Picture Analysis: Migrant Mother By Dorothea Lange

The picture titled “Migrant Mother” by Dorothea Lange is one of the most influential pictures throughout American history. The photograph exhibits the Florence Thompson’s face who is seen “with a furrowed forehead, and her two children who are shyly hiding their faces into the shoulders of Thompson” (Lanster, 2017). There are many aspects about why the photograph became one of the most iconic pictures in America. In many ways the pictures depict the effects in which the Great Depression had on parents who were struggling to persevere through the adversities of trying to keep a job and providing for their kids. The photograph was a symbolic figure for many Americans, however, to some it became quite controversial because of the way the photo

Photo manipulation is quite common in photographs to bring more sentiment towards those that are viewing the photograph. For instance, the iconic photograph, “Migrant Mother” was actually altered by Lange in two blatant ways. The first way is in the way Lange excludes a part of Thompson’s hand and a thumb which is a holding a tent flap. The second way Lange was able to manipulate the photo was by staging the photo into what she believed would bring compassion and the overall image of what the Great Depression brought to families across America. Lange’s most famous photograph “Migrant Mother” became a symbolic picture. It brought prosperity and an emotional impact to those that saw the photo. It may seem as though the image was taken on a whim, however, it took Lange six shots to find the perfect image. Yet, even with that last photo it took some photo manipulation to bring the image to what is known today as one of the most influential images. The two manipulation Lange used were stage managing and photo alteration. Firstly, it is important to note that Lange was known for her constant use stage managing. Stage managing is the

As a result, many photographers take pictures to keep society updated on the events that are happening around the world. However, many turn to the idea of manipulating images to garner awareness of the current events. Although there are many instances where many don’t realize that a photo has been altered, it brings into question, the concept of ethics. Personally when I look at a photograph I assume that the photo is a clear distinction of the event that had happened at the moment. However, when the photos becomes manipulated I feel as though the truth has been distorted. The reason being is because they I look at the image I start to create a pseudo reality of what might have taken place and I try to understand the symbolism and emotions of the photo. Once you distort these images it then brings into question about whether it is ethically okay to distort the image. Although some photo manipulations is considered okay by some, others disapprove on the idea because it deceives the public. Some examples in photos are manipulated is when people are trying to making someone or a product look more appealing. However, when a picture is being used for journalistic purposes and propaganda I definitely don’t approve of it. This reason is that you are deceiving the public from the truth. Furthermore, it brings into question the intentions of the photographer, is the photo that is being manipulated being made so to garner more attention to the