Sunday, May 31, 2009


Cropped from a larger photo, I watched this couple as they seemed unaware of the battle that was playing out just one field away.

The battle was always the main point of interest of the crowd watching the scene play out before them. I found my interest straying from the firing lines to the more subtle human interactions scattered throughout the rollings hills surrounding the action of the battle. The participants were not just actors, they were part of something they really believed in...making history come alive...not just the smoke of the muskets and the thunder of the canons but how this war or any war must have affected real people... perhaps seeing their loved ones for the last time.

I found myself wondering what was in the box...memento of a life lived together...again opening the chance for us to imagine.

12 comments:

Dani said...

What a great experience this must have been to be in the midst of such a realistic reenactment. I can only imagine what it would have been like to act out a part like the woman in this photo.

Unknown said...

This is a very thought provoking photo - it's almost like you were really there at the battle, not just watching a reenactment.

Dan Felstead said...

Dani,
It was an enjoyable experience. These folks took their roles and dove in with both feet. They stayed in character even after the battles were over. They roamed the crowd afterward and carried on discussions with you as if they were truly from the 18th century...much like the actors at Williamsburg.

Dan Felstead said...

Bobbi,
As I mentioned above, you did truly feel as if you were part of the lives of these folks.

Dan

Heather said...

Dan, the softness in this photo and the lighting is amazing. Guess what? I found another site where friends share their beautifully altered photos :o). It's a simple site but thought you might want to take a peek in, over at Paintbox Pictures.

Dan Felstead said...

Heather thanks for the heads up on the other blog. I visited and sent an email to join.

Dan

Cynthia L. H. said...

Beautiful. I think that I would have been like you mentioned...watching the small personal interactions between the players, instead of watching the battle.
You've captured it here.
So lovely.

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia,
There were stories being played out everywhere even though it was one open field area.

Dan

Heather said...

Gorgeous. I love the soft light that's surrounding them both. It really feels as though you've stepped back in time and captured a beautiful moment for us.

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Heather,
I am glad you were able to step back in time. It was hard for me to come back to reality at the end of the day!

Dan

The Muse said...

i like very much, how he is looking off to war, and she, is looking towards the case, like you stated...towards the memories, all nestled there, in that case....

Dan Felstead said...

Muse,

I also wondered if he had just "popped" the question and was waiting for a response!

Dan