Photographer's Note
I return to this cemetary everytime the conditions look favourable for the shot I have in mind. It was established on 7 December 1943, the 30.5 acres being donated by the University of Cambridge, were selected as a permanent American Military Cemetery due not only to the scenic grandeur, but also because a large proportion of American casualties occurred in this general area of East Anglia. The cemetery was dedicated on 16 July 1956.
The base of the 72-foot flagpole in front of the Visitors' Building carries an inscription taken from John McCrae's poem - In Flanders Fields, '...To You From Failing Hands We Throw The Torch - Be Yours To Hold It High." From the flagpole platform the headstones are aligned like the spokes of a wheel.
There are 3,812 American War Dead, a large portion were members of the United States Army Air Corps. These Dead, who gave their lives in their country's service came from every state then in the Union, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Other headstones record the names of men who entered the United States armed forces from Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, Greece, Holland, Malta, Norway, Panama, Portugal and Scotland. Twenty-four of the headstones mark the graves of 'Unknowns', whose remains could not be positively identified. Two headstones represent burials of two and three men, respectively, whose names were known, however, their remains could not be separately identified. Bronze tablets, over these graves, record their names. While Stars of David mark the graves of those who professed the Jewish faith, Latin crosses mark all others.
Tech 2 no R25 red filters used in addition to the grad. post production was just channels mixing and crop.
digi-mom, Midnight_sun, eleparc, Josh69, daninhoc, TheG1, bnallama, stefi, convey, fkuhne, MON, shayes, NhatMinh, iGirl, clarkzor, blakitan, Liekje, kittyhawk, bach37, Vinsachi, Jason_teale, velocista, skip21, yogi32, diverjohn, Gaetan_be, Emanuele67, jorbe, MLINES, rajhema, Fiddlee, risblis marcou esta nota como útil
Critiques | Translate
jhaider
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 57 W: 51 N: 107]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif){kind=small}
(1234) 2004-01-04 13:57
Very impressive shot,
Highlighted by the first headstone, in which we can read the name of the man who felt in theses difficults times of war.
Very interesting note.
Schultzy
(5446) 2004-01-04 13:58
Superbe ! Ce cliché est réellement émouvant. Le choix du noir et blanc est évidement pertinent ! La composition est très réussie.
L'alignement de croix blanches sous un ciel d'apocalypse est très impressionant. Très bien vu !
Porteplume
(4032) 2004-01-04 14:09
To be able to give so much mood and feeling in a picture, that's great!
The light and strong contrasts are the + points of this image, very well executed!
richtersl
(3546) 2004-01-04 14:19
The red filters and post-processing serve to enhance the somber mood generated by this composition. I really like how the crosses and Star of David seem to penetrate the darkness with their glow. Really well done!
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 301 W: 73 N: 8]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-n.gif){kind=small}
mitternacht
(1839) 2004-01-04 15:20
Wow! Amazing light! Looks surreal. Very dramatic picture. I also like the composition very much, with the different lines of spaces in different directions. The sky is also very nice.
seiliv
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 102 W: 62 N: 36]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-s.gif){kind=small}
(317) 2004-01-04 15:28
This just attracted my attention. I guess the reason why is many. The shade of, and contrast of the colors. It also might be the symbolic of the photo. It can tell us a lot.
I'm not shure, but would is be better if the diagonals ended in at little more off-centered spot, a little more to the right? Just my brain that is thinking. It works great as is too.
Mireille
(2604) 2004-01-04 15:47
Ce n'est pas une affiche pour un film de morts-vivants ? Si non, cela pourait le devenir. Superbe cliché noir-blanc. Bravo !
Guse
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 21 W: 0 N: 11]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-n-s.gif){kind=small}
(83) 2004-01-04 18:41
Very interesting note and the photo is very emotional. I like the choice of B&W. Well done!
flamingo
![Silver Star Critiquer [C: 49 W: 5 N: 1]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-n-n.gif){kind=small}
(109) 2004-01-04 22:24
The brutal contrast runs rampent in this print conveying the power, brutality, and finality of war. I do not get a feeling of peace or of rest. Well done on a number of levels. Bill
martin
(1242) 2004-01-05 3:47
An excellent shot, Richard. The clarity of the inscription on the nearest headstone and the latter's placement in the picture are particularly effective.
cool_krishna
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 130 W: 12 N: 36]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-s.gif){kind=small}
(465) 2004-01-05 7:06
AMAZING SHOT !!
Goes to my Fave as well !!
You have used Black very very well here.
How did you achieve the absolutely black ground here ???? Please elaborate !!
ilouy
(3370) 2004-01-05 13:29
Superbe N&B! Les croix semblent flotter et cela donne une ambiance tout à fait particulière et dramatique. La composition est également bien choisi! J'aime beaucoup!
