Leadership Abilities

     I believe this photo shows stronger leadership abilities on Obama's part. The caption stated that during this time he was being briefed on the BP oil spill in Mississippi. This photo, as opposed to the last photo, shows Obama fully engaged in discussion whereas the first photo portrayed a mere daydreaming Obama. My first impression of the first photo was that he did seem saddened by the incident. This photo, however, shows him fully aware as if he is explaining this grand plan to Admiral Allen. The first photo also showed what seemed to be a flourishing green background with a book/table? That is well and all, but I am sure that after an oil spill, the infected area will not be lush. This photo portrays photos from the incident in the background, which looks much more professional and allows for an emotional response from the viewers. 

Observations:

    Obama's hands are in motion along with his shoulders dropped and he is currently speaking while the other listens. This leads me to believe the photo was spontaneous and not posed. As the reader, we cannot tell where exactly Obama is looking; he seems to be looking off of the page. This leads me to wonder who is in the foreground. The two men are spaced fairly close together, but they do not seem to be too close for comfort. There are two people seen: Obama and Admiral Allen. Admiral Allen is an older male, possibly early 50s. He is in his coast guard uniform, which gives him the look of credibility on the topic and looks extremely professional. Obama, however, is not dressed to impress. He is in a button up shirt, loosely done with his sleeves rolled up. The camera angle is straight forward, so I am getting the feeling they are in a controlled environment, such as a news room. I believe the message portrays Obama as being a leader in this situation. The flag in the background plays to nationality, which is strong during times of crisis. 

Questions:

      Why is Obama dressed down? Does that show that the photo really was at a spontaneous moment? 
       Where are both men looking off to? 
       What audience does this news subscribe to? What audience subscribes to this news? 

Caption:

     I think the current caption really makes me feel Obama's sense of leadership. Had it been something like "Obama sits with Coast Guard Admiral to discuss oil spill in Mississippi," it would throw off the initial observation that he is discussing a plan of action. I would feel as if he was more discussing the issue flat with no plan of action.