In the photo “The Struggling Girl”, Kevin Carter uses perspective, exposure, and connotation to accentuate the consequences of famine on an impoverished child. The most evident element of the picture’s structure is its perspective. The girl is depicted in the lower right corner of the photo, while the vulture is closer to the center. This choice of angle allows the audience to see that extreme malnutrition essentially renders animal life superior to human children.
The second element is exposure, which is delivered via the amount of light. Overall, the brighter colors are prevalent in the picture due to the daytime. However, the shadows falling underneath the child compose a deep and dark-lit segment. The girl’s stomach and face cannot be seen, implying extreme neediness. The shadow is also symbolic, as it signifies the threat of death emanating from both malnutrition and wildlife.
Finally, connotation allows the photographer to convey the hidden meaning of this picture. On the surface, the picture may create the impression of a child lost in the wilderness. However, closer examination allows the viewers to see that the girl experiences extreme starvation due to the abnormally small size of her limbs. The hidden meaning is that famine makes children defenseless against nature, which is represented by the bird that looks to have a size close to the child.
These artistic choices allow the photographer to capture the vulnerability and despair of a child. The use of perspective convinces the audience that the vulture is physically threatening. The exposure allows the photographer to accentuate shadows as the symbol of death, while the overall connotation conveys the consequences of famines. Ultimately, the photographer aims to emphasize the hardships that impoverished and food-deprived children can experience.