InsurgenT

The immediate thing I look at with this pic is the faces--as intended (based on your quote) this gives an inhuman look of dominance with the soldier, while the insurgent is very human with a look of ferocity.

As far as vision goes, were it not for your quotes, the scope of this picture would be severely unrealized. To me, it brings the duality between the mentality of the American soldier and the Insurgent abruptly (and viscerally) to the forefront of the viewers vision.

As for originality, in all my years serving in the military, I rarely see few if any pictures (staged or real) of direct, up-close-and-personal contact with enemy fighters and our soldiers. The the impending emotion captured in this is something that is not found very often. If there is any complaint I would have as far as originality, the concept of the duality and conflict between "us and them" is fairly typical, but the way you executed that in this picture is wonderfully unique.

Technique--need I really point out the obvious? The clarity, the movement captured, RIGHT before the moment of a brutal ambush. The technique is flawless.

As I mentioned before, the impact of this photo along with your quote is awe-inspiring. The execution is absolutely flawless. Bravo, Merzlak.