Wasted Lives

ugh...horrible title. maybe the subject of your photo appreciates being called a wasted life though...who knows?

I agree that it's a terrible title and if it were my photo I'd think I was dead or something and be wondering why?

I think the title is fantastic, and adds a dimension to this photo that would not otherwise have been present.

Why would the title be terrible? Because you want to believe that soldiers lives aren't wasted? All war is waste. We'll never be able to do without soldiers and police and other officials, but the fact that we do need them to get by is sad and it is indeed a waste of young and often talented individuals. What could this man have been, what could he have done with his life, if he wasn't required by circumstance to devote himself to defending his country and obeying his superiors? To me, it is a terrible waste, and the title is very apt for this photo.

The title was to capture your attention.

Disco Lizard has sumed up what I was trying to get across.

Thanks for all your comments.

what a great picture, it really makes you think what he is gone through!
The title makes me think about his soldier freinds, were they killed? is that why he is sad?

Very moody shot, I like it.

Great photo, equally great title - makes you think beyond 'great shot' and into considering what it is that's a waste, regardless of your political standpoint.

If you want me to be terribly specific I'd say the use of the old style "brain bucket" with the newer cammies turns me off to this image. That and I also, as a Marine, don't like the title.

Otherwise great photo (exposure, comp), but if I didn't have a modern helmet available I'd go with no cover.

One of the greatest pictures I've seen in this forum.

Mike G

I also love the photo, very intense and deep. Don't like the title, but we all have opinions and I think the photo is the object up for critique, not the title.

Thanks for your comments. Yes the gear is a mix of suff my brother collects from the army depo.

My first impression of the photo and the title were that the soldiers life was lost to war which was a total waste of life. This is not the place to discuss whether we agree with or disagree with the war, but I think we all would pretty much agree that young men dying in a foreign land during any war is a waste of life. This is what art is supposed to be, to invoke emotion and discussion. Great work by the artist and a bunch of great thoughtful replies...

daclozer wrote in post #2067947
My first impression of the photo and the title were that the soldiers life was lost to war which was a total waste of life. This is not the place to discuss whether we agree with or disagree with the war, but I think we all would pretty much agree that young men dying in a foreign land during any war is a waste of life. This is what art is supposed to be, to invoke emotion and discussion. Great work by the artist and a bunch of great thoughtful replies...

I fully agree.

Great light,compo and PP.
He's expresion is vague enough to allow several interpretations and interesting in that way.
The PP suits the mood of the photo very well. I agree a litle less blue would mabe improve it even further, but frankly, it is fantastic as is.

Whenever anyone dies its a "wasted lives" situation. That does NOT mean that soldiers live wasted lives just because they are soldiers...and when ever soldiers are involved it almost ALLWAYS means lives are being cut short...no one should ever gloat in someone elses death.

I like this picture, it really captures the reality of war and the consequences of war.

Reminds me of the series "Band Of Brothers"....great series!

I like the shot and the title. To me it says that war is a waste of precious young lives. There is no indication that any particular war is singled out, which makes this a universal work of art.