This image captures the hands of a smoker loading a gun with cigarettes.
The main focus of the image is the smoker, the gun, and the cigarettes.
The most prominent elements are the hands and the cigarettes. The gun is not immediately seen against the black backdrop. The artist has possibly done this on purpose so that when the observer does notice the gun it has more of an effect on them
The image has been cropped in such a way that only the hands of the subject are visible. This is done so that any observer can relate to the photo and put themselves in the position of the subject displayed.
The visual elements in this image are asymmetrical.
The main focuses of the picture are the actual hands, cigarettes, gun, and the main idea and title, “Smoking Kills”. The smaller text off to the side that list the different adverse affects that smoking can have are much smaller and require more attention.
The overall lighting of the picture is dark. This is done to portray the message that smoking is an undesirable activity to be involved in.
There is contrast between the dark backdrop and the hands and cigarettes. This is done to make the image pop more.
The main idea of the image is that cigarettes are equally dangerous as a gun bullet.
This image is personally striking to me. I personally do not smoke, but if I did I believe that the image would impact me. By putting the message into visual means, the creator is sending a much more intense message, and will yield a much higher reaction. Visualizing a cigarette being associated with a gun speaks to me much more than just saying “Don’t Smoke Cigarettes, they are bad for you.”
Now, compare that image with this one:
* The colors in this image are much brighter, which conveys a much happier mood.
* The content is very different. It portrays cigarettes as having an integral place in festive activities. Christmas is a happy time, and recalls happy memories (for most). By associating cigarettes with Santa Claus, it sends the message (especially to kids/”future customers”) that cigarettes are happy things too.
Recent Anti-smoking ads that take a different approach:
