On Guard!, a photo from London, England

Photographer's Note

The Queen's Guard is the name given to the contingent of infantry responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace (including Clarence House) in London. The guard is made up of a company of soldiers from a single regiment, which is split in two, providing a detachment for Buckingham Palace and a detachment for St James's Palace.

The Queen's Guard is not purely ceremonial in nature. They provide sentries during the day and night, and during the latter hours they patrol the grounds of the Palace. Until 1959, the sentries at Buckingham Palace were stationed outside the fence. This stopped following an incident involving a female tourist and a Coldstream Guardsman — due to the continued pestering of tourists and sightseers, the guardsman kicked the tourist on the ankle as he marched. The tourist made a complaint to the police and, despite sympathy, the sentry was confined to barracks for ten days. Not long after, the sentries were moved inside the fence.

mirosu, ikeharel, kordinator, Noel_Byrne has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

mirosu (5509) 2012-10-14 6:46

Hi Jason,
It is a well-chosen framing, in a straight angle shot that works very well graphically, and gives a nice perspective to the facade. The excellent light has a beautiful effect on the elements, and the color contrast is magnificent. The guard adds some life to the scene. Well done.

ikeharel (37316) 2012-10-15 4:31

Yes, I know this guy, tried to make him lough some 30+ years ago, and still he kept his post...
Nice taken Jason, and well showing the details of the house/facade as BG.
Fabulous is the crown on top of the lamp-post.
Ike

kordinator (13411) 2012-10-15 7:25

Hello Jason
Nice presented image with fine text and lovely photos.
Nice composition,fine details and colors.
Great job.
Kind regards
Saša

marabu61 (3914) 2012-10-15 13:18

Hello Jason
Superbly chosen moment to squeeze the trigger. Your framing is so good, with all elements in the right place. A real postcard from London.
have a good time
Daniel

serp2000 (29188) 2013-02-04 22:43

Hi, Jason,
I like these old traditions. It bring us to the past of fairy tales. This uniform reminds me The Danish Queen's Guard. Well seen. Just a necessary attraction for tourists.
Best wishes,
Serghei

Noel_Byrne (7352) 2013-03-21 10:21

Hi Jason,
Nice to catch him in mid stride, gives a lot of personality and energy to the shot.
I have to ask, were you tempted to go over and try to make him laugh? I've never been to London but I dont know if I could stop myself from trying.
There is fine detail on his little hut too! I suppose, they couldnt show up the palace by having an awful looking thing outside for the guards.
Cheers
Noel