever since. You'll have to forgive me for the ripped edges and less-than-fabulous scan quality. I spent about an hour pouring over National Geographic archives online with no luck.

I love the color and composition of this shot. The way the Soviet officer leans in threateningly toward the anonymous protester. Perhaps he is mocking him. Perhaps he is trying to intimidate him. He brandishes the flag as if it's a weapon. But what I love most is the still, firm resolve of the man in black. Are his hands in his pockets? What is going through his mind as he looks into the eyes of this angry officer? He doesn't appear in the photo to be the type of man to shout back. Why did the officer pick him as his target?

I love this photo because it's the type of photo that contains a whole story in one image. It has an effect on viewers that I want to work toward in my own photography. It causes you to ask questions. I think photography that makes you ask questions is a beautiful thing. It lets you fill in the blanks and relate to a photo on a very personal level.

So today I'm just sharing this. As an artist, what response do you hope viewers have when they view your work? If you are primarily a viewer, what moves you most in photographs?

-Lauren

p.s. If you know anything about this photo, or if you have information on the issue of National Geographic that ran it, please let me know.