Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, the Army of the James, June 1864-April 1865. Shows forty African American soldiers sitting and standing on a slight hill.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/I?cwar:1:./temp/~ammem_OAeo::displayType=1:m856sd=cwpb:m856sf=02031:@@@
This is from a great online collection by the Library of Congress of around 1000 Civil War photographs.
Here is one that I like, showing General Ulysses S. Grant leaning over Gen. Meade to look at a map.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/I?cwar:3:./temp/~ammem_XOlj::displayType=1:m856sd=cwpb:m856sf=01191:@@@
Just by web surfing one can find accurate and factual depictions of what happened and what it looked like, even so far back as the Civil War.
Here is the main page for this Civil War collection of photographs.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/cwphome.html
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A photographic meditation on race
I went to a bookstore this evening just to get out of the apartment and do some browsing. I noticed a book about Abraham Lincoln and picked it up to flip through it. I don't want to mention the book nor did I buy it, not because it's not a great book, but because I don't want to distract from the core of what I am going to describe to you.
I flipped to the pictures section and was totally moved and stopped in my tracks by a black and white pair of photographs from the Civil War. One is well known and I had seen before, and the other I did not know had left a photographic record.
On the left side was a photograph of the carnage of the Battle of Gettysburg, showing the bodies of Union soldiers two days after the battle, lying densely through a field. That is the picture that I had seen before, among others, recording the terrible sights of the battle dead. The caption explained that eventually people could be found to bury the dead in the battlefield where their bodies lay.
On the right side was a photograph of the bodies being dug up again so they could be moved and interred into the national cemeteries that Lincoln designated. Who was doing the work of digging up the Union soldiers who had died battling slavery? Freed slaves.
I could not easily stop gazing with wonder on that picture. Would you not have liked to have been able to ask the freed slaves how they felt, unearthing the Union soldiers who had died to free them, putting their bodies on the carts, and moving them to honorable cemeteries?
Much has been made of how the White House and the Capitol were built with slave labor, and that is important to realize and to never forget.
But I have also blogged that one must never forget the dignity of the slaves themselves and how they lived and dealt with those times. They were not unaware children who were being exploited and fought over; they were adults with educations and awareness of the nuance of what was occurring. And so less than one hundred years after slave labor built Washington, newly freed slaves dug up the mortal remains of the Union soldiers who had died to free them, and respectfully moved them, as best as could be done in those times, to the cemeteries of honor that Lincoln had designated.
I mention this so that in particular Afro-Americans have an understanding that the contemporaries of their time, the slaves who witnessed the Civil War, worked to honor in their time those who had paid the ultimate price, the fallen Union soldiers. I think that this is something to be very proud of, and so I thought to mention it as a meditation tonight on race relationships. Many today think, understandably, that there is a notion of reparations and atonement for slavery and I'm not here to argue that one way or the other. However, one must have an understanding that slaves knew that Union soldiers were fighting for them, and freed slaves honored the fallen Union soldiers by doing what is admittedly one of the most difficult of charities, which is to unearth their decomposing bodies and transport them to respectful national cemeteries. That is a profound dignity that I think most people do not realize took place at that very time, and I'm so glad that I saw the photograph tonight to share it with you and my thoughts.
It also is an example of what I was speaking about before, which is how does one capture a past historic experience in the view of the contemporaries, those actual participants alive at the time? What a value a single photograph can provide in that regard!
I flipped to the pictures section and was totally moved and stopped in my tracks by a black and white pair of photographs from the Civil War. One is well known and I had seen before, and the other I did not know had left a photographic record.
On the left side was a photograph of the carnage of the Battle of Gettysburg, showing the bodies of Union soldiers two days after the battle, lying densely through a field. That is the picture that I had seen before, among others, recording the terrible sights of the battle dead. The caption explained that eventually people could be found to bury the dead in the battlefield where their bodies lay.
On the right side was a photograph of the bodies being dug up again so they could be moved and interred into the national cemeteries that Lincoln designated. Who was doing the work of digging up the Union soldiers who had died battling slavery? Freed slaves.
I could not easily stop gazing with wonder on that picture. Would you not have liked to have been able to ask the freed slaves how they felt, unearthing the Union soldiers who had died to free them, putting their bodies on the carts, and moving them to honorable cemeteries?
Much has been made of how the White House and the Capitol were built with slave labor, and that is important to realize and to never forget.
