We’ve all picked the best image. If you’re choosing what to post on Instagram or send for a holiday card, you’ve done part of an editor's work. But what goes into your decision is slightly different from what a photo editor considers. When picking an image for a news story, you want something that captures the mood of the artwork, often conveying feelings that aren’t easily expressed in writing.
Pisarenko’s image features glorious lighting that makes his grey hair look like a halo and backlights the victorious man. His arm also catches a thin highlight, as if he has the barest hint of superpowers. But his expression is not legible. His dark eyes seem unfocused, looking off to the left. Is he thinking about the fight he just won, or the rest he still has to fight? This photo has a thoughtful heroism, but it also paints Lula as a singular force. In reality, the Brazilians worked hard collectively to fight off fascism. The other two are lit from the front. He seems less set apart from life. The one with his family affords some sense of the people who helped make this happen.
If I were an editor, I’d have picked one that shows the people's joy. Brian Snyder’s photo shows Lula holding a folder with a heart and the Brazilian flag. Lula is surrounded by people, one leaning in for a kiss. He looks happy, as does everyone else. This image captures the feelings I’ve heard Brazilians are experiencing right now, as they pushed back against the onslaught of digital ads and misinformation through collective action.
But here are the questions I’d pose to you. What did you see in each picture? How would you characterize Lula in each (particularly if you don’t know much about Brazilian politics)? The photo editors often choose the image for the least informed reader to help orient them. Finally, which picture would you choose?
