|
|
|
Fourth of July Parade
 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
I'm a day late, but the celebration of American independence deserves at least a couple of photos, even belatedly. While San Rafael has its Italian Street Painting Festival and San Anselmo has its Art and Design Festival, Larkspur and Corte Madera have their combined annual Fourth of July Parade and Fair.
I went early, hoping that if I arrived an hour before the parade began I'd find decent parking and a good spot along the parade route to capture a few photos. Silly idea to say the least! The main street was lined with chairs, most filled with family members waiting. Some were chatting with neighbors, some were having an early picnic. A few from the local tavern were having an early morning brew. I drove blocks past downtown before I found a parking spot in a residential area, fully aware that it would be impossible for me to leave the neighborhood before the parade was finished. I left my car and wandered down the parade route.
The first thing that struck me was the incredible number of children lining the street, most dressed in the colors of our flag, red, white and blue. Americans may be having smaller families but they certainly all came out for this celebration. I paused and took photos before the parade began and then later as local clubs passed by to show off their commitment to the community. In this photo you see in the distance an antique fire truck that I've seen before at other events. The man in the foreground was pointing at another fire truck that was passing with its siren blaring. I swear it was so loud that people stood with their ears covered.
Marin County is one of the most politically liberal in the United States. Few folks support the war in Iraq, even fewer voted for President Bush, but on this one day they were happy to wave a flag and salute the veterans as they drove past in jeeps and trucks used in World War II. It was a lovely day to be part of a community. |
peter1892 has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekEarth members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
|
(Ooops, browser suddenly closed down, when I did something wrong, have to start anew)
Well, I just have to believe you on your word, I guess, about that 'dressed in colours of the flag' as I can't see anyone in your frame who is dressed like that. But to reassure you, I really believe you ;-)
Very busy frame Curtis, I understand that it was not easy to come up with something nice. I guess the tilt is from the camera and not PP-ed. It is a bit tight in front of his finger, but this gives you the best view on the people.
I would be tempted to crop that chair and the head off in the foreground, but then the girl (I think) is cropped too much. Difficult scene.
Satisfied with the performance of the lens, as far as bokeh, contrast, sharpness and colors are concerned?
Off topic here, I went to my work on my broomstick ;-)
your last paragraph urged me to support this community;-)) May G.D or whoever is there above, listen to them and feed the rst of the country.. you have come up with a very nice tilted shot, Curtis! congrats for the result! and for the extensive note;-))
Eric
- erdna
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 839 W: 70 N: 984]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(4839) - [2006-07-06 11:55]
-
A good shot that captures the atmosphere of the day and with good DOF. As to the tilt, I do it once in a while also, depending on the content.
Andre'
Hi Curtis - like the shot of the musicians in the coffee house, this one again makes me feel like I'm right in the middle of the crowd. I like how the focus is on the people watching rather than the parade itself. The colours are excellent, I think you'll be able to start your own camera store with all those L lenses! ;)
