POTM [09/08] - Memories, Black and Blue

Memories, Black and Blue



Taken from the Vietnam War Memorial called "The Wall", a man kneels to the name and memory of one of the first fallen.

 

Very nice mate.

I would personally say that if he was alone it would have had a greater effect, as all the others reflections are kinda drawing away.

 

I personally feel it would have been much much stronger if the model was doing something with the wall (hand on wall, flowers, etc). Rather he's reading a piece of paper in front of this tragic reminder of war. Its just not as powerful for me. I don't feel a strong "blue" emotion coming from him.

 

Hey guys, thanks for the positive feedback so far.

@outlaw: Unfortunately, telling about 600 people to please clear the area was not about to happen Besides, I found that afterward, I appreciated the contrast of some people just shuffling by compared to the quiet reflection of this particular guy. However, I agree that the reflections are kind of distracting, and I think I might soften them down a bit in future processing. I like their presence, but not their clarity.

@akpoly: I agree that could have made for a bit of a more poignant image. However, this wasn't a model - it's a raw capture of someone who I have no clue of and his personal moment there (The monument, if you've never been, is really quite powerful - if you have, though, you know what I mean). I look at the fact that his paper is actually in a protective leaf for a binder (and zoomed in, it is actually a short epitaph/bio of the soldier) and see a strong personal connection, despite the lack of contact - this is something that the guy has SAVED. So though I agree with the thought you're proposing in principle to lend an immediate heartstring pull, I would rather have an imperfect natural moment than a perfect but posed one out of this particular area - it seems more...respectful.

 

I only called him a model because he is posing for your shot even if you didn't stage him. Don't know what else to call him, haha

 

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