Tenderness

This photograph says a lot to me. What makes it so effective is the toddler's outstretching hand to the shadow of presumably her mother. This photograph is very tender by highlighting the child adoration of her mother. She is interacting with the shadow, she is taking comfort in it. She does not look upset or sad, she seems completely at ease. I believe this image has more impact by using the shadow of the mother and not the mother herself. I think that was a conscious decision made by the photographer. A decision that increases the impact ten fold in my opinion. 

This is called "Nuclear Family" by Linda Plaisted.