Sarah's Inauguration Pick

This National Geographic photo is my favorite.

The composition is tight: everything that is included in the frame should be in the frame. The angle the photographer shot from highlights the situation, a lot of people looking at one small television set. He included the arc of darkness behind the television in the photo, which helps to frame the photo.

The lighting works technically and compositionally. The photographer embraced the low light situation by using the blue-hue of the television as the main light source. The blue-hued light contrasts with the yellow lighting in the background, giving the photo some visual pop. There is some blur, but it works with the moment. There is very little light noise.

He waited for the moment.

- Sarah Pelham