But I have also blogged that one must never forget the dignity of the slaves themselves and how they lived and dealt with those times. They were not unaware children who were being exploited and fought over; they were adults with educations and awareness of the nuance of what was occurring. And so less than one hundred years after slave labor built Washington, newly freed slaves dug up the mortal remains of the Union soldiers who had died to free them, and respectfully moved them, as best as could be done in those times, to the cemeteries of honor that Lincoln had designated.
I mention this so that in particular Afro-Americans have an understanding that the contemporaries of their time, the slaves who witnessed the Civil War, worked to honor in their time those who had paid the ultimate price, the fallen Union soldiers. I think that this is something to be very proud of, and so I thought to mention it as a meditation tonight on race relationships. Many today think, understandably, that there is a notion of reparations and atonement for slavery and I'm not here to argue that one way or the other. However, one must have an understanding that slaves knew that Union soldiers were fighting for them, and freed slaves honored the fallen Union soldiers by doing what is admittedly one of the most difficult of charities, which is to unearth their decomposing bodies and transport them to respectful national cemeteries. That is a profound dignity that I think most people do not realize took place at that very time, and I'm so glad that I saw the photograph tonight to share it with you and my thoughts.
It also is an example of what I was speaking about before, which is how does one capture a past historic experience in the view of the contemporaries, those actual participants alive at the time? What a value a single photograph can provide in that regard!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Photo Album, gift from marymajor to you
Holidays are often the time when families pull out the family photograph albums and look at pictures together, admiring the new pictures and reminiscing about the old.
Here is marymajor’s photo album of Jesus Christ.
Sonogram: Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.” And the Angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38).
Birth: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7).
Naming, Circumcision and Presentation: A man named Simeon… just and devout…the Holy Spirit was upon him…received…Jesus…into his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:25-32).
School: And the child grew and became strong. He was full of wisdom and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40).
Twelve Years Old: Jesus…in the temple…And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Luke 2:46).
Baptism: Now it came to pass when all the people had been baptized, Jesus also having been baptized and being in prayer, that heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22).
Preaching: And coming down with them, he took his stand on a level stretch, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to listen to him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd were trying to touch him, for power went forth from him and healed all. And he lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:17-20).
With His Brethren: Now his mother and brethren came to him; and they could not get to him because of the crowd. And it was told him, “Thy mother and thy brethren are standing outside, wishing to see thee.” But he answered and said to them, “My mother and my brethren are they who hear the word of God, and act upon it.” (Luke 8:19-21).
Transfigured: And as he prayed, the appearance of his countenance was changed, and his raiment became a radiant white. And behold, two men were talking with him. And these were Moses and Elias, who, appearing in glory, spoke of his death, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. (Luke 9:29-31).
With Martha and Mary: But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things; and yet only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the best part, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).
Raising Lazarus from the Dead: They therefore removed the stone. And Jesus, raising his eyes, said, “Father, I give thee thanks that thou hast heard me. Yet I know that thou always hearest me; but because of the people who stand round, I spoke, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” When he had said this, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And at once he who had been dead came forth, bound feet and hands with bandages, and his face was tied up with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:41-44).
Denouncing the Pharisees: But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but within you are full of robbery and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39).
Denouncing the Lawyers: But he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! Because you load men with oppressive burdens and you yourselves with one of your fingers do not touch the burdens.” (Luke 11:46-47).
Traveling the Road: And he passed on through towns and villages, teaching and making his way toward Jerusalem. (Luke 13:22).
Blessing the Children: Now they were bringing the babes also to him that he might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them together and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:15-16).
Curing the Blind Man at Jericho: And he said, “Lord, that I may see.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive thy sight, thy faith has saved thee.” And at once he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people upon seeing it gave praise to God. (Luke 18:41-3).
Cleansing of the Temple: And he entered the temple, and began to cast out those who were selling and buying in it, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.” And he was teaching daily in the temple. (Luke 19:46).
The Last Supper: And having taken bread, he gave thanks and broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19).
With the Comforting Angel: And there appeared to him an angel from heaven to strengthen him. And falling into an agony he prayed the more earnestly. (Luke 22:43).
Crucified: And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit.” And having said this, he expired. (Luke 23:46).
Resurrected: Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, “Peace be to you!” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced at the sight of the Lord. He therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” When he had said this, he breathed upon them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” (John 20:19-22).
