World Press Photo Gallery

by 2007 prizewinners

As a sponsor of the World Press Photo 07 exhibition in Toronto, The Walrus is pleased to present a critical analysis of a selection of the images.

Photographer: Carolyn Cole, USA, Los Angeles Times

Description: Singer Debbie Davis puts on powder before the show at Tipitina's theater in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where the tradition of burlesque is making a comeback.

The nationwide revival treats much of the striptease element of burlesque in a slightly tongue-in-cheek fashion, and includes a traditional touch of variety, with singers, comedians and jazz bands on the bill.

Comment by Dolores Gubasta, picture editor and founder of klixpix.com:

This well rounded beauty is like a throwback to when iconic American women had big voices too. Captured unaware, almost as if the camera was the mirror, the intimate moment is reflected back to us to catch her covering up her tan lines. It's funny, optimistic and echoes the spirit of the city of New Orleans sprucing itself up and putting her best campy face forward.

The peripheral people in the background add mystery and beg the questions: What else is going on here? What kind of entertainer is she?

The soft light warms the scene to a make an enticing environmental portrait which tells a story. The opening-night jitters are palpable. Rather than seeing it flashed or with backstage makeup mirrors glaring, the ambiance of the green room is retained. It's nice to see a portrait not bleached out by flat lighting. Digital cameras are amazing for absorbing light fast and keeping the mood.

Hope and optimism prevail in this picture. With all the doom and gloom in our wonderful horrible world, this one offers up hope for a brighter future.

Further reading in The Walrus:
- "Moving for Mitt" (September 2007)

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