Monday, June 14, 2010

Flag Day

Today is Flag Day in the United States. Many other countries celebrate a Flag Day of their own as well.


I'm celebrating Flag Day with this post because as part of a local photography challenge, I received the topic "Flags" for the month of June.


I need to edit these flag photos down to 3 or fewer of my favorites. I shot most of these pictures on a day trip to Salem, MA. I was surprised by the number of flags I noticed. (A few cemetery flag photos are left over from my "Cemeteries" assignment photographed in NH.)


I expected flags on historic buildings, but was surprised by the variety and number of flags around town.


Just like my "Cemeteries" assignment, I stopped shooting flag photos after one day because I didn't want to get carried away with the topic!!


This assignment was a little tricky for me....it was on location, plus I had to dodge cars, pedestrians, telephone wires....Plus, the flags would move around so it was hard to get a good combo of a flag in a good position in good light with an interesting background without elements I didn't want in the photo.




While lunching at FINZ, we couldn't help but notice goings-on aboard "Sugarpants". Since it had a flag flying, I figured it was fair game for the challenge. Unfortunately the boat name doesn't stand out as much as I'd like!


This picture made me laugh because I took about 10 shots of this scene trying to get the flags lined up with the building in the background.

Despite all that work, my favorite shot from the series was when the nose of a bus, complete with a flag decal, nudged its way into the shot unexpectedly.


Hawthorne Hotel




Piscassic Cemetery



India Marine Hall

In the US, Flag Day was established in 1916 to commemorate the adoption of the American Flag on June 14, 1777.


Hamilton Hall

We had Canadian house guests several years ago. They remarked on the number of American flags on display. They viewed it as a bit of nationalism.


View out the window of Hamilton Hall

I do think American flags were more prevalent immediately after September 11, 2001, as a way of expressing grief over events of that day.

House in the Federal Architectural Style


Chestnut Street

I've heard that some towns have Flag Day parades, but could not find any parades in New Hampshire.

There is a a local program to dispose properly of damaged flags. In addition, a local group provides stars from retired flags to service members arriving at Pease Air National Guard Base.




Custom House

You'd be doing me a huge favor if you comment on which photos are your favorites, or if there are any you have a strong reaction to (positive or negative).

Hopefully your thoughts will help me narrow down the photos to the 1-3 that I need for my photography challenge! Thanks!

9 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

Beautiful images. You should get an A on this project. :)) Happy Flag Day!

Best,
Lois

Delighted Hands said...

I vote for Chestnut St pic and the one of the flag from inside of Hamilton Hall......and I like the one of the Federal Style home cuz I used to live in one!

LA said...

My favorite is the single flag in the cemetery. There's just something about all the gray and green, and that bright spot of color to designate the sacrifice of the individual resting in that place.

Theresa said...

Beautiful pictures Sue! We have to pick 3 huh? Well, while they are all flags of a sort , really many are banners, not flags and while we can stretch the definition, I think the spirit of flag day is true flags.
My 3 would be the single flag at the old grave, house in Federal style and the long view on Chestnut Street.
It's always fun to see Salem!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Hi Sue, aren't assignments fun and frustrating at the same time especially when you have to edit down your images (happens to me ALL the time). First choice is the cemetary flag because of its meaning.Grenville and I like the ice cream flags because of what's inside the store, of course. And, the bus with the flag decal was so fortuituos so had to pick that one too! Hope this helps.

Lois Evensen said...

Hello again!

Please stop by my blog today. I have left something there for you. :)

Hugs,
Lois

Julie said...

Love the pictures! That icecream flag looks good enough to eat!

Leigh said...

Wonderful photography, as usual! Maybe you should consider making and selling cards or postcards.

DEEP END OF THE LOOM said...

I really can't choose three, but I'll try. I loved the gravesite flag because of what it represents of a life of service. The Chestnut street is a great pic of hometown America and I loved the colorful one that looks like a kite in flight. I second Leigh's comment please make some card the pictures are really beautiful.