sorrow

phillip, i am not sure if you are aware but there is a RB contest “compassion” i think this would be a great entry

ok ill have a look,.cheers

only group ‘leaders’,... ? can upload work,.. oh well

I like the title and the capture. I think that it is important for people to know that soldiers are not for killing and occupation only, (as many think) but they are people with experiences, emotions and feelings. As a war veteran myself I can relate to this image. I include this image in the Art of the Middle East group. because of it’s emotive and evocative qualities.

many thanks Eyal

A sad, powerful image that speaks volumes…

I still have tears in my eyes as I try to tap out this comment. I agree with everything that Eyal and the others say about this image. I thank God for all of you men who are trying to bring peace to such troubled areas….the suffering isn’t just physical….how it must make your hearts ache to see the sites you do. Especially the children. We are so blessed to live in countries where peace (to an extent) is taken for granted.

how hard it must be for these men and women to be away from family and friends for so long but they are doing such a wonderful job, god bless to each and every one of them, they things they must go through and have to see and witness, some things will never leave there minds and they will live with for the rest of their lifes,

I wish all the men and women all the best and their familys waitng back at home for them.

thank you everyone for your support,.

Your work is exceptionally fantastic! What kind of camera do you take with you in these situations? Truly amazing work! I am very impressed!

i normaly use a canon 30d,..however this was taken on a canon g2 powershot set to sepia,.. easier to stick in your pocket than the huge 30d

hugely moving – this photo will have such a phenomenal impact on anyone who comes across it. After such experiences it must be impossible to come home and regard any of life’s daily problems as being of any consequence at all. I hope you, and your colleagues received support on your return. Thank you for your service for the UK and for posting these photographs.

thank you very much Simon,..

leave the rifle behind and just use your camera, you are amazing at what you shoot

This an incredibly expressive picture. You can definitely feel the emotion. You captured this wonderfully. :]

Great capture… i have tears in my eyes! My hubby is in the Australian Army and currently deployed in Afghanistan. He left 3 weeks after our first baby was born and we miss him so much.

Expressive and moving, excellent shot!

its funny, i didnt know how to comment on this shot because as i sat here and looked at it, I became withdrawn, quiet, almost like he is….i guess thats what emotive photography can cause to the viewer? well done then :)

Nice work. How much time did you spend in southern Iraq? I myself, spent a year in central Iraq wearing an American uniform. Cheers.

compassionate…..

the reality of war

this photo tells a powerful story, very nice capture!

Having been a squaddie, and remembering great times out in Aldershot, Winchester, Catterick and the like, smiling when I remember my loopy mates out on the pi**, I’m sure you felt so close to your mate when you decided to capture this moment. Stunning.

what a powerful and moving image. i echo the sentiments of the other comments, it’s good to see so many supportive messages on here too

brilliant intense atmospheric shot

Although I was a child, I am old enough to remember bits of the Viet-Nam war era. I was an adolescent american-girl then… This photo reminds me so much of the sadness in that part of my life. My brother, who was 14 years older than I, came back from Nam a broken man… I am humbled when I see soldiers in their uniforms. and grateful for the sacrifices… Thank you

very touching! i have tears in my eyes

lost friend, cancelled R&R, another pushed back ship-date, just missing home or hating the sand & heat… it’s really easy to just get tired of it all. This brings back about 13 months of memories for me. You’re an extremely talented photographer.

PS. I’m proud of all who kept going despite these moments.

God Bless Our Soldiers!!!!! GREAT CAPTURE :))

Amazing photo, the sepia tone really helps capture the emotion, very nice work!

very powerful image, brought tears to my eyes, so moving…anna ; )

your work makes me wonder, if more soldiers shot with cameras, what would the wars be like?

makes u think….......! what if….......