This photograph depicts a girl standing on the table with an elegant ballet pose. There are two people in the darkness besides the table watching the girl. The controversy of this image is showing the nudity of a minor. Although Mann might have already gotten the girl’s consent of photographing, we, with nowadays’ value and ethic standards, may consider this image as inappropriate. However, at that time, I believe Mann cares more about the beauty of the shot and how to show the serenity of the girl on the table. The other thing I like of this shot is the strong contrast of dark and light in the composition of lighting. The girl, the main subject, is under sunlight (natural light) and the viewers are in shades. This setting makes the girl the absolute highlight of the picture.
Mann, Sally. “Family Pictures.” https://www.sallymann.com/new-gallery-1/bsh8000qwrqrry5mrlfyt3vf4xge7z. Access 20 Feb 2021.
Sally Mann shot several nudes of her children and the controversy was over whether or not this was an act of exploitation.