Image Critique: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz photo "Women" features Gwyneth Paltrow and her mother Blythe Danner as the subject matter of this image.  The rule of thirds is followed by placing their faces in the top third of the frame creating balance in the image.  The colour green in the background gives a sense of life and purity. A contrast between tones of  black and white are used in their clothing to separate them, however their posture and closeness pull them together.  A strong connection can be made between them.

Family ties play a strong role in Leibovitz' life, which may be seen and reflected in the way she portrays or captures others in family portraits.

Leibovitz sees photography as 'doing a heightened moment or a moment'.  This appears to be one of those moments between a mother and daughter.  A moment where the mother wraps her arms around her daughter, letting her know she is there for her,  comforting her, and proud of her.  Looking out and seeing that things will be alright, and that she is happy she can be there for her daughter.

The daughter, leans against the mother, closes her eyes because she is relaxed, she feels safe, she feels accepted no matter what, that all will be alright in the world so long as she has someone to hold on to her, someone to lean against.

Whether or not this is what Leibovitz was intending to portray,  that is the sense that I get from this photo.  I have a strong relationship with my mother and this image reminded me of similar moments which evoke such feelings within me.