Michael Shaw, Author at Reading The Pictures

Media Focus Photo January 11, 2016

On the Sean Penn – “El Chapo” Photo

This photo might have been for proof, but what it really does is promote three brands.

Business Focus Photo January 8, 2016

House of Pain: What a Wall Street Pummeling Looks Like

These trading floor scenes tell you all you need to know about America's tie to China's wallet.

Gun Violence Photo January 6, 2016

On Obama’s Tears

Obama's tears not only give Americans permission to feel and to grieve over what’s been confined to a political battle, but also to weep.

Culture Focus Photo January 5, 2016

Has Disaster Gone Modern? New Years Fire & Fireworks in Dubai

Are disasters the trade-off for living in a grander, richer, more technological, more super-sized and more sensational century?

Media Focus Photo January 4, 2016

Cosby: The Premier

Featuring Bill Cosby arriving at his booking, the Reuters photo foreshadows the coming media show.

Business Focus Photo January 1, 2016

To 2016 — And Photos Like We’ve Never Seen

In the new year, we're going to see a lot more wondrous and unusual imagery at the intersection of science, technology and nature.

Media Focus Photo December 30, 2015

The Visual Sin of the Year

The admission of an unethical act is not an excuse for publishing these photos. And passing off the unethical act as news is not justification either.

Campaign '16 Photo December 29, 2015

Foreshadowing the GOP Race From Hell

Early on in the process, Haviv's photo captured the temperature of the race.

Eco Watch Photo December 27, 2015

Winter is Missing. Congress, too.

With conservatives controlling both chambers, the reaction is predictable: are you going to believe us, or your own eyes?

Business Focus Photo December 23, 2015

Seasons Greetings

I really like this one, specifically at this holiday and gift-giving season.

International Focus Photo December 20, 2015

Most Prominent Photo Objects of 2015: The Life Jacket

Who knows how many powerful images were published this year of life jackets either worn or discarded by migrants.

Campaign '16 Photo December 16, 2015

The GOP Debate with the Sound Off

So a year in to the GOP race, what can we glean from last night's Las Vegas show?

International Focus Photo December 14, 2015

A “Fist Pumping” Election Victory for Saudi Women?

This Saudi election photo makes you realize how much the west sees thing through its own eyes.

Race & Ethnicity Photo December 13, 2015

Police Ride-Along Photography and Natalie Keyssar’s New Turn

As concern has escalated in America over police violence and race relations, attention has risen, too, over how photojournalism depicts the issue. Read on.