Write an analytical essay about the following photograph.

In what ways does the photographer use the features of photographs to convey his
message?
(Ten-year-old Vietnamese soldier, 1968, Philip Jones Griffiths)

This photograph named “Ten-year-old Vietnamese soldier” was shot

by Philip Jones Griffiths in 1968. The photograph captures a
moment where there are 4 Vietnamese soldiers, a truck in the back
and in a place which appears to be a rural area. The main focus of
the photograph is the 10 year old Vietnamese boy, who is apparently
also a soldier, as we see him centered in the middle of the
photograph and the title of the photograph being a description of his
identity. The photograph explores the effects of the Vietnamese War
on the civilian population and the recruitment of children as
soldiers, which shows great depths about the situation back then.

The object of the photograph is a person, as already mentioned the

10 year old boy. He wears a full outfit of military clothing, with a
helmet on top of his head, which is clearly too big for him,
suggesting the fact that a 10 year old boy's place is not the
battlefield. Another detail about his attire would be the boots he is
wearing which are, like the helmet, too big for him, which again
suggests his presence on the battlefield is not suitable. Also the body language of the boy shows
that he is absolutely confused and perplexed, understood from the positioning of his arms and
hand on his waist, as he is just a child being forced to be a soldier. His gaze and eyes also show
his confusion and absolute fear he experiences, further intensifying the empathy the viewer can
do for this boy.

The color of the photo plays an enormous role in the composition. The black and white color
choice adds to the melancholic, depressing and a pessimistic mood, which is already set by the
content of the photo, a 10 year old being forced to be a soldier. In such a photograph where the
message is showing harsh and dark realities of wars and battlefields, the choice of black and
white photography is suitable according to the overall context.

The concept of focus in the photograph also plays a significant role, as the focus is on the boy
and the background is slightly blurrier. Also according to the rule of thirds, the boy falls in the
middle of the photo, although not completely. The focus being on him shows that the main
message the photograph tries to deliver is about the boys presence on a battlefield and the
background, in which there are actual adult soldiers, being slightly blurry also stresses the irony
and also makes the viewer think of juxtaposition, where two opposite statuses, 3 actual soldiers
and a boy made into a soldier, show the abnormality of the boy being there.
The camera's angle also is important, as its bird’s eye view for the boy and for the other soldiers
being eye level, which shows how even physically he is not suitable for the environment and
status he is in, and his emotional status, which probably makes him feel low and unadaptable to
the overall setting. The bird’s eye view stresses the enormous size of his boots and helmet, again
making us viewers feel his situation.

The role of light in the photograph is also deserving of being explored. Even though the photo is
black and white, we see the presence of natural light, which is sunlight coming from the left hand
side direction, as the shadows of the soldiers are facing right. Also, the faces of the soldiers in
the back are mostly dark, which makes it hard to see them, whereas the face of the boy is pretty
clear and bright, which shows again how he is focused in the photograph.

Griffiths' photo "Ten-year-old Vietnamese soldier" serves as a poignant portrayal of the Vietnam
War's toll on civilians, specifically shedding light on the plight of child soldiers. It emphasizes
the exploitation of innocence amidst the chaos of armed conflict. The image of the boy, dwarfed
by oversized military attire, symbolizes the premature burden forced upon him. His fearful
expression and uncertain stance vividly depict the emotional turmoil experienced by a child in
war. The use of black and white photography intensifies the solemn mood, while the deliberate
focus on the boy amidst slightly blurred adult soldiers accentuates the unsettling contrast
between youth and warfare. The photo is highly successful in evoking an emotive response. It
skillfully juxtaposes innocence with the brutality of conflict, compelling viewers to contemplate
the devastating impact of war on vulnerable individuals. Through its technical and compositional
choices, the image draws viewers into the tragic narrative, prompting reflection and empathy.

"Ten-year-old Vietnamese soldier" stands as a powerful testament to the human cost of war. Its
composition and emotional resonance compel viewers to confront the heartbreaking reality of
childhood lost amid violence, advocating for empathy and peace amidst the turmoil of armed
conflicts.