Maj. Osten

 

We here at the Elledge studio would like to say a huge, "THANK YOU!" to all of the members of our armed forces (past and present).  We have the utmost respect for anyone who dedicates years of their life to helping serve our country.  Most of you reading this blog probably have a close friend or family member who has served (or have served yourself) and know the amount of discipline and dedication it takes to do this.  So we encourage you to let them know that you appreciate their sacrifices.  All politics aside, we owe a lot to these unflinching servants to society.

 

A lot of things that are necessary for success in the photography industry are mirrored in the lifestyle of the military; hard work, determination, dedication, long hours, routines, organization, efficiency and the ability to be unfazed by someone yelling at you.  It should come as no surprise then to note that the following photographers spent time in various militaries:

 

Richard Avedon (Merchant Marine - Avedon began his career taking I.D. pictures of crewmen with a Rolleiflex his father gave him as a going-away present).

 

Alfred Eisenstaedt (German Army)

 

Henri Cartier-Bresson (French Army)

 

David Bailey (Royal Air Force)

 

Elliot Erwitt (U.S. Army)

 

Edward Steichen (American Expeditionary Forces)

 

This list is surely incomplete, but it is nonetheless impressive.  To this day, enlisted men and women continue to contribute to our society, both in and out of uniform.  So this upcoming Memorial Day - Monday, May 25th - take a moment and thank the military personnel in your life for their dedication and commitment.  We are all better off because of their sacrifices.