On the Basra road, a photo from Al Basrah, South

Photographer's Note

Dead camels on the road to Basra.

With today's commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings, my thoughts turned to another, more recent military invasion...

Again, sorry about the crappy quality; it's scanned from a 6x4" print - I couldn't find the negatives, unfortunately.

Dpbours, Polonaise, crhieatt has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Merline (0) 2009-06-06 3:52

Great stuff Ben. Harsh photograph, death and life aside, superb perspective made by the lines of the road, lamps, electrical poles.
What you call "crappy quality" is beautiful in my eyes, makes this even stronger, and timeless, in true photographic reportage style. The best I've seen around since a while.

My compliments.!
Michèle

Dpbours (222) 2009-06-06 4:19

Hi Ben,

The photo has enough impact as is. This was taken just before or during the invasion of Iraq that started the 20th of March 2003. What were you doing there with an F80??!! :-)

Greetings,
Dennis

crhieatt (5347) 2009-06-06 9:48

Ben,

In fact, suitably gritty presentation ofr the subject matter - and a fine, sobering document - which also functions rather well in artistic terms: All the best shots do, I think, regardless of their subject matter.

Cheers
Colin

rikko77 (10861) 2009-06-06 11:23

Hi Ben
cracking image, strong subject ... if it was a beautiful landscape I'd say also "good composition and good POV". Not for TE in my opinion, your shots from Iraq deserve more and more. Good note also, dedicated to all the D-Day landings, from both sides I'd add.
ps. I like this "crappy" quality as you said, it's the surplus value of this pic.
Take care and have a good day
Rikk

berek (50518) 2009-06-08 11:44

Hi Ben,
quality is not important this kind of impressive picture. you sent a strong message for this great view. nice perspective . thanks for note.
have a great week.
Burak

bantonbuju (51815) 2009-06-08 14:21

why?....
why you kept all those goodies deep in your shelves?....

lucky us you decided to open that damn Pandora's can...

best, j.

jmcl (14535) 2009-07-11 15:47

Hi Ben,

Haunting image . it may be better with all the grit and grain .. it really gives a sense of place, and stress .. very thoughtful moment.. take care, John