Let’s Break it Down: Bernie Sanders on the Capitol Steps
Bernie Sanders, an American politician who is currently the senator for the state of Vermont, was photographed sitting down in the shade on the capitol stairs by photojournalist Kent Nishimura. This lead to one of the most popular images on the internet in the year 2022. One must ask themselves, what makes an image go viral? Is it the subject matter? The composition? The narrative? In my view, all three of these elements work hand-in-hand to create an amazing image. Having all three of these elements work together is not common, which is why I believe Bernie’s “sitting on the capitol steps” rightfully deserves its title as one of the most viewed images in 2022.
Let’s start with the subject, Bernie Sanders. Bernie has ran for office a handful of times without successfully being the democratic nominee for the general election. Sanders is known for his “socialist” political agenda which includes heavily taxing the top one percent in an effort to change the lives of the working middle class. Due to America’s history and love of capitalism, Sanders often comes off as a controversial person amongst the media, which could be part of the reason that this image gained so much popularity. He is also loved and admired by millions of people across the nation. Having both a beloved, yet controversial subject in a photograph, is a sure way to draw the attention of millions, but it takes more than that to capture a one of a kind photograph.
Kent Nishimura uses strong composition to capture this photograph which really adds to its artistic appeal. I am not quite certain whether this was a posed or natural portrait of Bernie Sanders, but regardless, it speaks volumes of the talent displayed by Kent as he uses two strong compositional elements to bring the photograph together. The first and most obvious thing that stands out is Bernie being away from the center of the frame. This is considered the “Rule of Thirds” placement, which takes a subject away from the center of a photograph. The rule of thirds is done nicely here by placing Bernie to the far right. This works because a majority of the people who live in western culture read things from left to right.
Kent’s choice of using a wide angle lens was perfect in this scenario, as we’re able to see Bernie, the capitol steps, and a glimpse of a bright sunny day in the background. Another fascinating compositional element used here is Kent’s awareness and use of leading lines to draw the attention towards Bernie. These lines are formed naturally by the capitol steps. Not only are there horizontal lines that lead us left to right, but there are also lines that fall vertically down directly to Bernie on the wall that he is up against. We see now how both the Rule of Thirds and leading lines help make this a unique photograph.
It is clear that Bernie is an incredibly famous politician and there are strong photographic elements that help make this a great photograph; but what really makes this photo go from great to generational? I believe the answer to that question is the narrative that it builds. A great photograph is one that makes you feel an emotion.
When I look at this photo, I feel a sense of defeat. I see somebody who is exhausted and in pain. Typically, when I see images or videos involving stairs, I attribute it towards a person going up the flight in a path towards success. I see a person on top of the staircase celebrating a final destination. This photograph displays quite the opposite of that. It shows a prson laid out, halfway up the steps, in a posture that almost makes you wonder if they have fallen. The direction of the light is another interesting part of this story, as it is a bright sunny day, yet Bernie lays in the only part of the frame that is casting a shadow. Connecting this strong feeling of defeat built by the photograph, along with Bernie’s career in politics, really creates a weight that I believe has made the photograph incredibly famous. I do not look to minimize his success as an incredible senator for the state of Vermont, as Vermont is one of the countries best states, but more so highlight his shortcomings in the race for leading our nation as the president.
All in all, whether it was Bernie’s popularity, the elements of the photograph, or the narrative formed, there is no denying that Kent Nishimura captured a generational photograph. That is what makes photography beautiful. Its ability to draw you in and make time stop for a second as you immerse yourself into another persons masterpiece. Photography is an art that makes us connect with others. In this case, we get a chance to be with, and feel the emotions that Bernie is going through or has gone through.
