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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Nine: Composition -- putting it together > Changing of the guard, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006
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28-MAR-2006

Changing of the guard, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006

The guard is changed at Taipei's memorial to the former leader of the Republic of China. After a long civil war, Chiang left Mainland China to the Communists and brought his Republic of China to Taiwan. His memorial features an enormous seated statue similar to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. Several times a day, the honor guard is changed with great ceremony and precision. Setting the focal length of my zoom lens to 300mm, I was able to flatten perspective so that the four guards are fused into one element, a series of rhythmically repeating shapes that carry us into the image. I carefully selected my vantage point so that the marble molding in the background repeats the curve of the helmets in just the right spot. The marble wall is as much about order and precision, as the row of disciplined soldiers. Chiang was soldier himself. He would appreciate such discipline and the effort it takes to maintain it.

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Phil Douglis11-Feb-2007 20:36
Thanks, Ceci, for grasping what I was trying to express here. You said it beautifully. Christine thought the first solider was trying to do everything correctly. Kal sees him as an example of pride. You see him as about to lift off the ground in pursuit of deadly duty. You are right -- there is always inherent menace in the rigid and tight perfection of military drill. These are soldiers, trained and prepared, as you imply, to kill. The background, colors, and fusion of the figures, all contrbute to this impression.
Guest 11-Feb-2007 06:54
Chills! Both majesty in the spit 'n polish focus of these soldiers and menace inherent in their rigid, tight, disciplined stance and perfection -- which we know would absolutely be put to deadly use in the case of conflict. There is an almost maniacal expression in the one closest to us, with his exaggeratedly elevated helmet and bugged eyes, giving the impression that he's about to lift off the ground in pursuit of his duty. Love the colors, the precision, and specially the curved pattern/hardness of the wall that almost cups this quartet. A stunning shot of preparedness and deadly intent.
Phil Douglis29-May-2006 20:44
Thanks for your commentary, Roberto. Intensity is part of the story here. The image is all about concentration and discipline, and I tried to to express it as intensely as I could.
Rob Rosetti29-May-2006 20:20
Excellent shot, so intense. Roberto
Phil Douglis19-May-2006 18:36
Thanks, Kal. Christine is usually right. (I will have the pleasure of working with her here in Phoenix for a few days, starting in less than an hour, and I will show her your comment.) The first soldier, in trying to do (as Christine says) "everything correctly," seems to display more emotional intensity than his colleagues. If that be pride, so be it.
Kal Khogali19-May-2006 15:28
Christine is right...tis image for me is made by that first soldier...his pride is the focal point, they seem more like context for me. Loveley image. K
Phil Douglis23-Apr-2006 04:05
I liked the comparison of how these helmets fit these heads as well. There is certainly an incongruity in how the first one fits.
Guest 23-Apr-2006 03:49
The first soldier’s helmet seems to fit in a strange way. His face shows that he tries very hard to do everything correctly. The others look somewhat more relaxed. Your point of view allowed for an easier comparison.
Christine
Phil Douglis20-Apr-2006 17:00
Thanks, Mo -- watching them drill for a few minutes allowed me to find the right vantage point and wait for this moment, when everything -- both subjects and context -- become precisely aligned.
monique jansen20-Apr-2006 13:37
Absolutely wonderful shot
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