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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
From my recent trip to Japan. Hiroshima's famous bomb dome, situated a couple of hundred meters from the hypocenter of the blast.
I was very fortunate to be approached by an somewhat elderly gentleman whilst i was sitting next to the river studying the dome.
He was 16 when the Bomb was dropped, working in a nearby munitions factory.
One of 6 children, his 3 elder brothers were conscripted and sent to fight in China.
His 2 younger brothers and parents were killed in the bombing.
He recounted the events of that day, the flash, the tembling floor (indeed he thought initially that it was an earthquake). After the destruction, he ventured out and saw first hand the ruins and bodies strewn around.
For days after this event he spoke of the bodies floating in the river, human cadavers, horses, etc. Simply put there was more priority in trying to survive the aftermath, than mobilising a workforce to bury the bodies, so they were dropped in the river. The stench was incredible.
This gentleman returns frequently to the river and the bomb dome, to remember, to try to find peace and closure, and to tell others about the events at that time. It was very moving to listen to him speak about it, watching the tears slowly well up in his eyes even after so many years. They say time heals all wounds, i would beg to differ.
I also visited Nagasaki on this trip and naturally the museum located there. They have an excellent exhibit on the birth of nuclear power, the uses through time.
It saddens me greatly , that after an agreement to cease research into nuclear weapons was signed by all the major powers, one of these powers is developing 'small' nuclear weapons.
The reason or excuse given for this is global terrorism. I really cannot see this as a valid reason. Given just how inefficient the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were, and taking into consideration the long term human suffering and massive destruction they caused it really is inexcusable that we spend so much time and effort developing 'weapons of mass destruction'.
Surely with all the 'smart/tech' weapons, there should be no need for this, the cost is just too high.
I left this picture dark, as I wanted to put the attention on the dome, and leave it standing out in contrast to the modern well lit buildings in the background.
Hope you like it, as always, comments , critiques, workshops good or bad are very welcome.
Unfortunately shot without tripod, handheld.
PP :
levels/curves
Cropped a little off the right edge. |
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