Black January Photo

Photographer’s Note

Tech note: (Not quite sure why this uploaded with slightly reduced contrast - I have put another image boosting it a little more - maybe too much now!!)

Carnations have become the symbol of the events of the week of January 20th 1990 in Azerbaijan when Russian tanks took to the streets in an attempt to stifle the emerging strength of the independence movement. This moving and poignant monument to those days is lovingly cared for and fresh carnations are laid out regularly in memory of the civilian dead. At the end of the engraved memorial stones and overlooking the sea there is an eternal flame.

The first two victims (or martyrs) of January 1990 are a young couple who had just been married - he was killed on the streets and she took her own life when she learnt of his death - they are now re-united forever more in the minds and hearts of the people. It is very moving and just stopped me in my tracks emotionally for some time. You can see where some of my companions have got to. It was bitterly cold but somehow my body was hot and my mind determined and I felt impervious to the cold on leaving here.

Black January article by photojournalist Reza and Betty Blair

Reza the photographer at National Geographic

jonathan_hart, Glint, MarcT, Erina_Kartveli, Dpbours has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jonathan_hart (22578) 2008-04-06 4:27

a sad story but a great photo
great framing, excellent POV to show us the couple at first and the numerous other memorial stones, the graphism is interesting, the fact that there is someone on the perspective line add a bonus, fine exposure, so a perfect composition to show us this place
regards
jo

MarcT (21099) 2008-04-07 6:41

Hi Kevin,
I love those red flowers but, you are right, the red is much better in the WS. Your picture lacks a little on contrasts and, it's a pitty, you burned the monument. So, I tried a WS (LOL).
Hope you like it, my friend.
Cheers
Marc

[workshop] [compare]

MiguelP (14324) 2008-04-07 7:13

Pain and sorrow is an endless line, unfortunately. A No comment photo, Kev.

bantonbuju (48662) 2008-04-08 0:43

you know what i like most in this image (photographically-wise)? - that this row does not have the end....it symbolizes that the "issue" is much broader than just january 1990 in baku...that this soviet-victims' parade extends to other places, countries...
best, j.

Dpbours (220) 2008-04-11 8:08

Hi Kev,

A wonderful not and a wonderful photograph in commemoration of those who died. Yes, something to be said about the contrast and the workshop much better! But it's all about the story here for me.
Funny to see Marc his workshop. The cloning is just amazing! ;-)

Have a good weekend!
Dennis