JROTC Drill Meet Series (11 imgs)

**Sebastian** · 01-16-2006, 09:53 AM

payn817 · 01-16-2006, 09:57 AM

VERY nice! Is this on film or digital converted? Either way, the b&w is wonderful! Can't pick a favorite though, as they are all so good.

**Sebastian** · 01-16-2006, 10:01 AM

What's "film?"

Thanks for your kind words!

**Old Timer** · 01-16-2006, 10:03 AM

Very well done. Nice photo essay. Numbers 1 and 2 are the show stoppers here.

**Sebastian** · 01-16-2006, 10:33 AM

Thanks OT.

**mtbbrian** · 01-16-2006, 11:03 AM

Normally Seb people post just one photograph here, but I kind of get the sense that you meant this to be a picture story. So, I'll let it go, this time....

;)

I am only going to comment on one of these for now.
And that is the first one.
I really like it because of its unusal framing. My eye first goes to the center, because it sees the head of the kid there, but it sees the first young soldier and instantly goes to his face. Maybe if you burned in the other faces it might help a viewers eye to go more towards the first young soldier first.

Brian
Hoo Ahh!

**Sebastian** · 01-16-2006, 11:46 AM

Thanks Brian.

For as often (or not) as I post in critique, I figured I could get away with bending the rules a bit... ;)

masdog · 01-16-2006, 01:17 PM

Hey Seb. Great work. I love #1 and #8.

What gym was that taken in? It looks like it could be the Rolling Meadows Fieldhouse.

Sean

**Sebastian** · 01-16-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masdog

Hey Seb. Great work. I love #1 and #8.

What gym was that taken in? It looks like it could be the Rolling Meadows Fieldhouse.

Sean

Thanks man. East Aurora High School, Aurora, IL.

**ken1953** · 01-16-2006, 01:55 PM

Deja Vu...I really like the one where the cadet is being inspected. Brought back serious memories of "boot camp", as did all of these. I must admit, I really like the b/w...I am learning a respect of b/w that I'd never had before, thanx to fantastic photos like these...
Wonderful work!!
Ken

**Sebastian** · 01-16-2006, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken1953

Deja Vu...I really like the one where the cadet is being inspected. Brought back serious memories of "boot camp", as did all of these. I must admit, I really like the b/w...I am learning a respect of b/w that I'd never had before, thanx to fantastic photos like these...
Wonderful work!!
Ken

Ken,

To me color is just another tool. In this, it was distracting from what I wanted to portray in the images. Stark discipline, and the lack of a grey area in the military, you either obey commands, or you don't.

Color I think took away from the order that I tried to capture in these. My favorite part of all of them is the slight disorder, the faces that aren't looking straight ahead, or the eyes that nervously sneak a peek. It really helps support that these are just young kids striving to be something more.

The cadet being examined, she is one of two left in the unarmed basic knockout competition. The judges were examining her stance compared to the other cadet. She ended up getting knocked out, the victor is shown in the following frame. I'm sure you gathered that, but I'm mentioning it for others that might be wondering.

Thanks for the comments.

**Sebastian** · 01-16-2006, 02:18 PM

One more thing...

Number 9, the cadet in the white hat had just been tapped out by the judge. I was concentrating on her, I liked the contrast of her white hat to the mass of black around her, when this occurred.

I really wish there had been more emotion from the participants as they were removed, but the disciplined behavior didn't really end until they were back in the stands. Most of them seemed relieved when they were tapped out. It was obvious with every round things got more stressful for the ones that still stayed in.

readingr · 01-17-2006, 12:48 AM

Outstanding series - nothing else to say

Roger

almo · 01-17-2006, 12:59 AM

Great shots Seb. I love the use of B&W. These shots are so clear. very nice.

LeeIs · 01-17-2006, 01:15 AM

They're all well done. Though I like the 1st one and the 2nd last one (with the woman in between the two guys) best. Specially the woman shot I think it captures a nice moment when they're trying to shake her down and one looks like he's stepping on her toes.

**Sebastian** · 01-17-2006, 10:05 AM

Thanks guys.

anew · 01-23-2006, 04:11 AM

This is a great series seb, tells a story very well.

No's 1, 2 and 4 stand out above the rest here for me, especially 4. I think the composition is just spot on and the tonal quality and level of detail couldn't be any better.

congratulations on great work.

cheers
anew.

**Sebastian** · 01-23-2006, 09:26 AM

Thanks Anew!

Yoyo Szeto · 01-24-2006, 04:06 AM

Hi Seb,
The pics depict different moods: confusion, loneliness, courage, determination, and happiness. I see them as a miniature of human life. Well done and congratulations!
yoyo

srobb · 01-24-2006, 09:11 AM

Congrats, Seb, on the sticky first of all. An absolutely stunning display of images. Being former military myself, it brings back memories of boot camp. I would have to say #'s 1 and 8 are my favorites. All of them simply rock. Not bad b/w for digital. ;)

**Sebastian** · 01-24-2006, 09:22 AM

Thank you Yoyo, you saying that means a lot.

**Sebastian** · 01-24-2006, 09:30 AM

Srobb,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I like 8 as well, though I like them all for different reasons. I also dislike them all for different reasons.

sweetdeal22 · 01-24-2006, 10:58 PM

i love the first one

The DoF is simply perfect

jorgemonkey · 01-25-2006, 07:43 AM

Those shots are really cool. Great job depicting the different moods of the Cadets, and giving us a glimpse in part of their lives

BoingBoing · 01-25-2006, 08:42 PM

These are all fantastic shots. You definately captured the experience. Well done!

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