Life of a Soldier

Critiques [Translate]

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• ttreen (15902)
• [2006-12-15 15:22]

Hi Phil,
Its a very strong photo! I do not think as it as promoting war but it is what it is..
It interesting to see a different pov then cnn! ;)

Tricia

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• GreenBaron (48812)
• [2006-12-15 15:25]

Hi Philip,
I like your honest note, you show here on TL how it is as soldier in Iraq. I guess it isn't easy.
Regarding the photo, it is a good B&W composition very intrigue and makes me shiver. War: I wish it wasn't there but you show me the reality.
Hans

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• bombilla (1950)
• [2006-12-15 15:48]

That weapon that, because of the photo's perspective, points at the diminished pedestrian, unaware in the street -- that is the reality of war -- which you have obviously seen -- first hand, Philip. Weapons that are beyond human, mannned by humans, but only by humans who have accomodated themselves to their inhuman requirements and capabilities -- those weapons target the unsuspecting individuals, those who have no authority over policies, or, perhaps, even awareness of decisions made in halls of power. They are targeted for expeditious reasons, and in that targeting, reduced to mere specks. They are no longer human. Just statistics, and so obligingly so. That's the reality of war. That is why it so convenient and so persistent. Thanks for this photo and good luck to you. -Hugh

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• jamfest (4243)
• [2006-12-15 16:00]

Very strong photo. A POV few seldom experience. B&W mirrors the grittiness you mus feel everyday there.

TFS,
David

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• gnc (1449)
• [2006-12-16 0:10]

Good angle and perspective. Typical view of an occupied land. BW adds to the impression many get of the futility of war, and especially this misguided one.

Cheers,
Cristian

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• Texan (22)
• [2006-12-16 11:03]

Lets Break this down
Great use of black and white
Ammunition and gun silohutteted in the light.
Dark gaurd tower area contrasting to street below.

Very powerful shot well done.

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• -peterpan- (621)
• [2006-12-16 13:49]

hi philip, great compostion and good use of B/W. i like photo-journalist-type-of-shots, and this is really impressive. great job you guys do out there in Iraq too. cheers!

-peter

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• cclaudiu (0)
• [2006-12-16 20:05]

Good POV and good choice of b&w variant; I like the contrast between unlighted Machine gun and the cityscape but I think the position of the silhouette is not the best choice; anyhow a realistic reportage photo.

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• Fisher (5728)
• [2006-12-17 20:07]

Hi Philip,

The barrel, pointing at the person, nice touch, good timing. B/W is nicely done.

MIke

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• Shogun (10391)
• [2006-12-18 11:55]

nice in black and white Philip. great note and thanks for sharing this photo.

Shogun

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• bowes (303)
• [2007-01-05 19:08]

I really like this pic but I find it terrifying. The large dark machine gun dominating the frame like a looming threat on top of the city. The gun being in the shadow enhances the effect. Also, the fact that the gun seems to be pointing right at the man in the street (although I know it isn't really) increases the sense of unseen threat.
Very powerful and well taken image, Philip!
All the best / Eric

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• aslaets (860)
• [2007-01-16 2:14]

Nice "shot". I hope these are the only types of shots you take, but I doubt it, you will probably have had to take the life of other human beings. I hope your conscience can still find some peace.

It's 'funny' how the gun seems to point at the man in the street in such an exagerated fashion. Like in the proverbial "shooting mosquito's with a canon".
Could illustrate the absurdness of war.
Brief - I like it.