Picture 1

Picture 2

                        

Media sources have a very effective way of making people believe messages that they want them to believe using images.  By focusing on clothing, body language, background, camera angle, and a variety of other techniques, underlying messages in photographs can be relayed to the viewers.  By using some of those techniques, the two photos of Obama have different effects on the viewer. 

In which picture does Obama look more in control?
I think that Obama looks more in control in picture 2.  I feel this way because of the way he is positioned.  For example, in picture 2, he is walking about one step ahead of everyone else.  This indicates that he is leading, and therefore in control.  Another characteristic that indicates that he is in control in the second picture is his body language.  He is standing tall, and appears to almost be marching away from the boat as if he has accomplished something.  The angle of the camera makes him look tall, big, and in charge. 


In which picture does Obama look more concerned? Why?
In picture 1, Obama's facial expressions indicate that he is studying something perplex that he is unsure of how to tackle.  For that reason, he looks much more concerned in picture 1.  In picture 2, his facial expressions aren't really able to be seen, but his body language indicates more confidence and less concern.


Which picture makes you feel more confident in the president's abilities to respond to the disaster?
I think that most viewers would feel more confident in the president's abilities to respond to the disaster after looking at picture 2.  In this picture, he is "in the field," and looking like he isn't afraid to get dirty and figure out a solution.