I know two things about Dutch photographer Hugh Van Es:
1. He died last week.
2. He took this picture:
This is probably the most recognizable image from the American conflict in Viet Nam. (If you can think of another one, please say so, but I can’t.) It became a classic image of U.S. withdrawal in 1975.
Fun fact: This isn’t the American Embassy, as captions usually say. I think it’s just a hotel.
Anyway, I am going somewhere with this. Have you ever taken a picture like this? A single image that completely sums up a place, a period of time, or a state of mind?
What a great goal to keep in mind when you’re taking pictures of your own family – capturing an image that says it all. Chances are that standing everybody shoulder to shoulder flashing plastic grins isn’t going to do it.
Of course, I don’t have any idea how you CAN do it…but isn’t a great ambition anyway?
[photo courtesy of http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/05/17/arts/15vanesobit.jpg]
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