flag in snow Photo

Photographer’s Note

"I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me."
-God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood

What can I say? I'm feeling especially patriotic on this 4th of July.

About the Photo: This was taken at the local cemetery on a cold day in January. The flag was just sticking out of the snow, probably on top of a veteran's grave. As far as PP is concerned, only a slight levels adjustment was made.

lrw1966, ribeiroantonio, xuaxo, Floydian, luisafonso, mphotographies, avene, crckt, InasiaJones has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

worldcitizen (2237) 2008-07-04 9:07

Hello Ryan,
This is perfect. There is so much meaning in this one, lonely flag poking out from the snow. I love the presentation. Nothing more is needed; simplicity says volumes sometimes...Happy Independence Day!

AdrianWrobel (180) 2008-07-04 9:37

Very very clear Photo, concret!

chpp (3956) 2008-07-04 9:42

Hi Ryan
simple but it catch the eye
nice framing
Happy independence day!
have a nice weekend
chris

bostankorkulugu (33508) 2008-07-04 9:54

hi there ryan, happy 4th... well, the us flag seems to be stuck in sand rather than snow in real life but at least you have elections soon that may help... anyway, this is a beautiful minimalistic shot pal... cheers...

korkut

azleader (6) 2008-07-04 10:19

I really like this image. Interesting visual for a 4th of July, Independence Day, posting. Goot use of the rule of thirds.

kensimage (8539) 2008-07-04 10:22

Now that's minimalism! I can see you are in a minimalist mood. Maybe instead of barbecuing steaks today, you should eat in one of those restaurants where they give you one prawn with some lemon grass by it, in the middle of a giant plate. Anyway, your placement of the flag (and probably the prawn) is just right. Happy 4th, regards, Ken.

xuaxo (5683) 2008-07-04 12:27

Hi Ryan
Very minimalist, and very touching at the same time.
~
I added it to the theme Flags / Bandeiras / Drapeaux.
(Tomorrow's Cape Verde's Fifth of July :-)
F

aadilj (17950) 2008-07-05 4:07

A truly superb, well thought out and well composed image with trmendous simplicity aand beauty. I like the composition and the impact

Floydian (30970) 2008-07-05 4:55

Hi Ryan,
One of the most minimalistic images i've ever seen here. It has nothing to do with your great landscape, but only a remark to the 4th of July.
That patriotic feeling is okay....for just one day ;-)
Regards, Henk

baba_flies (7951) 2008-07-05 5:05

Hello Ryan! As I am not an American citizen I am not in the position to comment on your feelings but I had strong feelings with an American family at a Colorado airport some weeks ago when their son landed with an FA18 and I saw the parents cry. Your photo speaks books, it could cover magazines, it is strong and sadly beautiful. Barbara.

ribeiroantonio (21839) 2008-07-05 5:55

You too, you commemorate the national day with the national flag! Minimalist, but very effective and very nice photo. Well done.
Antonio

Polonaise (5634) 2008-07-05 9:08

Screaming out loud...
Wonderful simplicity... Wonderful photography...

All the best for you, Ryan...
You are the citizen of the most magnificent country on earth...

You have the million reasons to be proud - July 4th. or on any given day...

george

............

chicken (1781) 2008-07-06 21:35

Simple but very effective shot. Not much to nitpick about in that white void ;-)

luisafonso (858) 2008-07-07 3:08

Great statement my friend. You know I like minimalism and here you proved a photo doesn't need much to tell what you want to tell. USA are only three letters but it also means a thousand words more. Just like your photo. Nice!

mphotographies (1976) 2008-07-07 19:40

Hey Ryan,

A very unique symbolic shoot. America stands tall and proud of what he is...CHEERS!

Jom

capthaddock (28640) 2008-07-07 19:55

Snow! Send me some snow! My blood is boiling here in Malaysia, and I'm sick of the humidity. Great minimalism here, the colors are discreet but have a significant impact.

doubay (5023) 2008-07-07 23:46

To be honest: Generally I’m highly reserved towards national flag photos cause in most of the times they express a nonreflective, superficial patriotism and sometimes even aggressive nationalism.
In this case though, I’m struck by the aesthetic of your compo. So simple, but beautiful. Like it a lot.
Cheers
Andreas

avene (10938) 2008-07-08 8:47

hi Ryan,
we were driving across the New York State this 4th of July (NYC to Niagara Falls), it was a perfect warm and sunny day with puffy clouds in the high sky. and when it got dark there were fireworks all over the State - not the big NYC-style shows, but the countryside/backyard type you set off between checking the BBQ :) it felt good seeing the people celebrate the birthday of their country that has nothing to do with politics and presidential race and what not. and I have to admit we felt a ping of envy - Latvia's national day is 18 November. trust me, no BBQ then. :)
back to the photo - love it. elegant simplicity loaded with meaning. powerful photo, my compliments.

regards,
Kristine

lrw1966 (1630) 2008-07-08 9:03

Ryan Hi;
Wonderful, just wonderfully beautiful.

Good Bless America!
Larry
usa-tfs

crckt (7072) 2008-07-09 17:01

Hi Ryan,
Good shot for 4th July, very patriotic, yet a completely original POV. Hope you had a nice holiday weekend.
Keep posting,
Shaeri

InasiaJones (20002) 2008-07-14 16:55

Hi Ryan,

As a Canadian, I visit your country all the times, from east to west and north to south. I sometimes envy the Europeans, as they can pass through 3 countries in 5 hours. Here, in 3 hours, I'm just crossing the borders... LOL! We are lucky to have you guys as neighboors, no tension, no problem; couples who live under the same roof have more negotiations than both our respective countries have...

You share your beaches when we have too much snow. You send us your best orange juice. And for all this, we offer you our Canadarm... LOL! Canadian fire fighters are helping right now their Californian brothers, and when we had a big electricity failure during the 1998 ice storm, it was the American who were helping us to get back on our feet.

Whatever people might say against the USA, I always remember them that we have to make a difference between the government and the people.

When you have a flag that means so many things, you don't need to show it corner to corner. This is a great shot. Another one that shows the spectrum of your talent and creativity.

Some people might think this image is a metaphoric statement for the actual financial crisis, the flag being burden by the snow. I say it represents its combative nature, sticking out his head from trouble, instead of being totally submerged.

When I see your amazing landscapes, I say you can be patriotic every day you want... :-P)

Cheers!

André

And thanks for the upcoming Batman too!... I have check the high res trailer many times and it looks absolutely terrific! Every frame are quintessential photography with lots of Chicago buildings and blue hour light. Real high class images instead of too much CGI. Can't wait till Thursday!

cdmonson (2751) 2008-10-22 14:56

Hi Ryan:

I love this one. What fabulous minimalism, and powerful symbolism. The flag in the snow could mean so many things--American tenacity, resilience, our view of ourselves as the underdog fighting tyranny. This shot is 100% consistent with "The Star-Spangled Banner," which I think is what makes it so definitively American; the idea of the flag still waving proudly in spite of anything we face. Incredible job.

Clark