Photographer's Comment: You have to look close at this one, he has no left arm. It was left in Iraq. Thank goodness it was just an arm and not his life. But I consider this to be the ultimate kindness, protecting others no matter what your politics are, these brave folks do this for us! I'm not a street shooter, personal hangup of mine, just not comfortable with shooting strangers, unless its an event of some sort where I'm expected to shoot strangers like a reception or something. This is mostly because I don't like people shooting images of me without my knowledge and having an image of me pop up on a website somewhere. I've been known to make people delete images of me when this has happened in the past. I know, bad me! Have nothing against street shooters, just don't shoot me. :) Maybe one of these days I'll get past this. Until then I make do with what I have to shoot. This was shot in mid day sun.

Tags: kindness engagement couple portrait

Viewer Comments:

By smokeydawg (2008-05-09 02:14:21 ): Thanks Sharon! LoL, I'm in Cedar Rapids, IA Carl

By wilbs999 (2008-05-09 02:01:23 ): Carl, I love the way you blurred out those leafless trees, so they didn't look out of place with the couple in shirt-sleves. The relationship is obviously a winner too. Beautiful shot. Hey, when I'm traveling finally, where is it you live? I'll have to be really sneaky? Understand what you're saying. I'm having trouble making myself take pictures of strangers. Don't really have any yet. Me? Nobody takes pictures of me. Nobody ever did anyway. I end up in the scrap book sometimes when Stef or Kris takes one with their cameras. I carry my camera though. They'll be hard pressed to remember what I look like some day. Beautiful shot. Very romantic.

By audlee (2008-05-07 12:26:24 ): audi is quicker to type than Audrey, you may refer to me as you wish -- I am just so honored to participate here with so many generous, talented people. Love candids of F&F and in appropriate social situations as expected also... "you know who".

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:18:13 ): Hi Audi. Do you prefer Audi? Anyway (Blush) thanks so much for the kind words, you made my day! :) I do also value candids of myself and family. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:13:49 ): Thanks Bill. Maybe someday I'll get over my hangup, but it's a tough one for me. Glad you liked the image. Carl

By audlee (2008-05-07 06:00:45 ): Carl, you handled this moment and WA with such poignant dignity and grace. I feel so similar about the candids and yet I also value them greatly. A candid snap of our own reality, like an honest bit of history. Truly love this photo and the reality behind it and feel you have taken the high road in your presentation by simply telling us of his kindness to us, rather than exploiting the resulting physical reminder. You teach so much here by your example and range as well as by your images and encouragement. Your thoughts and actions in this WA are quite an act of kindness. audi.

By EnterVortex (2008-05-07 03:04:57 ): Carl, it looks as if they are walking into a giant painting of trees and a winding pathway. They are so crystal clear and the path ahead so mystic. Nice! Also, great words with a lot of meaning in your comments. Finally, I was surprised on the candid shot assignment at how many people did not want their pictures taken. Some got very upset. I see your point there also.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 12:42:55 ): Thanks Carlos, your feedback is always appreciated. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 12:41:54 ): Thanks CJ, appreciate the feedback. I purposely didn't make a point of showing him armless in the image, but mentioned it, because I personally appreciate the sacrifices our soldiers make for us. My way of saying a thank you to him and others for their service. I agree about the differences, this guy can do more with one arm then most can do with two. So called disablities are only disablilities if you let them be. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 12:23:14 ): Thanks Michael, I appreciate the feedback!

By CJGroth (2008-05-06 11:10:33 ): What a beautiful, well-composed photo. The path and trees and sepia tone are just wonderful. It is difficult to tell he has no left arm, and maybe for the assignment that is not optimum ... but really I think it is the best for LIFE, which is what is important. I sometimes get tired of people pointing out and emphasizing what makes us DIFFERENT. After all, we are just people trying to do the best we can, including this couple. I like this photos very much, Carl.

By vinedresser (2008-05-06 02:32:14 ): What a great picture. I like these types because it tells a story without knowing the people

By karmal (2008-05-06 02:17:22 ): Great shot in difficult light conditions and editing work with the softness in the background trees and with the toning. Carlos

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 01:08:25 ): Thanks so much Janith! You made my day! :) Carl Also glad you saw the face and I could be of help!

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 01:07:08 ): Thanks Jan, I really do look forward to your opinions of my work, they mean a lot and while I don't always say so, I very much appreciate them. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-06 01:06:08 ): Thanks Tanja, always appreciate your comments! Carl

By janith (2008-05-05 20:02:34 ): Not only is this a great response to the 'Kindness' challenge, it's a beautiful photograph, Carl. The contrast of the sepia tones, the softness, the composition with the S-curve, the tree patterns... all work perfectly together to capture that calm feeling that eloquently expresses the kindness of these two as they wander down the path together. Thanks for raising the bar on this one!

By Isachsen (2008-05-05 18:16:07 ): Another fine take on the challenge Carl. The light on the path and gras in front of the couple is very beautiful - also the soft background.

By somagni (2008-05-05 16:56:31 ): Sad story - we need to see more of these stories to keep in our awareness just how much American soldiers give to us every day. The mood you created with the treatment is wonderful.

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