Robin Mellor
March 2025 - US Ambulance
About the Image(s)
Saunton Sands, a beach about a mile or so from where I live, hosts a WWII re-enactment. It was one of the beaches American troops used to train for D-Day. The ambulance is an original, but I must admit the sea and the vehicle were photographed in different places, and I combined them. Sometimes reality is not 'real' enough!
This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted
Great shot and story, Robin. The scene has good tonal variations and texture and is well suited for black and white. Sharp details throughout. Well composed. Nice job. Posted: 03/09/2025 13:36:41
Great job in blending in the ambulance as a composite. The scene creates a sense of drama. I would suggest lightening the vignette in the sky on the left of the image. Posted: 03/10/2025 11:37:03
Robin,
Nice mono with good contrast and great sharpness. I appreciate your creativity. Maybe it is my military experience or just plain pickiness, but I think I would have appreciated the effort if the image of the ambulance was more of a side shot. Because of the angle of the ambulance to the ocean it look like it is coming out of the water. Like I said, maybe I'm just to picky. Posted: 03/10/2025 18:45:05
Nice mono with good contrast and great sharpness. I appreciate your creativity. Maybe it is my military experience or just plain pickiness, but I think I would have appreciated the effort if the image of the ambulance was more of a side shot. Because of the angle of the ambulance to the ocean it look like it is coming out of the water. Like I said, maybe I'm just to picky. Posted: 03/10/2025 18:45:05
Mark, I bow to your military experience, and agree re. the vignette. I chose the angle of the vehicle as a more dramatic one than a side view. Posted: 03/20/2025 18:56:31
Robin, great composite. Has a lot of power and works well. The use of mono really sits the storyline but I'd go with Mark in suggesting that the vignette is a trifle heavy. Posted: 03/12/2025 09:20:21
What a story (or rather stories) your photo is suggesting! I find the composition well thought-out since I as a viewer can interpret the placement of the ambulance in different ways - is it mastering those wild waves on its rescue mission, or is it about to be crushed by those harsh and hefty waves and in need to be rescued itself, or maybe it is stranded on that wild beach? The choice of Black and White is perfect as it enhances drama through stark contrast between the ambulance's white sign, the cross, the dark waters, the white surf, and the threatening sky. It makes my eyes move around the photo and therefore spend more time enjoying it. I like also that you have added grains as it reinforces the feel of history and drama. Very well done. Posted: 03/14/2025 17:20:16
Robin-I have to admit this image had me flummoxed when I first saw it. I thought, "Why is the ambulance in the water? The waves behind the vehicle look like they will overpower it! What's going on here?!" It certainly echos D-Day with the wonderful ambulance from the era. Very creative! Posted: 03/28/2025 15:36:16