Oliver Morton
March 2025 - Emotions
About the Image(s)
I took this photograph at the Vietnam Memorial 12 years ago. “The Wall” of over 50,000 names of soldiers who passed away in the Vietnam war is an emotional place. Many people visit to see or touch the name of a friend or loved one. This man was showing his friend’s name to his wife. The emotion on his face conveys the moment.
Unfortunately, I do not have the original photograph.
Data: Canon 5D Mark III; 70-200mm @ 165mm; 1/4000 sec; f/4.0; ISO 400
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
You can almost hear him saying, "He was my best friend". The image is sharp and has a lot of texture, adding to the emotion. I wonder, was he a Marine (hat) or a soldier (shirt)? Posted: 03/04/2025 16:18:39
Richard, it was very emotional for me to watch this man. The moment meant a great deal to him.
I hadn't noticed the conflicting Marine vs. Army clothing. Interesting question!
Posted: 03/05/2025 21:59:08
I hadn't noticed the conflicting Marine vs. Army clothing. Interesting question!
Posted: 03/05/2025 21:59:08
(Groups 21 & 48 & 71)
Pete, you can feel the hurt rolling around inside this Vet. This image has great visual impact and interest, and certainly communicates a message. I also think B&W was the way to go. I might clone out Army on his jacket. Excellent! Posted: 03/06/2025 14:35:47
Thank you, Tom! I felt honored to be there, and, at the same time, I felt that it should have been a private moment for the man. Posted: 03/19/2025 13:39:04
Wow that's really raw. Powerful. We totally get it. I don't want to change a thing. Great capture and congratulations for capturing the moment. Posted: 03/08/2025 16:32:59
WOW! Nothing to add.. Just pure magically captured the moment! Posted: 03/19/2025 11:58:59
At my camera club this week a distinguished member was critiquing other members mono images. His first comment for each image was "would colour add to this image or would it introduce distractions". I ask myself this question of your image. My answer is that colour would not add anything and could distract the viewer. After agreeing that mono was best I would ask why you have waited 12 years to show what is a superb image which tells a great story. Posted: 03/22/2025 11:07:08
This photo really hits home-you can practically hear what he's thinking. The black and white adds powerful emotion and great texture, making the moment even stronger. I'm with David on this one; color might have taken away from the feeling, so going monochrome was definitely the right choice. Posted: 03/30/2025 09:59:51