Analysis of Two Visual Texts

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Two Photographs Capturing Air Pollution
What do you think of when you hear the words “air pollution?” Many of us believe air pollution is dangerous to our health and believe in enacting stricter laws. As West Virginians, we deal with air pollution every day due to the several chemical plants in the area and the number of people driving. Likewise, there are air pollution problems in other parts of the United States. However, in other countries such as China, severe air pollution is a major problem and needs to be addressed. Photographers such as Robert Nickelsberg and Kuang Yin help us visualize the health and environmental effects of air pollution on the human population. Robert Nickelsberg is a Times Magazine photojournalist, while Kuang Yin is a photojournalist through Greenpeace. Nickelsberg’s photograph, authorized through Getty Images, is captioned “Bad for Health, But Good for Planet,” and describes how chemical plant pollution can stop global warming. Kuang Yin’s photograph, titled “Severe Air Pollution” was authorized through Greenpeace to document China’s major air pollution problems. A close look at these two photos shows their skillful use of focusing and framing. Robert Nickelsberg and Kuang Yin capture the emotional and physical realities of air pollution in the world.
Robert Nickelsberg’s photograph of the Bruce Mansfield chemical plant in Pennsylvania shows pollution that is produced in the air, which conveys a feeling of cautiousness. The accompanying article, written by Richard Harris, explains the dangerous health effects associated with air pollution and the diseases it can cause such as lung and heart disease. However, this article shows us a different perspective on air pollution. In addition, the article...

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...l control of the elements that influence our emotional responses to their work. Though they both show air pollution, these photographers are able to convey the distinct realities of their subjects’ situations and consequently send viewers away in different emotional states: one of sympathy, one of vulnerability. However, both photographs succeed in delivering strong, lasting emotional statements.

Works Cited
Nickelsberg, Robert. Air Polution: Bad For Health, But Good For Planet? 2011. Getty Images,
Shippingport, PA. Www.npr.org. Web. 26 Apr. 2014. .
Yin, Kuang. Severe Air Pollution. 2013. Greenpeace, China. Www.greenpeace.org. Web. 26
Apr. 2014. .

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