Arrangement of Woolworth Sit-in Photograph

Most photographs, at first glance, don’t appear to have much thought of arrangement put into them. This photo of the Woolworth Sit-in is no exception; and in all probability the photographer most likely didn’t think about arrangement at all while snapping the photo. Even though Jack Moebes, the photographer, had to quickly take this photo and be on his way, there are aspects of arrangement that definitely benefit this photo’s rhetoric. By capturing primarily the four men at the counter, a viewer is more likely to the specific issue at hand; rather than be distracted by other people. The lack of people also implies that the protest was not desirable thing to be around, so people stayed away as they didn’t agree. Moebes also captured the man behind the counter; the man who is dark skinned just like the protesters. If even he won’t serve the four men, Woolworth’s policies must be totally reasonable..right? With not much intention, Moebes said a lot with his arrangement of this photo.

-Christina Atchison