Veterans Day comes and goes each year and for many of us, it doesn’t extend too far beyond Facebook shout-outs to our friends and family who have served in the military. Perhaps it’s the introverted nature of our times, but it does seem like an adequate show of support. Or does it?
Nevada-based Photographer Tim Conzachi showed us this week that photographers can be doing so much more.
With the release of his latest series of portraits, Conzachi pays strong homage to the men and women of service from his hometown of Reno, Nevada.
A veteran himself, Conzachi said he really just wanted to do something that allowed him to reach out into his community and show support.
“I wanted to do something a little different," Conzachi said. “I wanted to highlight the local heroes in my hometown, Reno, Nevada, and (share) their stories in their own words.”
Conzachi’s full blog post lays out the story of each local veteran along with their carefully captured portrait, which was offered at no cost to each servicemember. Read the entire post here.
“Being that I'm a photographer, I figured that I would provide my services for free to my fellow veterans this go-around,” he wrote on his blog. “I mean, who doesn't love a free professional picture, right? But I wanted to do more than just that... I wanted to highlight each veteran that came in individually.”
The project is a success by all accounts and a shining example of how a photographer can give back within his or her community. It also serves as a reminder that the sacrifice of serving in the armed forces is one that should never be taken for granted.
The entire project was shot with a Canon EOS 6D and EF 70-200 f/2.8 L tethered to an iMac, Conzachi said.
“I used three AB800’s for this shoot, all with strip boxes,” he explained. “One camera right, gridded as key, one camera left for fill, and one gridded behind model, camera left for back/rim light. Settings were 1/160 s, ISO 100, and f/8 on all photos.”
See more of Conzachi's wedding and portrait work on his site.
All images used with permission.
What about Veterans that are accomplished photographers?
Tim, who made these, is a vet. I'm not sure what you're asking though?
My gunsmith is a veteran and photographer as well. But I show my appreciation more than one day each year.
I agree 100% . They weren't soldiers one day a year just like moms aren't mothers only one day a year. They both deserve more. A little effort goes a long way.
As a veteran myself, I constantly honor my fellow brothers and sisters in many different ways all throughout the year as well.