Picture Perfect

My mother e-mailed me a joke today, and claims it was sent to her by a Republican friend of hers. As a photographer, I particularly enjoyed it:

This test only has one question, but it's a very important one.

By giving an honest answer, you will discover where you stand morally. The test features an unlikely, completely fictional situation in which you will have to make a decision. Remember that your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous.

Please scroll down slowly and give due consideration to each line.

You are in Florida, Miami to be specific. There is chaos all around you, caused by a hurricane with severe flooding. This is a flood of biblical proportions. You are a photojournalist working for a major newspaper,and you're caught in the middle of this epic disaster.

The situation is nearly hopeless. You're trying to shootcareer-making photos. There are houses and people swirling around you, some disappearing under the water. Nature is unleashing all of its destructive fury.

Suddenly you see a man floundering in the water. He is fighting for his life, trying not to be taken down with the debris.You move closer. . .somehow the man looks familiar. You suddenly realize who it is.

It's George W. Bush!

At the same time, you notice that the raging waters are about to take him under ... forever. You have two options--you can save the life of George W. Bush or you can shoot a dramatic, Pulitzer Prize-winning photo, documenting the death of one of the world's most powerful men.

So here's the question, and please give an honest answer:


Would you select high contrast color film, or would you go with the classic simplicity of black and white?