TASK
While the expression “A picture is worth 1,000 words” is meant to convey that an image means more than “talk,” images can also compel us to volunteer, donate money, vote a certain way, or join a group.
Photographs can be even more convincing, especially if they are not altered by digital editing software. Take a look at the photo below. What do you see? How do you feel looking at the image? Why do you think the photographer took the picture?
Afghan Girl (1984) – Photo by Steve McCurry
In 2002, the face of another woman caught the attention of the world. Sharbat Gula, thought to be 29, was found in the mountains of Pakistan, some 17 years after an image of her piercing green eyes turned the attention of the world to the plight of refugees. Known since June 1984 as simply, “The Afghan Girl,” orphaned at six due to a Soviet bombing, her grandmother leads her on foot to various camps in Pakistan. She had never been photographed since that visit and was surprised that millions had seen her photo.
By examining patterns in her irises, the part of the eye that is a brilliant green, an ophthalmologist in Pakistan and a forensic examiner for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., confirmed that the girl in the image was Sharbat Gula. Her request to help girls, like her own, to receive a proper education resulted in the founding of a $1,000,000 project now called the Afghan Children’s Fund.
Step 1
Consider these questions for the discussion:
- What components of the image stand out?
- Is there a sign of weakness or strength?
- Does the image appear posed?
- Think about why the image was taken from the angle the photographer chose.
- Does it bring the viewer closer the subject?
- Are there details in the image that tell more of the story?
- Which elements bring up new questions?
Step 2
Be a journalist! write a headline for the newspaper story about the incident documented in the image. Think about what impact that action had on the individual in the photograph, and/or on the community in which they live.
