An Indication of Dedication

The picture of Russian naval cadets learning the basics of naval navigation serves to show and generalize the dedication that these cadets have toward what they do as well as highlight their ability to do so. There are many different aspects to learning these basics, but it is obvious that the photographer chose this situation to communicate this message because it shows the daringness of the cadets. This quality is presented in the picture by showing the cadets working on what is most likely the gaff of a ship. The fact that deck of the ship cannot be seen from the picture, which implies that the cadets are several feet in the air, along with the fact that the ship is rocking from side to side, which is apparent from the water not being parallel with the top and bottom of the picture, indicate the dangerous situation. With nothing supporting them but a rope in which they are balancing on, this feat is a quite daring one that requires a lot of dedication to carry out.

While the situation in the picture shows the cadets’ dedication, the distance that the photographer was from the cadets and the lighting serve to generalize it. The sun casts a shadow on the cadets, which keeps viewers from looking at each one as an individual. Even if this were not the case, the distance the photographer is from the cadets would hinder viewers from focusing on one individual. These two aspects of the photograph cause viewers to generalize that all Russian naval cadets are as dedicated as the ones shown in the picture.

  For the most part, the background of the picture is a light shade of blue due to the sky. This color indicates tranquility, which greatly helps to balance out the tension of the risky and hectic situation that the cadets are in. A darker shade of blue is presented by the ocean, which serves to suggest the expertise and stability of the cadets because these two characteristics are associated with that color.