old patriot, a photo from Pennsylvania, Northeast

Photographer's Note

While driving home this past Saturday, I passed by an old church cemetery on Dark Hollow Road. I stopped to admire it, then noticed this little scene and got the camera from the glove compartment. I was taken by the contrasts of glowing greenery and long, late afternoon shadow. Best of all was the small flag stationed next to this old headstone dating back to the 1800's. Around here, the local American Legions are faithful about marking the graves of American soldiers on the major patriotic holidays. Our most recent was the 4th of July, Independence Day. It made me smile to see that even this old patriot still gets his honors.

No post-processing other than sharpening and resizing for web.

pablominto has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

richtersl (3546) 2005-07-17 21:26

I like this composition a lot! The sunlight shining on the flag was beautifully captured. The way the flag contrasts with all the green is truly enchanting. The only thing I would have done was crop that other headstone from the photo.

PJE (20758) 2005-08-06 10:20

Very light shadows bolting across the field showing how the light of day has passed many times over this graved soul. He lived another time but the sun rose and set just as we see every day. And to show some respect to this long gone saint today shows a sign of a well balanced life where one has a mind for the past as well thoughts for a brighter day ahead.

aros (0) 2005-09-08 9:19

It is right that the Old Patriot should still be remembered. I can't imagine a more idyllic final resting place than this.

Regarding your photograph - I can't suggest any improvement to it. The ultimate aim of a photograph is to impart knowledge to the viewer. When done well, this transcends how the scene "looks", and extends into how it "Feels". You have achieved that here.

pablominto (53746) 2006-04-18 2:15

Hello Lisa,
A peaceful scenery well spotted!
You capture a very special mood here, for several reasons... I mention the lighting, the lush greenery, the significance of the place...
Well composed image, where you make good use of the angle of lighting... baclit green leaves are always beautiful!
Greetings,
Pablo -