A Marine that just got off guard duty in Afghanistan

Kav

Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 85mm AI-S f1.4 @ f4 (Manual focus only)
8 second exposure
ISO 100
Ambient lighting only

ziggy53

A lot to like in this image. I do have to wonder why you used ISO 100 and 8 seconds?

The diffuse blue dot in the background is terribly distracting.

Otherwise, the strong side lighting is very conducive to the strong face and works well for the situation. Extremely nice subject placement and very good composition overall.

Thanks to you all for your service.

(Proud father of a US Marine.)

Hackbone

First off thank you and all the men and women who serve, God Bless All.

I like the shot a lot. Agreed on the blue light and maybe a tighter crop to crop out the white pole light.

Kav

Thanks, I'm glad you both liked the photo.

The low ISO is from an old habit of trying to shoot at base ISO at all times. I admit I need to brake myself of it.

I never noticed the blue dod, but now that you bring it up I can see how that's annoying. But I had no control over it's placement. I could remove it in post though.

I see what you are saying about cropping out the light pole. My only issue with cropping out the left is I feel it would not be as balanced, and would crowd the edge of the helicopter that is sticking out on the left. In all, the back ground is very busy. I did a low-key shot with another Marine sitting here, but didn't like how it turned out as much.

Qarik

great candid! he was very still for 8 sec!