Marcus-G (88) 2004-01-06 11:55
Very good contrast who give an amazing power at your composition.I am very moved by your image because I have write texts on this thema and I felt in your picture some thing familiar.
RSalvo
(82) 2004-01-17 12:11
What a great one. But my words go to your caption. What a nice and useful description. Thanks for spreading this kind of knowledge. Due to your example, from now on I'll make a special effort to colect the richest of the information to join my pictures (if my bad english allows it). I'm jealous: my B&W requires a lot of progress.
Opus
![Gold Star Critiquer [C: 106 W: 0 N: 0]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-n.gif){kind=small}
(0) 2004-01-18 10:20
Powerful image heightened by your fine handling of exposure, lighting and contrast. Thanks also for the extensive background material you've added.
Very fine!
Skorj
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 399 W: 12 N: 1]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-n.gif){kind=small}
(581) 2004-01-23 20:52
Brilliant framing and presentation. While it appears that you are a very good technician, you also have a great eye for thoughtful composition. These combine to make a great photograph.
The translucent marble here is just gorgeous, as is the dark grass and brilliant sky.
piozac
(2065) 2004-03-12 12:31
That one also goes to my favourites. It amazes me how you achieve so nice b&w tones in your photos. Contrast here is outstanding!
Composition is perfect.
GuillaumeR
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 30 W: 40 N: 7]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-s-n.gif){kind=small}
(131) 2004-03-17 17:07
Really, this shot is incredible !!! the darkness at the bottom of the picture, the luminosity on the first cross and this sky, really congratulations !!!
RGatward
(20086) 2004-04-01 8:48
Hi Richard, just had a look through your thumbnials, and this is my favourite. A nice touch having one at the front with a visible name. Very well executed in every way.
egmg
(345) 2004-04-05 16:59
I am charmed with all your B&W works. I am not very good in critics, especially in technical aspects, so forgive me my silent appreciation. But this shot is so provocative in meanings. Only some points of contrast: Cross and multiple crosses; crosses and one Star of David! Crosses and sky; crosses forming and dissecting space viewed in straight perspective. The closest cross is not completely geometrically symmetric! Mythology of cruciform and death-life dialectics, and so on and so further.
Thank you.
eleparc
(24063) 2004-04-10 14:07
amazing angle of shot and compo with all crosses leading to the flag! congratulations richard!
Josh69
(1437) 2004-04-12 1:34
Powerful photo, and excellent post processing. I like the way the ground is completely black. One of the most interesting things in this photo for me is that among all the crosses there is one Star of David.
DavidX (327) 2004-04-26 22:03 [Comment]
nfriedli
(1060) 2004-06-24 15:57
Wow, the best cemetary I've ever seen. Any comment is superfluous, because it is *perfect* !
Cheer!
paido
(944) 2004-09-14 9:51
You've caught well the sinister face of war. The dark sky seems to give an angry look to those responsible for the casualities !
Well done !
pacd
(132) 2005-03-12 7:19 [Comment]
bnallama
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 312 W: 40 N: 497]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif){kind=small}
(3763) 2005-05-13 17:57
Richard, two lovely things.. The photo and the note... Great use of wide angle.
White crosses on the dark grounds add the contrasts and the mood...
The mood?? Sad and I have to admit a bit scarry... Lovely galery of photos you have got... I will return with more time and smiley :-))
Ah and intersting to see how you work in digital BW... Just a curious question, I suppose that you have to shot in color and convert it to BW during PP??
Take care
Bala
stefi
(1230) 2005-06-11 9:20
GREAT GREAT SHOT, it really makes me shiver inside.
A great DOF and perfect exposure.
convey
(170) 2005-07-05 23:57
great shot, i love how spookey it is. i didn't know there are cemetaries for americans in places other than america... excellent job, anyway.
Ulises
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 228 W: 9 N: 115]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}
(1026) 2005-07-07 11:55
richard.
wow!!. i have nothing to say, i was speechless when i saw this picture, i love the colors and everything
rgrds
ulises
kclai
(2267) 2005-09-23 21:21
Hi Richard
Great B&W effect and the scenery are very well executed, bringing the feel and thought out of the picture.
The lighting onto the first tombstone and great, the same as the background.
Impressive work of art.
Well done, Richard.
Eric Lai
belantis
(169) 2005-09-27 9:13
The picture is great! From the name on the headstone, to seeing down the rows of headstones, to the dramatic sky. Great note as well.
imoko
(397) 2005-09-27 9:37
Hello Richard
I think that it is a very impressive photograph and this is a beautiful photograph I am very fierce and is mysterious.
I think that I am sold, and form and a color of a cloud enhance an atmosphere of a photograph of this grave still more.
It is very difficult to write an impression of this photograph.
