The Wall

I made a quick trip to Washington D.C., this past weekend. I had limited time for any sight-seeing but more than anything, I wanted to see the Vietnam Memorial. I was not disappointed. This is a moving, sensational, emotional tribute to the lives of military personnel lost in the Vietnam War. Here is my capture of this hallowed ground. Hope you like it.

CF

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Originally Posted by Coastal Flyer

I made a quick trip to Washington D.C., this past weekend. I had limited time for any sight-seeing but more than anything, I wanted to see the Vietnam Memorial. I was not disappointed. This is a moving, sensational, emotional tribute to the lives of military personnel lost in the Vietnam War. Here is my capture of this hallowed ground. Hope you like it.

CF

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Very nice.

IMO, the rose could be centered a little better. Or maybe not... looking at it again.

Yes, it is off a bloom width. I did that intentionally just to try and be a bit different. But, I know what you mean.

CF

CF - Has potential, but what seems to throw it a little is the bottom right concrete/whatever. I think It would be stronger if there was just the wall and the flower. Maybe you can clone it out and see.

GB

Thanks GB. I worried about that, too. I figured this is not a monument that should be messed with; it stands alone and the narrow edge before the wall is part of it. But, I certainly understand what you are saying. Thanks.

CF

I think this is a nice shot. You didn't bring the rose you didn't move the rose. You didn't create the moment, you captured it. I've been to DC and seen my share of Wall shots. This one is elegant in its own right by just being a little different. I can understand your not wanting to monkey with it, but the one thing I would try if this was my shot would be to replace the bottom right corner with a clone of the top of stone pattern at the bottom of the names. That’s just something I would try. Not sure if it would really make it better. The reflection of the rose in the wall seals the deal for me. Nice work.

MW:

Thanks so much for the kind words. I appreciate you taking the time to write so much. I did a bit of cloning and switching but in the end, for those who have been to The Wall, they would know the bottom edge is there so I opted to leave it alone. I cannot say for certain, but I think the design intentionally included a place for flowers, photos, etc. Regardless, thank you for your comments. Again, I appreciate it.

CF

Yeah, this would be tough. It really is lovely and poignant. I agree with GB that the bottom wall thingy is distracting. It would have been great if they had a small vase for the flower or something else to make it stand away from the obstruction. A different angle to the side would have helped the issue, but then you would have had the loss of the reflection. Maybe a lower angle? But given either taking the shot or letting it go, I'm so glad you took it. For that one little hangup, it's still an image worthy of having and seeing.

D.,

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such significant comments. I agree with you, the choice of taking vs. not taking was really no choice at all. Thanks so much, again.

CF

It's an elegant shot. I think the rose is actually necessary because, unless you knew it was the Arlington Wall, you might wonder what it is. The rose defines it as a memorial. Like most good photographs, it is both simple and tells the story.

Mike

This is magnificent. I scrolled down the photo slowly and was surprised at the lovely rich red at the bottom.

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Originally Posted by Didache

It's an elegant shot. I think the rose is actually necessary because, unless you knew it was the Arlington Wall, you might wonder what it is. The rose defines it as a memorial. Like most good photographs, it is both simple and tells the story.

Mike

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Technical point of protocol from a native Arlingtonian for you Mike. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (the Wall) is actually located in Washington D.C. Arlington Military Cemetery is on the other side of the Potomac river from this spot. It's an easy mistake to make as they are linked locations of memorial for U.S. soldiers.

CF- I think you've done a good job of capturing the place. My father is a veteran of this war and I've spent some time down there myself. Usually I go at night or when it's raining, less crowds, more quiet time. You did the right thing in choosing a memento for the wall as your focal point. It is a hushed and reverent place in the city among the streams of tourists visiting memorials. Your photo conveys that well.

C.L./Mike/Don:

Thank you so much for your input/comments. I thank you.

C.L.- I stayed with a long time friend in Fall Church last weekend. They live on Norfolk, not far from the high school (sorry, I don't know if there is just one high school in Falls Church). What a beautiful area, I simply loved the dense trees. Of particular note the dogwood. Just beautiful.

You are correct, there is very little conversation as people file past this memorial. It is emotional to say the least.

Thanks again for your comments.

CF