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niimo — Marine

Published: 2008-04-07 11:42:03 +0000 UTC; Views: 1122; Favourites: 37; Downloads: 0
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Description I met Danny while shooting around town with some friends. He asked for some spare change, I said "I'm not going to give you money because I don't know what you'll spend it on, but I'll get you something to eat if you want." He accepted, and we strolled over to McDonald's. While he ate, we chatted about all sorts of things. Eventually it came up that in the past he was in the military, a marine, and that is how he ended up in Hawaii. He gave me some advice.
"If you ever join the Military, go into the Navy," he said. "Life at sea can be hell, but you'll see the world, and you won't see combat."
"Not the Marines? like you?" I said half jokingly.
"You ever seen the movie 'Full Metal Jacket'?" He asked.
"Sure. 'This is ma' rifle!'.." I recited in a stern tone.
"Hahaa, that's the one. Well, that is about as real as it gets."
"Really!"
"Yep. Navy boot camp is much easier. I remember we used to have guys sneak over to the Navy boot camp. Our Drill Sargent would say, "let 'em go be idiots!" They'd come back thinking they'd skipped the days work. Nope, that evening the Drill Sargent would make them do everything they'd missed!"

He told me a few other stories that, well, maybe I'll have to keep to myself. I'm glad I got to meet this man, it really made my day. It came very naturally to ask for his portrait before we parted ways. This was shot sitting next to the big glass window in the McDonald's. I took two exposures, guestimating the light, this is the second one shot at f/2 and 1/60th of a second. It was one of those times, that as I looked through the viewfinder and saw his expression change to this, I felt supremely confident, and the photo seemed to imprint in my mind at the same moment.


***

Leica M3 50mm Summicron DR
Shot @ F/2 and 1/60th with the closeup goggles on.

Developing info:
Kodak Panatomic-X 32iso (expired in the 1980's)
HC110 dilution B for 4.75 minutes
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Comments: 26

squonkhunter [2012-01-27 05:43:37 +0000 UTC]

Amazing story!

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TheRussianKid [2012-01-20 04:46:38 +0000 UTC]

this is truly a magnificent picture, and story . i hope he is ok, i have utter respect for vets and who are still serving. once again wonderful shot

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niimo In reply to TheRussianKid [2012-01-24 05:55:14 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much, I feel the same.

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Night-Watch-Man [2008-09-27 14:57:52 +0000 UTC]

respect

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rhapsouldize [2008-07-02 05:26:49 +0000 UTC]

i'm in love with this portrait. so intimate.

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stilgar [2008-04-18 19:16:20 +0000 UTC]

I have done the same thing, even picked up hitchers who had no way. When you listen you can hear so much... It can be dangerous also, seeing that most of the homeless have usually a unmedicated or not treatable mental illness. still kindness goes a long way.. I like your story you told. It is moving when you have moved someone.

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niimo In reply to stilgar [2008-04-19 09:32:11 +0000 UTC]

Hitchhikers is one thing, homeless hitchhikers, yeah I can see how that might be scary at times. Very glad you enjoyed it and that you can relate. Thank you for your comment.

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snak [2008-04-09 21:20:06 +0000 UTC]

Awesome story and a wonder capture to back it up. I say do this more ofter.

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niimo In reply to snak [2008-04-19 09:29:03 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much.

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iggygirl [2008-04-09 07:17:33 +0000 UTC]

Homeless people can actually be very interesting talked to. I talked to one who was an artist. Said he used to be able to live off his art but you know how the art world can be one day your hot the next your not. He had some interesting ideas to share as well. I'd like to do that more often, take the opportunity to have lunch or tea with an interesting person regardless of there status in society.

anyways the expression you caught in this photo really does seem to tell a story and show alot of character. And I think you caught the light and shadows just perfectly.

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niimo In reply to iggygirl [2008-04-11 21:51:50 +0000 UTC]

Well said. Thank you very much for that thoughtful comment!

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iggygirl In reply to niimo [2008-06-25 08:35:45 +0000 UTC]

You are very welcome

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Bexifer [2008-04-08 20:17:46 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful x

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niimo In reply to Bexifer [2008-04-09 08:16:00 +0000 UTC]

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surreal-bt-nice [2008-04-08 17:30:08 +0000 UTC]

Oh, I adore such portraits!) His expression is so peaceful...
THe story is just great)

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niimo In reply to surreal-bt-nice [2008-04-09 08:15:52 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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crusia [2008-04-08 11:51:36 +0000 UTC]

there is something catching in photographs of people with wrinkles... it's even more interesting in contrast to all those pictures edited in Photoshop that we encounter continuously in media. It's like showing their real beauty, extraordinary beauty which lies in years that have passed by.

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niimo In reply to crusia [2008-04-09 08:15:33 +0000 UTC]

Well put. Thank you very much for that thoughtful comment.

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natashazero [2008-04-08 09:57:20 +0000 UTC]

beatiful story behind
absolutely great portrait
interesting shot details

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niimo In reply to natashazero [2008-04-08 11:53:34 +0000 UTC]

That is much appreciated.

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Omega300m [2008-04-07 17:03:35 +0000 UTC]

I love those types of photo experiences.
You can almost feel it in your heart when the mirror lifts to expose the negative.

Great shot.

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niimo In reply to Omega300m [2008-04-08 11:53:13 +0000 UTC]

Yes, yes, I've only had a handful (if that many) of them myself. But wow, what a feeling it is. Thank you very much.

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Cacodaemonia [2008-04-07 15:27:03 +0000 UTC]

Wow, yeah, there is really... something there. A whole lifetime of stories, if only we'll listen.

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niimo In reply to Cacodaemonia [2008-04-08 11:51:59 +0000 UTC]

Absolutely. I feel strongly that way about our elders in all different trades, but specifically (relevant to me) old school photographers. Thank you.

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Ockie [2008-04-07 12:10:00 +0000 UTC]

Nice photo, great story behind it.

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niimo In reply to Ockie [2008-04-08 11:50:11 +0000 UTC]

thank you

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