Many will look at Alfred Eisenstaedt’s iconic image of the sailor kissing the pretty nurse and immediately conclude that it is a good photograph. While this may be true, there are many technical aspects to why this image has become a classic. Technically speaking, in black and white form, there is a great sense of value. We find dark blacks in the suit and pure whites in the sailor’s hat as well as the sailor in the background. Although the two interacting figures are placed almost directly in the center, it works because of the arching form into the right side of the image. The woman falls on a successful diagonal. Not only is it technically well captured but also the content is great. It is interesting to know this wasn’t a planned picture, and one of the greatest things about photography is the ability to capture a moment. This photo captures two people’s intense feelings towards each other as well as providing the happy reactions of onlookers in the back. There’s nothing wrong with a simple, sweet photograph being declared as a good one.
