Camera: NIKON D2Hs
Shutter: 1/500 s
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure Setting: Manual (Spot Metering)
ISO: 400
Strobe Flash: Did Not Fire
Lens Focal Length: 28 mm
White Balance: Manual
Shooter's Comments:
Today I went to the home of the family of National Guard Soldier Nick Taylor. These assignments are always so hard because the family is so filled with emotion. I went with one of our reporters, Dominic, and I was totally impressed with the way he interviewed the family.
He was calm, quiet, and just asked very simple questions, at first. At times the dad, grandpa, and sister cried which is always so hard because watching them you want to cry with them as well. I knew that I could see emotional photos that I wanted to shoot, but it just wasn't appropriate to do it at that moment especially since I had just got there.
After about 45 minutes, I started to slowly take a few photos. I took my camera off the motor drive and just shot a few frames. The mother was out getting a print of her son for me to take a photo of. I knew that she didn't want her photo taken, so I asked if I could at least get their hands holding the photo of their son. I also took a photo of them looking at the photo of their son however I think the one of the hands says more. The town was very supportive of this family. The flags were at half staff and signs were out on businesses thanking Nick for his service.
- Laura J. Gardner, photojournalist
