Laura Boston Thek Imagery » Military

Take Some Time Today and Remember…

lthek — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:14:16 +0000

Today while you gather with friends and family, making burgers and having cold drinks…..Please take a moment to think about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, past and present. Say a small prayer, sending loving thoughts, whatever you believe to those currently serving in lands far from home and the families whose hearts await their safe return.

Today and always they are in my heart.

The photo above I captured in Normandy France while working for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. I was tasked to travel with a group of Soldiers as they performed Memorial day ceremonies through out the country. In this image we are standing on the bluff above Omaha beach, reading the names of 1st Infantry Division soldiers who died there in WWII. I think the steady rain, hid most of our tears.

God bless and keep them all.

Ambrotype Portrait…Back in Uniform

lthek — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:38:32 +0000

Yesterday a good friend of ours came in on a short break from serving in Afghanistan and it was incredibly kind of him to get back in his uniform to sit for me.

This is the second Ambrotype portrait I have done and with each I learn a bit more. Not only about the process but about what to expect from my models. It certainly is not easy to hold a position or an expression for many long seconds or to have to wait while the photographer prepares the plates and exposes many until finding success.

So far I have been lucky with patient people…now I have to learn an ounce or two more. My husband’s evil plan of slowing down this Jersey girl by tempting her deeper into these Alternative process….I HOPE, will be a success.

Best Laid Plans…Stress Free Shooting

lthek — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:58:54 +0000

Before the holidays I received an email asking if I would take some Christmas photos of a young military family before the Father deployed once again to the Middle East. I am not known as a Portrait Photographer but I was honored to be given the task.
It was very important to me that we plan the event to feel very casual and very much stress free for the children as possible. We exchanged emails where I made suggestions to ensure I understood what they were expecting and offered various portrait ideas including bringing along some small wrapped gifts for the little ones to open here under my tree.
I believe it was a success and new friendships were made. The day even included an amazing snowy walk to my towns Christmas market which in this snow free season was no less a miracle. Perhaps I should rethink the feeding of a multitude of sugary cookies.
Many pretty photos were taken, but for me the best shots of the day were what many would consider “Out Takes”. I love first off that everyone felt comfortable here in my home, comfortable in front of my lens to be natural…but I love that the one person everyone expected to “act up”, the new born, was the easiest subject of the day.
From my family to yours, We wish you the very Merriest of Holiday Seasons and Great Light in the New Year!

A Poppy for Remembrance…

lthek — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:32:33 +0000

Veteran’s Day, The Day of Remembrance…Armistice day. November 11 holds great importance for many and it never holds more importance than in a time of war in my opinion. Whatever your beliefs, what ever flag you fly, none can argue with the selfless sacrifices our men and women in uniform face each day.

A thank you is a simple but powerful gift which never seems enough until you see the reaction on the face of a soldier returning home after seeing so much horror.

I am not a political person, nor do I follow any organized religion…I let my heart be my guide and it is with my heart that I give thanks to all those who gave so much and are giving so much so I can live and enjoy this amazing life I have free from tyranny.

I will leave you with a poem that I know means much to Soldiers everywhere as it was written by one who witness much, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 – 1918)

I created a collection of some of my favorite poppy images into a calendar for 2010
Remembrance

A Hero’s Welcome

lthek — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:29:18 +0000

A visit to the military base today brought back a rush of emotions. When my soldier separated from the Army I had a huge sigh of relief, no more bombs or bullets in our family any more. No more cryptic calls in the middle of the night… I thought once he was safe once again and out of harms way, I could move on and the word War wouldn’t shatter my soul with it’s impact. After all MY soldier was safe. Little did I know, they were all MY soldiers.

While driving into the base today, confronted by those endless row of yellow ribbons, a heros welcome, there on my check were the stains of memory once more. The endless waiting, the countless breaths held till word reached us once more, the eyes forever searching the TV for news. Desperation for the truth…the packing of bags.

I remember when we first became a military family someone said to me, “Once an Army family, Always and Army family”. No truer words could be said.

I don’t know which units returned to this amazing display of love and pride, but whomever you are THANK YOU my Heros for all you have sacrificed. May you rest tonight in the arms of love and safety once more.