Photojournalism: Fifth Photograph

This photograph was taken by Michael Holahan and originally published in the Augusta Chronicle.

This picture features Anthony Harley, 16, who is hosting a car wash to raise money for his mother’s funeral. She died unexpectedly right beside both him and his twin siblings in a hotel room. She was 34-years old. The cause was not listed.

This picture was taken by photojournalist Michael Holahan and originally featured by the Augusta Chronicle. Holahan was born in Los Angeles, but spent most of his childhood in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Florida with two degrees; one in political science and one in journalism. Holahan works as a staff photographer at the Sacramento Bee's zoned editions and has been recognized by organization such as the NPPA for his photography.

This photograph features many news values. Impact is the biggest, followed by conflict and bizarre. This photograph is impactful because everyone, at one time or another, will experience the same loss that Anthony has just faced. Many have already. Empathy creates a large area of impact. This photograph features conflict because Anthony is faced with the internal conflict of knowing what he must do to give his mother a proper burial versus the desire inside he feels to break down and mourn. This photograph is bizarre (and sad) because it is unusual to see anyone -- and particularly children -- hosting a car wash to pay for their mother's funeral. It is a heartbreaking and impactful story.