The Iwo Jima Memorial - 3AM (Heavy Fog)- June 15, 2001. Inscription: "Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue"

I thought I would comment on why I chose a seemingly "unoriginal" frontal view. I found that any angle other than a frontal view resulted in the individual rays melding into a bland, uninteresting haze. My goal was to capture the scene exactly as it looked in real life with as many distinct rays of the spotlights as possible. This was accomplished as the resulting image is EXACTLY as I remember it (no enhancements to the image at all).

 

There are many pictures of this Memorial, some with DC as the background, some with red sunsets, clouds etc. that I felt it was important to focus on the structure of the rays of light as heavy fog is a rare occurrence here in D.C.

Even though the frontal may seem "unoriginal" the actualphoto when you consider all the aspects is very original. The low ratings puzzle me ofcourse, as usual.

Who says an image must be original and different. Images of women never seem to be that different but we all like them. This is a nice image. I like the way you portrayed the light rays streaming through the fog. Interesting film response to the color of the light. Nice image. James

I was busy programming at about 2:30 AM one morning in June (2001),

when I looked outside and saw a heavy fog which presented a highly

reflective halo around the streetlights. I immediately thought about

the spot lights at the Iwo Jima memorial just outside of Washington,

D.C. so I grabbed my equipment and drove there (about 5 minutes

away). Fog such as this is a rarity here in D.C.

 

I personally like this image quite a bit. Though there are countless

images of the Iwo Jima Memorial, I have never seen one such as this.

 

This image is exactly as I remember it including the coloring and the

definition of the rays of light.

 

Any Comments?

This is an excelent photo with a great use of mood lighting. The tree in the left corner is a little distracting. Maybe chop it down before you re-shoot :)

Great use of the light- just a down right great photo.

As I'm an Aussie, I can see this shot and comment without the attached patriotism and pride that you Americans have. My objective opinion - bloody fantastic shot mate! The atmosphere provided by the fog and the lights enhances the imagery no end. Wonderful stuff. Fair Dinkum.

As a fellow resident of the DC area, congrats on an excellent memorial shot. I really like the center composition.

I think this shows imagination and a good use of the lighting at a particular time. I'd rather see a photo like this taken the "way it was" than one retouched via a computer. Good shot-----Jerry

 

I've had the pleasure of seeing this photo before and am glad that it's now posted for everyone else to enjoy. Every photo of Iwo Jima is different and elicits a different response. I can think of few single photos of this object that can elicit as many multiple feelings or responses. Truly an outstanding shot.

Original or not, This is a great photo. Congratulations.

Very nice, Chris. I guess I'll have to head over there sometime in the evening fog -- it works great here ;-). This shot is much more than the ordinary Iwo Jima Memorial shot.

 

In response to your question on my shot, it wasn't taken quite at this spot, but a few hundred meters from it -- the hill in front of the carillon(sp? the bell tower).

 

Well done!

I am staying in Rosslyn and just shot a photo of the memorial. Mine will not be as dramatic as this! Excellent image, and congrats on realizing what a fog can do!