Yesterday, the USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) returned home to Naval Station Norfolk, VA. The USS Bainbridge was the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer which responded when the Norfolk-based merchant vessel Maersk Alabama was seized by pirates off the coast of Africa in April 2009. This situation ended with the successful rescue of the captive Maersk Alabama captain.
The company my wife works for had “adopted” the Bainbridge and her crew even before becoming highly noted for anti-pirate operations. Early yesterday morning the wife and a group from her company took food, drink and over 300 welcome home bags to greet the Bainbridge when it docked. Before the ship arrived they provided food and refreshment for the families, face painting for the kids and made sure each crew member was properly welcomed home.
Their efforts were sincerely appreciated, as Rear Admiral (2 stars) Kevin Quinn, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, made a special visit with their group to extend his own personal thanks.
So, why am I posting this–because I’m still green with envy! Being ex-military and a photographer I would have loved being there, experiencing the energy, welcoming them home and taking some remarkable photos.
My wife took her point-and-shoot camera so I did get to enjoy her photos–but it’s just not the same. :-)
Well done!
Note: In post-processing I went for an almost textured painting feel while retaining much of the detail. Since it was military and a somewhat “historic event” it seemed to have a proper feel to it.
She did great with the point and shoot and your processing is perfect for me.
Wow, that lead picture is stunning in its contrast and colours. It’s like painted in prime colours, only. I have seen this before, the point and shoot is not the limiting factor, the photographer is. This time, a team might have to be accounted for the wonderful work, because a suspect you might be responsible for the post-processing. :-) My god , is that a good picture, it really feels like being there in the happy crowd.
Ah, I didn’t see the note until I posted the comment… Well done! :-)
I like the processing effects that you gave this shot. It’s a good one to welcome the ship and crew back into port.
@Don: Thanks and I was told the energy of the crowd & families waiting for the USS Bainbridge was intense. There were a number of new fathers aboard and the captains father had passed away while he was at sea. His mother was there alone to greet him.
@Ove: Glad you liked my treatment of this photo. I felt it was the best way to go. The photo was such a excellent composition that the camera didn’t make a big difference. It was one of those special moments.
Kudos to both members of the team. When I first saw the photo, I noticed that it had the feeling of a painting and wondered if you were still in a Norman Rockwell mood. It has the look of a magazine photo to me. There is something about the cleanness and simplicity that gives me a feast of detail while maintaining a strong story line. It looks and sounds like a wonderful event to have been part of. I am so happy that your wife was there and that you both shared it.
@Anita: Thank you and I like the way you expressed the post-processing style as maintaining the story. I may use that line as my own somewhere in the future. ;-)
As far as my mood, it often changes faster then the weather–Norman Rockwell today, Salvador Dalí tomorrow! :-)