Magazine Covers 3

"Edward Snowden didn't want to be photographed. He wanted his actions--leaking classified NSA files--to be the focus of any story, not his face. But. But. Being shot by Platon, who has photographed world leaders like Dick Cheney, George Bush (both of them), and Vladimir Putin, puts him on the same level as those subjects, elevating his message. So out of complicated motivations comes a tense and compelling photograph. As Snowden holds the flag, his face and his hands convey both respect and hurt--a flickering combination of protectiveness and vulnerability. Words would tip the reader toward a single interpretation. So. No design. No cover lines. Just an image, however you choose to look at it." - See more at: http://www.magazine.org/asme/magazine-cover-contest/past-winners-finalists/2015-winners-finalists#sthash.FbVao6Gj.dpuf


Critique:
   
        I like this cover because the picture is very simple, the persons face and upper body combined with the flag on an extremely simple white background make for a very appealing cover. There is no distraction from a complicated background or distractions in the foreground. Just a portrait and the flag make for a simple yet appealing photograph for this magazine cover. It also holds meaning as the flag is held in a way that shows he may of damaged something that the flag represents or hurt people who represent the flag. The exposure is very good as the lighting and other elements do show that the photograph is well produced and thought out. The photographer is very talented. In conclusion, I really like this cover due to its simplicity and subtle meaning.