I don't think you needed to make your disclaimer.
A cat may look on a king, a Gandhi may photograph a Hitler?
Anyway...
This is stunningly well lit and composed. It will surely be a finalist. I think it is one of the best entries I've seen in any of the recent weekly assignments.
Beautiful shot, I bet the former Stasi could have boosted there enlistment if they had a shot like this. Who wouldn't want to sign up if they could wear a cool hat like this. ....Not me.
-Nick
This is a fantastic shot, Andrew! Undoubtedly, you made it look a lot better with the dramatic lighting and B & W conversion than it would look in real life. The East Germans and Russians weren't known for their sartorial splendor. It just goes to show that it's possible to make something associated with real evil into beautiful art. Great work. A finalist for sure!
Great shot Andrew. Perfect lighting, focus and crop.
MarcR wrote:
Very well lit indeed! I'm just amazed how many of you
Americans have stuff from the darker parts of German
history
Best,
Marc.
The darker parts of German history are also some of America's darker times. The U.S. had some 10 million troops in the European theater during WWII, around 300,000 Americans died and as many returned home wounded. There was scarcely an American family not effected first hand by WWII. Most of the soldiers brought back mementos, certainly not as a glorification but a reminder of the price they paid and the dangers of tyranny.
Let me say I would guess this to be a finalist for sure- it's a stunning image! Great lighting and color (if you would call it that). I think the light on the brim of the hat is perfect. My one thought is that the reflection of the glare on the brim at the bottom is distracting, I would crop it out.
Tom Basore wrote:
The darker parts of German history are also some of America's darker times. The U.S. had some 10 million troops in the European theater during WWII, around 300,000 Americans died and as many returned home wounded. There was scarcely an American family not effected first hand by WWII. Most of the soldiers brought back mementos, certainly not as a glorification but a reminder of the price they paid and the dangers of tyranny.
I give you that, Tom. What I meant was responsibility. The Americans
were surely not responsible. Thanks for your comment.
Marc,
I don't think it's just Americans that collect this stuff heavily. The Cold War covered several decades, and all of Europe is littered with this junk. This hat was given to me as a casual gift, but I'm sure it only costs a couple dollars. I even bought an SKS rifle in unissued condition, for $100 -- and it's a wonderful shooter!
It's almost like a certain type of car. Once you start thinking about it, you see it everywhere! Thanks again for the comments...
Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.
I don't think that at all. It certainly is an interesting phenomenon. I figured the topic would start a bit of a discussion.
Thanks again!
