This is a very different project for me and I would greatly appreciate it if you took the time and left a comment or even a like to let me know what you are think.
My stint as a war photographer
These photographs are the first in a series that I will be doing about World War II re-enactors called Serving the Cause of History. Besides being a photographer, I’m a history nerd with a strong interest in World War II. I’m fascinated by the memoirs of our citizen soldiers who weren’t the professional military of today. They were teenagers and young adults who put their lives on hold to take up arms and defend their nation. I also have read memoirs by the other combatants, as well as civilians, who were caught up in the conflict. This was a horrific time and those who fought the evil that was consuming the world should be remembered and honored.
My friend Mike Pillows recently posted an amazing portfolio of an American civil war re-enactment on his photography blog. Although I’ve been thinking about this project for a while, Mike’s work finally got me moving.
On a recent cold December morning, I drove to Philadelphia’s historic Fort Mifflin to join a group of World War II re-enactors. Knowing that being “out of uniform” would relegate me to the sidelines, I showed up very early to meet some of the soldiers and chat about our shared interest in WWII. Re-enactors have a strong passion for history mixed with a bit of a desire to act. I wanted to use that time to make photographs that were more personal.
I got lucky when it started raining. It made the re-enactors better actors because they really were miserable in the cold without the benefit of modern rain gear. War is hell and on this wet day so was re-enacting one.
Showing up early allowed me to get to know some of the re-enactors before they staged the battle. After they realized I shared their passion for World War II history, they didn’t mind posing or letting me follow them around during the battle as long as I didn’t make myself obvious.
I also was invited to join them at future events. When I find a proper uniform, I’ll be able to take on the role of a war photographer and shoot the battle (with a camera) close up. Now part of my photographic gear will include a helmet and combat boots.
I’m splitting the images from this event into three posts. Here is the first.
The Americans
GI Joe by Richard Lewis 2014
Citizen Soldier by Richard Lewis 2014
Today Might Be My Last by Richard Lewis 2014
A Private Moment by Richard Lewis 2014
Enlisted Men by Richard Lewis 2014
One Rag Tag Outfit by Richard Lewis 2014
Next Post – The Germans
Click here for more of these photographs from this event that are on my website.
Good work Rich. Enjoyed. Jon
Thanks Jon. I’m glad you enjoyed these images. There is more to come!
Superb photos, very well captured. Looking forward to the next series 🙂
Thanks. The next set will be up in a few days, hopefully.
They saved the world. Reenactment is a tribute and capturing their images let’s others see the GI’s of WWII are appreciated. Great pics Rich. I might suggest B&W helps viewers identify more readily.
You are absolutely right about the tribute Byron. All the re-enactors truly honored soldiers they were portraying both on and off the battlefield.
I originally decided that all of the photos should be in black and white but as I started processing them, color just seemed to make these characters and the rainy environment they were fighting in much more real.
Excellent photos Rich! Very well made and very strong portraits! 😀
Thanks Alex. I really appreciate your compliment as I’m an admirer of the people photography you do.
Cool project. Nice photos. Looking forward to the Germans!
Thanks Fred. The Germans are coming up soon.
Hey first a big thanks for the share (ping back) in your story. Your choice of period processing just added to the mood and emotions that your images bring up. Those portraits bring the story home… well done and seen!!!
You are welcome Mike. Your work is always inspiring and I’m happy to give you a shout out. Thanks for the compliment on my work and there is more to come soon.
FANTASTIC! ‘GI Joe’ is my favorite … love the composition and cigar (with smoke).
Thanks. I liked that guy too. He remained in character even after the re-enactment and acted like he was right out of a WWII movie from the 1950’s. I do wish I thought to photograph him in front of a less busy background.
The grim weather would certainly have lent a realistic feel to the re-enactments!
I’m not so sure about the ‘was’ in the first paragraph about the evil in the world back then – there seems to be so much more of it nowadays unfortunately then even in the two World Wars.
Carol.
Hi Carol. Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately I have to agree with about the evil in the world.
Nice idea for a set of posts anyway – love your photos so far 🙂