Photos That Inspire

Thinking back to all the pictures that I have seen over my lifetime there is one picture that stands out in my mind due to how it was able to make a strong and lasting impact on me. Most pictures come and go just as our memories do but in this particular case this inspiring photograph will never be able to escape my thoughts. The famous photograph that I am referring to it titled, “V–J day in Times Square” and was captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt. The photograph portrays an American sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on August 14, 1945. It was originally published in Life magazine, along with others, to celebrate the end of the war. I told my sister how much I loved this picture and she eventually bought it for me and framed it so I am now able to look at it all the time. The first thing that drew me to this picture was the obvious romance and passion that the picture portrayed. I am also a huge fan of black and white photography so that captured my attention as well. The picture has great composition and the black and white contrast between the subjects is very visually interesting to me. I liked it even more once I learned the story behind this sudden and impulsive moment in time that happened to be captured by the photographer. This picture not only has a great subject but the background is also fascinating. I like the depth of field as your eye very easily leads you down the long street of New York City. I also love the faces of the people in the background of this photo who are watching the kissing couple and laughing and looking remarkably happy. I think this photo is a great reminder of this happy day and is a photo that will live on forever and will never be forgotten. This picture not only puts a smile on my face whenever I see it, but it also reminds me of our past and at the same time gives me hope and excitement when I look to the future. I do not see this picture as just a random sailor running down the street kissing every girl in site, but to me it represents true love and inspires me about the future.