Emotions in Photographs

Sometimes an image captures our attention because of emotion.  The emotion may be from what was captured.  It may be caused by circumstances in which the picture was taken.  Depending on the situation the emotion may be local or global.  By that I mean that it may only have appeal and emotion for the individual or it may have the appeal and emotion for the masses. 

My favorite picture is not one that I took.  This particular picture wasn't taken by a famous photographer.  In fact I'm not sure who captured the moment.  On a trip in 2004, just two short years before my Grandfather's death, my Dad and Grandfather went on a trip to Normandy with the WWII History Round table.  During this trip my Dad and Grandfather  had the opportunity to visit the landing beach where Grandpa's unit came ashore.  The picture itself is of the two of them standing in the causeway that Grandpa used to move inland from the beach. 

This picture isn't my favorite because of the technical skill used to capture it (there is even a part of some one's hat in the left of the frame).  It isn't my favorite because has some new element that I've never seen.  It is my favorite because it evokes emotion.  As far as I know it was the first time that Grandpa had been back to the actual spot where he landed during the famed Normandy invasion.  Dad devoted a large portion of his life to collecting militaria, educating, and participating in WWII events.  Part of his drive was because of his Dad's time spent in the service.  For me the emotion comes from the image itself and the people associated with it.  You can see the emotion on both of their faces as they stood and faced the sea.  It was also the culmination of a dream for Dad.  Knowing how much this moment meant to them and what the two of them mean to me brings the external emotion to the image.

While I'm sure this image won't stir everyone who looks at it.  It will always hold a special place in my life.  Now as we approach three years since Dad lost his battle with cancer, it serves as a reminder of his love of family and his passion for history.  Even though Grandpa and Dad are no longer with us they continue to be examples of what I hope to become as a husband and father.