Remembrance Photography in War

We're all aware that last Tuesday was Remembrance Day, where we remember and thank the soldiers who have died serving in wars past and present. One of the first images which comes to mind when thinking of Remembrance Day is the poppy; the universal symbol we associate with the fallen.

The poppy is a symbol that has been used since 1921 to commemorate the end of WWI along with thousands of perfectly shot photographs adorning the television and internet. Recreational photo shoots of WWI have taken place countless times but what images were shot during the actual war?

Their Sacrifices Immortalised

When you choose to photograph in black and white you are able to emphasise certain elements of a story, bringing the message across more effectively without the distraction of colour. However, all original photos from WWI were shot in black and white - emphasising the troubled, despairing and difficult lives these people endured during the war.

Great War Primary Document Archive: Photos of the Great War - www.gwpda.org/photos

This photo of a British soldier firing a Lewis machine gun is a prime example of the dangers troops were putting themselves in on a daily basis. With the soldier as the focal point, our minds automatically find themselves in WWI when this photo was taken. Through these emotive images we can attempt to comprehend what it must have been like as a soldier and what they must have gone through.

As photographers, we attempt to convey feelings, stories and events through imagery. It’s from events such as these that we truly understand the power a single photograph can hold.

It’s the little things that count

We mustn't forget there are two sides to every coin as a great deal of photos from WWI show not only the death and destruction the war brought, but the fact that these soldiers are still human; not war machines. Soldiers cherished the moments they could amuse themselves to their hearts content which they couldn't be more grateful for.

Great War Primary Document Archive: Photos of the Great War - www.gwpda.org/photos

A British soldier playing with a pet cat.

Great War Primary Document Archive: Photos of the Great War - www.gwpda.org/photos

British troops playing with French children.

Even during times when your life was constantly put on the line for the "good of your country", soldiers still enjoyed the little joys life had to offer. Whether this was playing with local animals or with the children of a partnered nation; photography has captured these precious moments and saved them for eternity.

Ever since the camera was invented we have been able to capture the good, the bad and the ugly in order to document every detail of life as we know it; be it past or present.

Why not try photography yourself and discover the beauty you can uncover? If you fancy trying your hand at black and white photography, my Black and White Photography Course is taking place in January!

Come along and see just how much emotion and feeling can be brought to life in a photo with little colour.

I look forward to seeing you all there. Please continue to remember the fallen soldiers of all wars – ‘Lest we forget.’

Remembrance Photography in War | The symbolism and Poppy