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What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 11:25 pm
by 12 SS Panzer Div.
I want to take some photos of me in my 12 SS uniform and I need some ideas for how to make it look believable. I want to take some where I'm in battle, some where I'm resting from battle, andways to make it look like I'm battle weary...

Re: What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 7:02 am
by Oberleutnant Ulrich
A few things to remember:

Background is just as important!

Small details go a long way, and one extra piece in the picture goes a s long way as well, don't feel as if you need to put everything you own in the picture.

For a "rest" picture, after a few hours hard work outside what would you do if you had a 5 minute break? That's pretty much the same as the soldier would do (i.e lay under a tree)...but forget the cell phone :P

As for combat, just don't overdo the facial expressions, best is to get someone to take a bunch of snapshots as you perform an act instead of posing.

If it's just you in all the picture, they start to look a bit like selfies...a couple comrades helps a lot!

Re: What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 8:47 am
by Halle
12 SS Panzer Div. wrote:I want to take some photos of me in my 12 SS uniform and I need some ideas for how to make it look believable. I want to take some where I'm in battle, some where I'm resting from battle, andways to make it look like I'm battle weary...

You will find some quite exceptional pictures of various reenactors and their groups on this forum ...
I suggest you study these to give you a few ideas ..

Re: What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 4:41 pm
by 12 SS Panzer Div.
Thanks for the advice! How do I make my face look all blackened or burnt cork or what not?

Re: What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 6:56 pm
by Oberleutnant Ulrich
I wouldn't go for that look yet, cleanliness was important in the German army until the end.

Re: What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 4:12 am
by 12 SS Panzer Div.
So if I was using my 12 SS uniform in a 1944 photo, I would look clean. However, if i was doing one of me in my 12 SS uniform in Budapest 1945, he could look "Some What" dirtier? :?:

Re: What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 4:31 pm
by Oberleutnant Ulrich
I'm talking more about the face, most soldiers weren't that dirty as you'd think, the dirty pictures are often taken just AFTER a fight, where one gets dirty...then washes when they get the chance. In a situation where disease, sickness and bugs can mean death, you do anything you can to avoid risks. As for the gear, it depends on your impression, a young new soldier would have newer gear as apposed to an older experienced veteran who'd have some dings on his helmet....but would probably swap for one in better condition as soon as he got the chance....

Re: What are the keys to making a really nice war photo

Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 10:25 pm
by 12 SS Panzer Div.
Ooh I see.Thanks for the tips! :)