From FSA to OWI

not uncommon, but a bunch of color images from the FSA/OWI (Office of War Information)

Perspective | Lesser-seen color photos showing the U.S. military in the 1940s

Thanks. A similar set from the same era was published on CNN also and I was viewing it this morning. I was impressed with the harmony of colors and the adept use of lighting, not to mention the composition. These photographers were really top notch in their game given the rarer practice of color photography in those days. Whoever took these photos successfully avoided blowing out too much highlights or cutting off the shadow regions, which is impressive. The articles didn't mention the type of film, but if I have to assume Kodachrome, which was the most popular film of the era, the photographer showed a lot of proficiency in using slide film (more prone to blown highlights or shadows compared to negatives) to get these results.

I see some cinematic influence on compositions, especially the low angles shots of pilots and soldiers that are also used in war movies to depict glory and patriotism.

Great stuff.

I always appreciate photos from that era I’ve not seen before.