subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 20 July 2019 33
interests, famines, wars,
pestilence don’t show from that
distance.’ The sight of Earth
from space had a profound
effect on all three astronauts
but, more importantly, it had
an effect on the general public
too. Shortly after their return,
‘Earthrise’ was printed across
a double-page spread in LIFE
magazine and went on to
inspire environmentalists.
An image that transcends
the photographer
Part of the photograph’s success
is that it strengthens our
emotional connection to Earth- it reminds us that we are all
citizens of a beautiful, fragile
planet. Anders never intended
to sway public opinion or
provide scientific insight with
his picture; he simply wanted
to share his excitement with the
world. As such, he is modest
about his part in the creation of
the picture. ‘I don’t take much
philosophical artistic credit,’ he
said in an interview for Go
Project Films. ‘I just happened
to be there, had the camera,
wanted the colour film and
took the picture.’ This is one
instance where the image
transcends the photographer.
Once Anders handed over thefilm, the picture was developed,
rotated, cropped, and
distributed to the media
worldwide. It should have been
a game changer; it should have
prompted change, but that
changehasyettocome.To find out more see Earthrise: The Story
of the Photo That Changed the World,
http://www.goprojectfilms.com, or visit NASA
at http://www.nasa.gov.