But I want to say by all means if I have that I liked this photograph very much.
Tomo
surfnico
(189) 2005-09-27 9:48
Richard, what can I say, you made me really inspired with your shot. great scene, good mixture of mystery and reality, congratulation!
MON
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 79 W: 2 N: 10]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-s.gif){kind=small}
(135) 2005-09-27 13:38
Excellent composition. B&W gives an excellent feeling according with the topic. Lighting is very good and you have got a very sharp shot. Congratulations!.
hantulaut
(3441) 2005-10-26 15:18
great BW picture! i love it. The cemetry nuances get strong with heavy clouds on sky. TFS
PapaLazarou
![Silver Note Writer [C: 1 W: 0 N: 15]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/n-n-s.gif){kind=small}
(164) 2006-01-28 4:01
Very moving picture.
A little dark on the ground but then i think thats what you were after. I think you have cropped a bit tight on the front cross, but other then that it's fine.
wangp
(364) 2006-02-21 7:39
Very unusual picture, yet amazing scene. I suggest you to try to take with IR filter.
zit2a
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 33 W: 1 N: 84]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-n-g.gif){kind=small}
(906) 2006-02-21 7:55
Bravo
je trouve ta photo vraiment superbe
non seulement le Noir et blanc lui donne une force indeniable mais le contraste des croix avec ce ciel tumultueux lui confere un cote émouvant et tres fort
je ne peut que saluer ta photo je place dans mes favoris
merci de nous offrir ta vision
Gilles
erthmuffin
(1551) 2006-05-10 16:07
very surreal. following the rule of thirds, as well as the high contrast creating such a dark surface that the white headstones seem to float, is a great effect.
good note, also.
iGirl
(1223) 2006-05-10 16:14
Hi Richard, excellent composition and exposure. I really like the contrast! And I enjoyed reading the informative note. Thanks for sharing!
Erin
peco85
(921) 2006-05-10 17:06
As if it was taken straight out of horrormovie.. A really everlasting photo with great shades and lights.. Feel a distant sorrow for all the lost soldiers..
thanks for sharing!
clarkzor
(379) 2006-05-18 9:50
Very useful note. Great picture, with great highlights and shadows. Nice diagonal symmetry. Well done!
Regards,
Daniel
blakitan
(1311) 2006-05-29 10:41
Hi Richard,
It may scare some people, but in this case, cemetary is beautiful object.
B&W is better for this object than color.
Well capture, well PP
Ben Lakitan
voyagenation
(1180) 2006-07-09 9:54
a moving testament of man serving the cause of other nations for the sake of liberty, peace and most of all love of country. being a Filipino i am proud that my countrymen sacrficed for the greater good of all. One note though is that the Philipiines was not part of the Union but a Commonwealth promised by America its own democratic soveriegn state when the war ended that dream momentarily. Shortly after the war the Republic of the Philippines was born out of that promise. Today, we continue to enjoy the liberty within the bounderies of our democratic principles laid out in our Constitution.
the text is a heartwarming dedication and a great honor to the fallen hereos.
Sekhmet73
(4189) 2006-07-25 9:46
Absolutely impressive, b&w is the best choice.... It reminds me The Omen movie.
prezntime
(3946) 2006-07-25 9:54
Completely moving. beautiful contrasts. perfect mood for this subject.
fantastic.
Chris
mike-tango
(163) 2006-08-03 21:24
Great picture !
Amongst the terrible darkness of the ground, the light on the cross and in the sky is a sign of hope
Michel
kittyhawk
(1802) 2006-10-17 8:38
Hello Richard,
Very nice image to comemorate the fallen of D-Day. I like the composition and the contrast in the image.
I must admit that the first thing that came to mind when I saw the photo was the Metallica album: Master of the puppets... I guess that album has been very comersiolized...
Any how, I really like this photo, it really illustrates how many people gave their lives in WW2.
TFS.
- Halgeir
newtintin
(1876) 2006-10-20 16:37
hello, I believe that from antant of point on a photograph, there is not large thing has to say, If not that, Bravo it is epoustouflant. Greeting R.A.F
overexposed (32) 2007-02-03 11:31
hi i think is the "darkest"photo i have ever seen.excellent!!!!if i could put more points i gave 10'
Jason_teale
(717) 2007-02-10 4:53
a wonderfully dark picture that matches your powerful statements. This is a really good picture and I think the families of the men buried there would be proud of this picture.
mammal (38) 2007-02-21 16:27
Hey Richard - the number of critiques here speaks volumes.
I strive to produce an image of such quality - TFS.
