Here’s a contest, a chance to win a SanDisk card: I have two questions for you: One, what makes this image so strong for you? It was shot almost 65 years ago, yet it resonates with today’s viewers, who may have had grandparents around at the time it was taken. Really, I’m very curious to know what hits you when you see it? For the back story of this photograph see the end of this post. *
Now two, this takes a bit of work on your end, but not too hard: Who can do a reenactment of it, even have two friends be your models, unless you are lucky enough to find an actual sailor and nurse! Shoot it on any camera (I said any, that includes your iPhone, Polaroid, Holga–whatever you’ve got.) Attach it to a comment below (or you can tweet @marcsilbershow and include the link to this post) and we’ll see who comes up with the best shot and I’ll send SanDisk card to the winner–how’s that?
© Alfred Eisenstaedt 1945
Contest Details:
Answer why you think this so powerful, or what it conveys to you. You can do that now.
Shoot a reenactment of this photograph (don’t worry about matching their wardrobe) with any camera.
Attach it to a comment below or tweet to @marcsilbershow and include the link to this post
Deadline is 7/31. Winner will be chosen by 8/8. Ok, let’s’ see what you’ve got!
*As Eisenstaedt describes it in his autobiography: “I was walking through the crowds on V-J Day, looking for pictures. I noticed a sailor coming my way. He was grabbing every female he could find and kissing them all — young girls and old ladies alike. Then I noticed the nurse, standing in that enormous crowd. I focused on her, and just as I’d hoped, the sailor came along, grabbed the nurse, and bent down to kiss her.”
I know the contest is over, but, here are my thoughts on the picture going back as far as I can remember. For those who lived in this time period, I see it as an end to all the years of pain suffering and sacrifice. Everyone was affected by WWII. We had also just gone through the” Great Depression” and this moment in time represented the end of that era. The course of the world was finally set straight again. I look at it today and think “No matter how dark and gloomy the world may seem. It will get better”.
I know the contest is over, but, here are my thoughts on the picture going back as far as I can remember. For those who lived in this time period, I see it as an end to all the years of pain suffering and sacrifice. Everyone was affected by WWII. We had also just gone through the” Great Depression” and this moment in time represented the end of that era. The course of the world was finally set straight again. I look at it today and think “No matter how dark and gloomy the world may seem. It will get better”.
great shot Paul and thanks for your insight. Why not take a stab at the theme?
great shot Paul and thanks for your insight. Why not take a stab at the theme?
I remember looking at this picture in my grandfathers study back in London and thinking art, passion and timing! Precise timing! Concentration and foresight! I never forgot it. I now live in NYC and took the attached photograph during this years Fleet Week celebration.
A colleague of mind made a comment about the Eisenstaedt photograph on my blog. Sorry I don’t pose any of my street photography but will look with interest at the other submissions!
Cheers, PL.
I remember looking at this picture in my grandfathers study back in London and thinking art, passion and timing! Precise timing! Concentration and foresight! I never forgot it. I now live in NYC and took the attached photograph during this years Fleet Week celebration.
A colleague of mind made a comment about the Eisenstaedt photograph on my blog. Sorry I don’t pose any of my street photography but will look with interest at the other submissions!
Cheers, PL.
Hey Beverly, good one! both your message and photo!
Hey Beverly, good one! both your message and photo!
Love is greater than war!
Love is greater than war!