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Submitted: March 15, 2012
Image Size: 306 KB
Resolution: 700×798

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Comments: 10
Favourites: 59 [who?]
Views: 831 (2 today)
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Make:Canon
Model:Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
Shutter Speed:1/8 second
Aperture:F/8.0
Focal Length:180 mm
ISO Speed:250
Date Taken:Mar 15, 2012, 11:32:30 PM
Software:GIMP 2.6.11
Sensor Size:5mm

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Flash of Lightby *MRBee30

Photography / Photojournalism / Military

Color non cropper version -

I dream of having a child who will ask, "Father, what was war?

In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
_____________________________

(c) 2012 Property of, Will Merzlak.
Photograph taken and edited by Me.
5010x3336 Version available only by request.

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Critique by *ReXspec Mar 16, 2012, 8:15:51 PM

"An indelible memory... something that stays with you... something that will never go away. Something you have some pride in serving, but will never forget the endless months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds. That time marks you--most of the time for the worse, but sometimes for the better. I take consolation in the fact that I fought for a noble, naive reason. Should you fight for something for a noble reason, never forget it. Even if that reason starts to make less and less sense, always remember that there is some truth to it."

These words were formed at looking at this picture in conjunction with the title. If there is one thing that I can say confidently, it's that very few pictures in my short life have ever caused me to simply formulate words from a picture alone. The sheer emotional power of this piece is... there are no words.

I can only describe how amazing and... harrowing this piece is by my reaction.

I served in Afghanistan. I was a machine gunner for the 1-503D Charlie Company 173D ABCT. By looking at this picture, my stomach burns, by body shakes and tears threaten to pour because of the recollection of the pain, sacrifice, and frustration that came with my deployment. I find it awful at first, but when I come to myself, I realize just how wonderful this piece is: The indelible memory that is war and how vets like me will get lost in the (relatively) short time I spent there. You've captured a moment in time when a soldier remembers who he was--or IS to his very core: Fighting to complete the objective, and living by a code.

For those who were not deployed, it may not be as intense (I could be wrong) but I imagine such a feeling or message was not lost. Something like this should not be under-appreciated. I don't know if you believe in God, Merzlak, but, if you do, I believe he gave you a very powerful gift.

Keep up the good work.

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~Soulcapturer Mar 27, 2012

Nice equipment and emotions. This role is better than your Prince

~shadowsand13 Mar 17, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

I love that poem<3

~Jorga1974 Mar 16, 2012

I would have to say that i like the dark one better, it just seems more powerful to me as well. I think it maches the poem just right. Thank you for the effort.

~Namisao Mar 16, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

I like both versions very much. Really nice picture

~MetaLeath Mar 16, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Nice!

*MRBee30 Mar 16, 2012

Thank you!

*Philluppus Mar 16, 2012 General Artist

speechless......

like a picture from a tale,

~Primitve Mar 16, 2012 Professional Photographer

I have to say I really like the orange tint in the glasses of the color version, but the black and white has a much more powerful feeling to it.

*MRBee30 Mar 16, 2012

Never really been a big fan of Black and White but your absolutely right. The color version has a more eye catching appeal but for some reason I kept pulling this up while comparing which to upload. Well lets just say I couldn't decide haha.

~Primitve Mar 16, 2012 Professional Photographer

Sometimes one just has to go with the best of both worlds. Excellent work as always MrBee.

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