Paul
flpanthers1
(108) 2007-03-28 9:26
This has to be one of my favorite pictures on Trek Earth. Very well done. A very somber place I am sure, but one with great sacrifice and importance. Thank you for sharing.
jrzufferey
(7305) 2007-04-01 3:44
Térriblement impressionnante ton image !! Par son thème mais surtout par le choix de l'éclairage. C'est absolument magnifique. Ciao/jr
SabrinaTripodi
(84) 2007-05-24 22:02
que buena foto!! como contrastan las cruces con el suelo queda muy bien, y el cielo casi del mismo color que las cruces, muy buena la composicion!!!
GPL (94) 2007-07-13 13:45
Richard,
What a thought provoking picture, beutiful yet sad. Makes you wonder what those who have fallen and all of the potential lives they may have created could have given to the world.
Like it a lot, TFS.
Gavin...
Seb82
(2467) 2007-09-04 12:17
hi richard
really impressive shot , superb light and contrast , scarying atmospher , really amazing shot!!
in my favorite!!:)
SeB
Amphitrite
(1720) 2007-10-12 6:16
Hello Richard,
Really impressive shot.
Very good perpective and BW composition.
Well captured,
PINAR
diverjohn
(544) 2007-11-27 7:18
great image, worthy of a news magazine or military service magazine.
Your notes are exemplary.
knerkowski
(1476) 2007-11-27 7:37
Hi Richard
I do not find wome words to define this picture.
The atmosphere is really great. B&W is perfect here. So is everything
Thanks for sharing
Cheers
Kevin
michalu
(810) 2007-11-27 8:38
Hi I could only repit all the coments of your pictutr! it`s great
regards
Michael
totoamoto
(1107) 2007-12-07 17:04
Tres impressionant !! La lumière sur les croix.. La photo est magnifique.. Mais cette lumiere donne vraiment une touche...supplementaire..
Emanuele67 (68) 2007-12-17 7:29
Recalls the cover of "Master of the puppets" Metalllica
Impressive shot
porto62
(2313) 2008-03-05 17:50
Hi Richard,congradulation you had make one of the most impressive B/W shoot ive ever seen on T.E a clear and expressive one that is verry representative of the great world war.Excellent shoot POV and everything WOW.Alain TFS
ekinokswest
(2994) 2008-03-24 2:31
To tell you the truth I do not consider or approach to this place when I look at it as solely American I mean the issue of belonging to a nation doesnt come to the mind at first sight. These stones.. the grass and the sky looks very charming and charismatic I d love to sleep there for good .
Jobak
(180) 2008-05-11 14:23 [Comment]
chris04stop
(6805) 2008-06-11 17:23
This is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful pic. Thank you. Grazie. SO a clever shot! I am the widow of an american photograpfer, I know very well Usa and his cemeteries. Bravo! And thanks again: you remembered me a bit of my life! Ciao, A.P.
jorbe
(319) 2008-07-03 2:27
Hello Richard,
Wow, this is so good photo. There is emotion, feeling, darkness. One of best B&W photos i`ve seen.
Excellent work!
Jorbe
MLINES
(12516) 2008-10-24 12:40
Hi Richard, A most powerful shot with very professional look about it. Sad to see so many gave their lives during war, makes one wonder why man is on earth when killing each other seems to be so common. The only animal to kill its own. Good notes too. TFS. Murray.
foibles3
(1475) 2008-10-24 13:04
This is a very, very moving image. It is painful to look at but I can't look away. Your comments are also very insightful.
Thank you!
David
vmukherjee
(614) 2008-11-13 1:23
Great eerie shot!! The crosses seem to rise from the void. You have upheld the aura of the place in a masterful way. No word I know is enough to praise this one :) . Thanks a lot for sharing.
rajhema
(1873) 2009-02-11 8:18
the darkness does deliver the feeling very well. Good narration and a fantastic portrait Richard.
TFS
Rajesh
levente
(600) 2009-06-07 9:47 [Comment]
simplyoga
(6506) 2012-07-18 7:07
Make me want to play "Master Of Puppets" (Metallica)..
Very nice.. Love this!
jemeldz (6) 2013-11-09 12:50
tout simplement parfait !
le choix de la sous exposition donne un coté apocalyptique à l’atmosphère.
Ca me donne la chair de poule.
FernandoMendes (44) 2016-05-24 6:04 [Comment]
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Richard Birkett (merpb)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 404 W: 95 N: 343]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(2001) - Genre: Lugares
- Medium: Preto & Branco
- Date Taken: 2004-01-04
- Camera: Fuji Finepix S2 Pro, Nikkor AF 12-24 f4, Digital RAW, 1.5-Stop Hard grad
- Exposição: f/22, 15 segundos
- Details: Tripod: Yes
- Versão da Foto: Versão Original
- Tema(s): War ... what's it used for?, Cemeteries, miejsca, All Saints War Cemeteries. [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2004-01-04 13:47
- Favoritos: 47 [ver]
