Maestro

There was a segment aired recently on Austin's local public radio station about a new photography exhibition of the work of depression-era photographer John Vachon (you can listen to the audio here). The above photograph that KUT showcases is very well done. Photography is not my area of expertise, but even I can see that Vachon has captured an exceptional range of tones, from very white at the bottom right hand corner to very black on the trunk of the tree. Foreground, middle-ground and background are well-represented ... I think this photograph shows an unusual depth of field. There is eye-catching texture, and the child provides a very nice focal point, balanced as he is between the building on the right and left. Even if the technical composition of the piece is disregarded, the photograph is an undeniably poignant historical document. Bravo, Vachon.