Speaking with Peter: Peter was grieved because he said to him for the third time, “Dost thou love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee.” He said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17).
Ascension: Now he led them out towards Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass as he blessed them, that he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. (Luke 24:50-53).
Stephen, First Martyr, sees Him: But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55).
He Appears to Saul: And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew near to Damascus, when suddenly a light from heaven shone round about him; and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me?” And he said, “Who art thou, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom though art persecuting. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.” (Acts 9:3-5).
John sees Him in heaven during the Apocalypse: And I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands; and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands One like to a son of man, clothed with a garment reaching to the ankles, and girt about the breasts with a golden girdle. But his head and his hair were white as white wool, and as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire; his feet were like fine brass, as in a glowing furnace, and his voice like the voice of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars. And out of his mouth came forth a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance was like the sun shining in its power. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last, and he who lives; I was dead, and behold, I am living forevermore; and I have the keys of death and of hell.” (Revelations 1:12-18).
Here is marymajor’s photo album of Jesus Christ.
Sonogram: Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.” And the Angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38).
Birth: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7).
Naming, Circumcision and Presentation: A man named Simeon… just and devout…the Holy Spirit was upon him…received…Jesus…into his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:25-32).
School: And the child grew and became strong. He was full of wisdom and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40).
Twelve Years Old: Jesus…in the temple…And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Luke 2:46).
Baptism: Now it came to pass when all the people had been baptized, Jesus also having been baptized and being in prayer, that heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22).
Preaching: And coming down with them, he took his stand on a level stretch, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to listen to him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd were trying to touch him, for power went forth from him and healed all. And he lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:17-20).
With His Brethren: Now his mother and brethren came to him; and they could not get to him because of the crowd. And it was told him, “Thy mother and thy brethren are standing outside, wishing to see thee.” But he answered and said to them, “My mother and my brethren are they who hear the word of God, and act upon it.” (Luke 8:19-21).
Transfigured: And as he prayed, the appearance of his countenance was changed, and his raiment became a radiant white. And behold, two men were talking with him. And these were Moses and Elias, who, appearing in glory, spoke of his death, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. (Luke 9:29-31).
With Martha and Mary: But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things; and yet only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the best part, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).
Raising Lazarus from the Dead: They therefore removed the stone. And Jesus, raising his eyes, said, “Father, I give thee thanks that thou hast heard me. Yet I know that thou always hearest me; but because of the people who stand round, I spoke, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” When he had said this, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And at once he who had been dead came forth, bound feet and hands with bandages, and his face was tied up with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:41-44).
Denouncing the Pharisees: But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but within you are full of robbery and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39).
Denouncing the Lawyers: But he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! Because you load men with oppressive burdens and you yourselves with one of your fingers do not touch the burdens.” (Luke 11:46-47).
Traveling the Road: And he passed on through towns and villages, teaching and making his way toward Jerusalem. (Luke 13:22).
Blessing the Children: Now they were bringing the babes also to him that he might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them together and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:15-16).
Curing the Blind Man at Jericho: And he said, “Lord, that I may see.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive thy sight, thy faith has saved thee.” And at once he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people upon seeing it gave praise to God. (Luke 18:41-3).
Cleansing of the Temple: And he entered the temple, and began to cast out those who were selling and buying in it, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.” And he was teaching daily in the temple. (Luke 19:46).
The Last Supper: And having taken bread, he gave thanks and broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19).
With the Comforting Angel: And there appeared to him an angel from heaven to strengthen him. And falling into an agony he prayed the more earnestly. (Luke 22:43).
Crucified: And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit.” And having said this, he expired. (Luke 23:46).
Resurrected: Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, “Peace be to you!” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced at the sight of the Lord. He therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” When he had said this, he breathed upon them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” (John 20:19-22).
Speaking with Peter: Peter was grieved because he said to him for the third time, “Dost thou love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee.” He said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17).
Ascension: Now he led them out towards Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass as he blessed them, that he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. (Luke 24:50-53).
Stephen, First Martyr, sees Him: But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55).
He Appears to Saul: And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew near to Damascus, when suddenly a light from heaven shone round about him; and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me?” And he said, “Who art thou, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom though art persecuting. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.” (Acts 9:3-5).
