The photo above was taken at the widely controversial Supreme Court confirmation hearing of Brett Kavanaugh (right). Fred Guttenberg (left) is the father of a girl who was killed during the Parkland School Shooting in February of this year, who has become a passionate advocate for gun reform, something that Kavanaugh is strongly against. Guttenberg extends his arm to shake Brett Kavanaugh’s hand, who pulls away from him. Guttenberg’s arm catches the viewer’s eye immediately, and then acts as a bridge to take the viewers eye to the right side of the photo. Guttenberg seems open and literally reaching to bridge the gap between him and Kavanugh, despite their deeply different political ideals. Kavanaugh stands with his hands close to his torso, signifying that he’s closed off and has no interest in bridging the gap. From there we notice more subtle aspects that create the overall intensity of the photo like Kavanaughs look of apathy, Zina Bash’s (center) look of nervousness as she clutches her bag tightly and stares off to the side, and the various expressions of the people in the back watching the interaction unfold. The two figures, and even the people in the back have not only a pleasingly symmetrical alignment, but they are separated by just enough space that there is a strong feeling of tension. The highlight on Guttenberg’s hand draws attention quickly, and the highlights on both men’s faces make it feel as if they both have a spotlight on them. The actual spotlights in the back add to this by giving literal light directing the eye to the men. The dark suits and Bash’s dress connect the picture from one side to the other, while the lighter clothing almost separates each person into sections, reminding the audience how divided and intense the court hearing is. The photo gives a view of a small moment in time that has huge implications on both the past, and the future of the United States. The composition highlights a man’s attempt to reach a government official in hopes of being listened to, and shows how this attempt is ignored. It tells the story of past tragedies and the continual contempt for civilians who try to advocate for change.
