Memorial Day

I was an hour early for my appointment at the VA so I took a walk through the cemetery. This shot was totally candid. I hesitated to take it worried that it was invading her grief and privacy.
In honor of her and her fallen loved one.
Have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend.
National Cemetery, Mountain Home, TN.

grizzerbear wrote in post #18020311
I was an hour early for my appointment at the VA so I took a walk through the cemetery. This shot was totally candid. I hesitated to take it worried that it was invading her grief and privacy.
In honor of her and her fallen loved one.
Have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend.
National Cemetery, Mountain Home, TN.

Hosted photo: posted by grizzerbear in
./showthread.php?p=180​20311&i=i88334789
forum: People

Absolutely excellent. Thank you for sharing and thank all those who served.

Such a powerful image.

Hard not to tear up seeing this. Evocative, powerful image; thanks for sharing.

A1original wrote in post #18020662
Absolutely excellent. Thank you for sharing and thank all those who served.

Capn Jack wrote in post #18020693
Such a powerful image.

north20 wrote in post #18020719
Hard not to tear up seeing this. Evocative, powerful image; thanks for sharing.

You kind comments are greatly appreciated.
I seldom do "people pictures" but this one just happened.
Yes indeed, thanks to all who have served.

Wow, very touching image. Would this be something that you'd talk with her and offer her a copy of?

ronlane wrote in post #18021008
Wow, very touching image. Would this be something that you'd talk with her and offer her a copy of?

......and that could easily go either way. I would be afraid that she would take it as an invasion of her most personal, private moment. Especially by a complete stranger that has just taken a picture of her at her most vulnerable.

No.......I believe I would pass on approaching her.

The picture, however, is very strong.

ronlane wrote in post #18021008
Wow, very touching image. Would this be something that you'd talk with her and offer her a copy of?

Thank you Ron. Your suggestion is very thoughtful. As I said, I seldom do "people pictures" but your thought certainly gives me something to consider in the future.

However, at the time the picture was taken, to have interrupted the silence would have been sacrilegious.

Thanks again.

saea501 wrote in post #18021019
......and that could easily go either way. I would be afraid that she would take it as an invasion of her most personal, private moment. Especially by a complete stranger that has just taken a picture of her at her most vulnerable.

No.......I believe I would pass on approaching her.

The picture, however, is very strong.

Thank you very much for your comments saea.
I agree completely and would never have shared this picture if the woman was recognizable. It would be far too personal for most people.
Part of my love of this picture is the anonymity of the grieving person . . . it draws the viewer into "being her" so to speak.
I have three military enlistments in my past and this still brings tears to my eyes.
On a practical level, I couldn't approach her even if I wanted to. I have no idea who she is.
Thanks again.

Awesome photo and the real true meaning behind Memorial Day that many don't give a thought to.

frayne wrote in post #18021229
Awesome photo and the real true meaning behind Memorial Day that many don't give a thought to.

I couldn't agree more. This shot still gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for your kind comment.

Really, really awesome. Would love to see a B+W conversion too I think.

I love the image, but think it's a little too warm. Thanks for sharing it.

Powerful image well captured. Hope it is okay to post this photo I took this morning at the Marietta National Military Cemetery.

In memory of those who paid the ultimate price.

MBB89 wrote in post #18022270
Really, really awesome. Would love to see a B+W conversion too I think.

bob_r wrote in post #18022699
I love the image, but think it's a little too warm. Thanks for sharing it.

Thank you very much for your kind comments.
I especially appreciate your critiques as well . . . post processing is my weak point and I am often too quick or sloppy. Your ideas push me out of my comfort zone and inspire me to try different techniques.
Thanks again.