John sees Him in heaven during the Apocalypse: And I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands; and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands One like to a son of man, clothed with a garment reaching to the ankles, and girt about the breasts with a golden girdle. But his head and his hair were white as white wool, and as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire; his feet were like fine brass, as in a glowing furnace, and his voice like the voice of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars. And out of his mouth came forth a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance was like the sun shining in its power. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last, and he who lives; I was dead, and behold, I am living forevermore; and I have the keys of death and of hell.” (Revelations 1:12-18).
Friday, December 19, 2008
Interesting bird watching sight this morning
People who know me know that I'm a bird watcher and nature lover, so I'm always on the watch for birds and other animals and what they are up to. I didn't have to look too far this morning, as an amazing sight unfolded right in front of me, as I was driving my car back from the grocery store. Another thing that is cool is that I would have missed this sight if my regular newspaper box by my apartment had not let me down and refused to open, thus forcing me to drive to the store and do some early shopping.
There's a very pretty Presbyterian church being built and I drive by it to and from the store. Construction workers are doing a great job, and they work every day, including through the weekend. So I drove past it like normal on the way to the store and saw that they were busy. It's quite warm here (short sleeve and T shirt weather, I'm wearing a summer dress) as we've not yet gotten the cold front. So on my way back as I'm driving toward the church, here is what I see.
There is a huge flock of large white birds circling directly over the church! At first I was not sure what they were since I was still a bit of distance away, but as I got closer I realized that there were around one hundred and fifty pelicans! (They look white at a distance in the sun, but are actually brown pelicans.) Having my camera I pulled off onto the side of the road across from the church and watched with amusement. Despite these very large birds circling around right overhead, nary a construction worker spared them a glance, including the guy who was the most "exposed" as he was working on the roof! Heh heh heh. So this was a great vision of nature, and also an amusing human story. Would he look up? Nope, not even when I took a picture of him and the birds. They milled and circled over the church for about a minute or two and then they flew across the motorway and get this... they then started circling over the Catholic church!
They followed the same pattern, circling for a while and then moving on to another building of interest, near the boat launch on the river. They are year around residents here and common, but this was the first I'd seen them flock inland, and think it has to do with grouping together during the change of seasons. Very interesting.
There's a very pretty Presbyterian church being built and I drive by it to and from the store. Construction workers are doing a great job, and they work every day, including through the weekend. So I drove past it like normal on the way to the store and saw that they were busy. It's quite warm here (short sleeve and T shirt weather, I'm wearing a summer dress) as we've not yet gotten the cold front. So on my way back as I'm driving toward the church, here is what I see.
There is a huge flock of large white birds circling directly over the church! At first I was not sure what they were since I was still a bit of distance away, but as I got closer I realized that there were around one hundred and fifty pelicans! (They look white at a distance in the sun, but are actually brown pelicans.) Having my camera I pulled off onto the side of the road across from the church and watched with amusement. Despite these very large birds circling around right overhead, nary a construction worker spared them a glance, including the guy who was the most "exposed" as he was working on the roof! Heh heh heh. So this was a great vision of nature, and also an amusing human story. Would he look up? Nope, not even when I took a picture of him and the birds. They milled and circled over the church for about a minute or two and then they flew across the motorway and get this... they then started circling over the Catholic church!
They followed the same pattern, circling for a while and then moving on to another building of interest, near the boat launch on the river. They are year around residents here and common, but this was the first I'd seen them flock inland, and think it has to do with grouping together during the change of seasons. Very interesting.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Those missed photography moments
I now carry my digital camera with me mostly everywhere because like many amateur (and professional) photographers there are so many interesting pictures that one misses taking.
For example, when I was moving cross country a few years ago I was driving on a highway through Tennessee. There on the highway was a truck towing a flat trailer with what would you believe was on it? A crashed white airplane! This truck was towing a wrecked plane along the highway. I didn't even own my camera back then and didn't think to keep one near at hand, but I sure would have liked to have taken a photograph of that wrecked plane being towed on a highway! I hate missing the lucky interesting photo shot ops!
For example, when I was moving cross country a few years ago I was driving on a highway through Tennessee. There on the highway was a truck towing a flat trailer with what would you believe was on it? A crashed white airplane! This truck was towing a wrecked plane along the highway. I didn't even own my camera back then and didn't think to keep one near at hand, but I sure would have liked to have taken a photograph of that wrecked plane being towed on a highway! I hate missing the lucky interesting photo shot ops!
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