My Favorite Cover

Wired, September 2014, Edward Snowden

"Edward Snowden didn't want to be photographed. He wanted his actions--leaking classified NSA files--to be the focus of any story, not his face. But. But. Being shot by Platon, who has photographed world leaders like Dick Cheney, George Bush (both of them), and Vladimir Putin, puts him on the same level as those subjects, elevating his message. So out of complicated motivations comes a tense and compelling photograph. As Snowden holds the flag, his face and his hands convey both respect and hurt--a flickering combination of protectiveness and vulnerability. Words would tip the reader toward a single interpretation. So. No design. No cover lines. Just an image, however you choose to look at it." 

I like this cover for Wired because it shows good rules of photography. Simplicity is evident with a simple background. The portrait is balanced with the Subject centered. I like how the cover photo depicts the man in a serious matter because of the serious topic in the magazine. Government secrets are not a happy thing and Snowden's facial expression helps you see that. Another thing I like is how the american flag is being cradled like a baby. It helps to shows that he is helping us for what he did.