Blog Assignment #4: Writing on a Photograph

Upon viewing Edward Kelty’s photos of circus people, I have come across a photo that successfully displays aged circus life. This photo exhibits the excitement of an event that presents the unordinary to its audience. The photo is taken from an observant viewpoint; the photographer is overlooking the event as it is taking place. In the photograph, the audience is at full capacity surrounding the center of the event. The vast amounts of individuals in the photo become indistinctive. This event is depicted as a large gathering of intriguing excitement. Edward Kelty was able to evoke the importance of the event in the eyes of its large audience without dishonoring the focal point of circus life-its performers. At the center of the enclosed audience, performers are shown intentionally posing for the photograph.  A trail of elephants are shown abaft the large cast consisting of clowns, acrobats, musicians, officers and vendors. Kelty is able to present the admiration of circus life to its viewer through this photograph. Although the large amounts of spectators begin to dissolve into one another, taking a more concentrated look of this photo displays the circus as a place of happiness. Being under a white tent of eccentric performance shows that the circus is an event that is appreciated; considering its extensive audience. Edward Kelty’s photo is able to present this timeless event in the most efficient manner, as this photograph is a resource adequately exposing our past.