Picking my own favorite photo from a one-year period was a challenge in itself. I spent a lot of time thinking about it though. At one point, I decided to let my mom pick the one she thought was best. She picked a very nice photo but it wasn't my favorite of the year. This challenge is difficult, and I'm sure others have had the same problems I did. I suppose there is a difference between 'Best' and 'Favorite' photographs where DPChallenge is concerned. I decided to go with favorite. I have other photos that fit the DPC mold a lot better, but this image just haunts me every time I look at it. It says so many things to me on so many different levels. People who don't share my personal feelings about this image won't likely find it as intriguing as I do. At any rate, it is my favorite photograph from 2004.
This photo came from my very first sports assignment with the local newspaper. The image was not part of the package I provided to the newspaper... It's just one that I shot for myself while I was at the football game. The newspaper would have absolutely no interest in this image as part of a sports page package either.
When I arrived at the stadium, I noticed the South Caldwell High School Navy ROTC Color Guard lined up at the end zone gate entry to the football field. There were four cadets with rifles and flags preparing to present the colors during the playing of the National Anthem prior to the start of the game. I moved into position along the fence where they were standing and raised my camera to compose a shot. The cadets were not visible to me because of the flags and the position from which I was shooting. This young man just happened to peek out from behind one of the flags and look directly at me while I had my camera ready, and I fired the shot. He saw me and immediately buried himself in the flags again. This was the only photo I made of the cadets at this event. I returned to this stadium several weeks later to shoot another football game for the news paper. I took several prints, color and b/w, of this image with me in hopes of finding this young man. Luckily, I found him and gave him the photos. He was very happy to get them and his mother called me a few weeks later asking for more, which I glady provided.
"Americana" is a concept that does not usually cross borders very easily. Lots of people do not share the same feelings of patriotism that some Americans do. Everyone holds something dear to their hearts, and this subject is one of those for me.
John M. Setzler, Jr.
Hickory, North Carolina
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This to me is one of the best in this challenge and exemplifies what I believe alot of photography is about. Capturing a moment, whether it be a sunset or a bird in flight or an expression or emotion and freezing it. An image doesnt have to be rich with color or amazing photoshop inhancement to have impact, certainly we can find those in water colors or oil paintings should that be the goal. This image certainly has "Wow Factor" for me! I gave it a 10 and will be adding it to my favorites WOW!!
John,
This was a superb photograph, but as we all know, didn't have the wow factor. I sure would have been proud to have taken this and would have probably chosen it as a best of 04 shot too. Was one of my favorites overall.
Keep 'em coming.
Only thing I don't like about this, is the drop shadow in the border. It is really not needed and takes away from the beautiful photo. Without the drop shadow, I would score this at least a point higher.
One of the areas I've seen you improve most in over the last year is your ability to capture good non studio portraits. It's something I really hadn't seen much of from you prior to this year. The challenge is to capture the emotion of the moment, and do it in such a way that you communicate it to the viewer. This shot really does that. Because the cadet is peeking from behind the flag, it makes him appear younger, more vulnerable, and maybe a tad curious. It allows the viewer to read into the image what they want. Do they want to protest war? Feel pride in being American? Or just remember fleeting moments of youth? This shot allows all those things, and that makes it an exceptional portrait. Oh yeah, and color would totally hose it. So there. 10
Hmmm, I never knew what to make of this one Mr. Setzler :).
I like the wary expression on his face - almost suspicious, its a good capture - he almost seems to be seeking refuge behind his nations flag, so I guess it's symbolic on that level. I can't help but think you've probably got 15 images tucked away in that portfolio that I would like better. Still I commend you for submitting the image you liked best and not the one that would necessarily score the highest. Let's face it, personal satisfaction is the best reward an image can provide (Unless you get the the stage where you're selling 11x14's for 10 grand that is :P).
A moment in time, frozen forever.
A superb study of the human element, with a touch of aprehension & innocence.
Magazine-quality image. Gets a 10 from me!
Well that was one of my favourite photos, still is. The expression, the B & W tone all perfect. Will prolly get low scores from flag haters. 10 from me.
I somehow wish it was titled. I'd try "Honi soit qui mal y pense", although it's traditionally used in another context. Either way, it's a good portrait & I think your decision to go B&W is very clever. 7.
John, this is one of my favorites images in this challenge. Regardless of what other prople might say, Black and White works wonderfully to draw the eye to the young ladys face, as do the stripes on the flag.
I hate flag shots and I hate solidier portraits because often they are so poorly done. But this is excellent! I like it how the face pops out from between the flags, the elements in the photo work together and help to tell the tale. B&W is very suitable here.
My pick of the challenge. I think this is a Setzler but I can't recally exactly. Says a lot about youth, power, authority and responsibilities. His peeking out behind the symbol of authority into the world is very well portrayed here. Nicely done.
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