Gunner

I guess this is a portrait...suggestions please?

This picture shows the subject's specialty clearly. The overlap between the rear end of the gun and the helmet makes it a bit hard for an uninformed viewer to tell whether the dark bands on the helmet are equipment or shadows, though. With only sky for background, it's hard to tell where the photo was taken, although the sunglasses, what looks like a reflection of the sun in the glasses, and the bright lighting even in the shadows all suggest a desert environment. Then again, you may not have much opportunity to compose this kind of photo. If this was taken in Afghanistan or Iraq and you're still there, I hope that both you and the gunner get home OK.

Exactly why an outsider view helps. Being military I know what those dark spots on his helmet are and didn't even notice them until you pointed them out. The horizontal "shadow" is a night vision mount, and the horizontal "shadow" is the band for his goggles.

 

And yes, this was taken in Iraq two trips ago...we are all home safe now. Thanks.

Great shot. What strikes me most is that the gunner looks about 14 years old or so. I mean, he looks like he should be shooting hoops, not people.

 

 

He'd love to hear that! He's about 25 or 26, a Citadel graduate, and married. He's since moved on from the job of a gunner and is now a sniper.