Forest of the Fallen Photo

Photographer’s Note

This shot comes from the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, just inside the city limits of Luxembourg itself and about 3 miles/4.5km from the centre.

The Luxembourg cemetery holds the bodies of 5,076 American soldiers who died in World War II, most during the Battle of the Bulge. Most prominent among them is General Patton. It stands surrounded by woodland, and the graves are in arcs not rows, which creates some interesting optical effects.

Taken using a Dimage Z20 with no flash, tripod or filters; I have deliberately chosen to show the anonymous backs of the headstones for effect. For the same reason, I have not increased the contrast to reduce the presence of the trees in the background.

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Critiques | Translate

leiju (1683) 2006-09-23 19:29

Interesting choices you have made in this shot.
I don't think such a large foreground is necessary. Perhaps either lifting the camera a bit more would have worked, or then simply cropping it out in the post-process.
The texture of the woods in the back works quite well, whereas the crosses don't quite jump at us as much as they could. The eye finds rest in the woods more than interestin in the white formations that are more like a blanket of white than anything else. I understand where you were trying to go with it, but I don't think you quite got there.
In any case, Thank You for sharing the picture!
Best regards,
Julia

marielouitje (256) 2007-07-28 12:20