eternumviti
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Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Opinions needed on this one! The Somme project that I have been working on for some while now is to culminate in a local exhibition next July, which is planned to involve readings of poetry and first-hand accounts. The photographs show the often precise locations of these accounts, and this is one such, the scene of the poet Robert Graves's wounding - he was hit by shell fragments, and a piece of marble from a headstone in the Bazentin communal cemetery as his unit retreated from a barrage across this field.
The light/weather/wind conditions have not been cooperative whenever I have visited the location, and this is my best shot at it yet. It has been bit of a struggle. The cross of sacrifice in the CWGC extension to the village cemetery was just hidden behind the trees from this, the best vantage point, so I had to lift it from another shot taken a few feet to my right, and there were a number of distracting elements that I had to remove.
My question is, does it work? The sky is a bit fussy, and the lower half is quite dark. I'm not sure.
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21/Oct/15, 7:35 am
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eternumviti
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Graves's account, for context;
"One piece of shell went through my thigh, high up near the groin; I must have been at full stretch of my stride to escape emasculation. The wound over my eye was made by a little chip of marble, possibly from one of the Bazentin headstones. This, and a finger wound which split the bone, probably came from another shell bursting in front of me. But a piece of shell had also gone in two inches below the point of my right shoulder blade, and came out through my chest two inches above the right nipple, in a line with my collar bone"
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21/Oct/15, 7:41 am
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Clactonian
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Does it work? For me yes. If I had been presented with this image at random I would immediately have placed it as of the Somme. You have captured that sense of desolation that always prevails when in the region admirably.
The exhibition is a great reward for all your hard work both photographically and with research.
--- Thanks for viewing, Mike
I always welcome critique of my images but prefer to try recommended edits myself.
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21/Oct/15, 8:25 am
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StevenZ
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Does it work? Yes, definitely. I like this one very much. The tones are deep and rich. The sky could be a little cleaner but I can live with it. Did you add grain to it? The bright object in the centre (the cross I presume) adds interest and makes a strong focal point for the eye. The overall mood is soothing and peaceful. Well done!
--- www.monochromelandscapes.com
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21/Oct/15, 1:30 pm
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eternumviti
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Thank you Mike & Steve.
The grain is added - I always add varying degrees of it, this is quite strong even for me, though it tends to reduce considerably in print. In this instance it adds to my slightly 'dreamlike' objective, and strangely serves to slightly sharpen the trees in the wood where the wind movement has blurred them.
I have reflected further, and just lifted the lower third a little - not here, but on the original file - there is now a hint of detail into the wood and across the cemetery and through to the right of the frame.
It is growing on me, I think.
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21/Oct/15, 3:03 pm
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JustDave
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Love the bottom half. Feel that the lights in the sky are a bit bright. Would like to see one with them toned down a bit. Otherwise very enjoyable image.
Regards, Dave
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21/Oct/15, 5:14 pm
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Norman2
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Having read most of the works by Robert Graves I think I can appreciate what you have tried to do with this image. I am sure if he could see it you would get the thumbs up.
Norman
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21/Oct/15, 7:52 pm
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eternumviti
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
Thank you Dave & Norman
Norman, there was a programme on the box a while back, beautifully made, on the Poets & the Somme. They took Graves's son to this location. He recalled how, when he was a boy his father would guide his fingers to touch the piece of marble, still embedded in his brow.
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21/Oct/15, 9:44 pm
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Digital Finger
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
yup this works
(not so sure about the 'lanes' ones though in another post)
--- I am a part of what I am, not apart from what I dream,
That's a part of what I seem, but not apart from what I am
~ Simon
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1/Nov/15, 5:35 pm
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eternumviti
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Re: Bazentin-le-Petit - Robert Graves
TThanks Simon.
No, 'lanes' is rejected!
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1/Nov/15, 10:28 pm
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