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Saying Goodbye
Published: 2013-10-25 13:15:32 +0000 UTC; Views: 33162; Favourites: 1396; Downloads: 0
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131021-A-VB845-082U.S. Army Spc. Sara Wakai bids farewell to her husband and son in front of the 55th Signal Company
(Combat Camera) company area at Fort Meade, Md., Oct. 21, 2013. The Soldiers are deploying
to Afghanistan to support Special Operations during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to
capture, edit, and transmit high definition video and still imagery. (U.S. Army photo by
Sgt. Kristina Truluck/Released)
I think that the image speaks for itself. Wakai was one of my Soldiers until this team took her.
She's on her way to do some amazing things.
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My military imagery is available for public domain. As the photographer, I don't have control over
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Comments: 393
The cool, early morning light sets off the colors in this piece beautifully. I love the way the baby is the only one aware of the photographer. I think it highlights the intimacy of the moment. The expressions on the parents' faces aren't the sad, regretful feelings that flash across actors' faces, but the apprehension of real parents, concerned about the future, but resolved to see this through to the end. As someone who has had a very similar experience (minus kiddo), I feel like you captured such a genuine moment in time. The timing of this photograph is just so spot on.
I can't imagine leaving such a young kid for at least nine months. By the time she gets home, he'll be starting to toddle around and babbling. As a soldier, thank you for taking this. To me, this image isn't about feminism, or war, or politics like it is to so many of the commentators below. To me this image is a display of mutual trust and understanding. It's about accepting responsibility for the sake of your family. It's about caring enough about your partner's ambitions and dreams to take on a role you may have never considered. It's a poignant representation of an American family.
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Technically your shot is spot on as usual, framing, lighting, and the expressions that have been captured at precisely the right moment when your shutter opens. However, this is not what sets your work apart. There are many excellent war photojournalists, both in and out of the military, and many of them also possess an excellent technical ability to capture a soldier, plane or tank. What sets you apart is in your ability to capture the humanity in those that you photograph, whether the subject is an American Soldier, their family member or an Afghan civilian. This ability is absolutely invaluable because it reminds the viewer of the price of war, which is then imprinted into their mind. Your work is crucial, please keep it up.
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I wish I had better words to say thank just 'thank you'. It seriously means a lot to me.
It seems like everyone thinks that Soldiers are these relentless killing machines or that the Afghans are these religious war-mongers. I've done my best to capture the human element of both sides. I'm so glad I've been able to convey that in my images.
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You're absolutely welcome. And from the other critiques that you have received, I'm glad that you're hearing it from others. Thank you for what you do.
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A very personal imagery here, it is clear and simple. A mother leaving her child and partner. Even though we have political agendas and different opinions on soldiers. We all understand and empathise in some manner. There isn't much to talk about the actual image to be honest, most of the thoughts go to what the image represents, American Patriotism, Heroism, Politics, War, Family, etc. Regardless of my opinion on nationalism/ patriotism I believe this is a strong image that brings a lot of history for this generation. People 50, 60 years from now will see this image as we see images from WWII. A sense of wonder and struggle.
As for my opinion on the topic of war and american patriotism is that it is what it is. I don't have patriot pride but I don't dismiss other people's. I empathise with the people who have suffered loss from drone strikes and any other loss from war. However this image is not really about that now that I think about it. It is a simple and easy to understand image of a Mother leaving her child without certain return. Thats all it is to me.
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This photograph dramatically illustrates how much the military and our society have changed. Years ago, the man would have been the one saying goodbye. But in our modern world, women are now saying goodbye to their loved ones just as much as men. Women are going overseas and risking their lives just as much as men. And their husbands are left at home to take care of the family the same way women would have been years ago; worrying just as much about their wives as women did decades ago. Aside from the topic of gender, this is an evocative photograph showing a sacrifice that people in the US military volunteer to make. The lighting works perfect to help convey emotion. It is both a sad and beautiful picture.
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Everyones Choice is different heres what I think (Please respect my mistakes)
Vision, I see a few blur spots (not the cars) but everything that hits the eye that is there.
Originality, We probably all seen a Service member saying good bye or suprizing there loved ones it just never seems to get old.
Technique, To be honest everything is "perfect" with this picture it's just that theres something missing
Impact, We all see the Love, Saddness, Worry and the Innocent face of the baby that makes it heart warming.
But in all respect I love this picture and there should really be more like this on this site.
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No worries, I appreciate the critique! I noticed the soft spots, too, once I started post-production. The missing part you're feeling is probably planning. It was a last-minute tasking coupled with this being my first time photographing a farewell ceremony.
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I understand 101% Between you and who ever sees this reply there was nothing missing at all i just felt like an ass putting mostly 5 stars on everything (even though you deserved it) so people wont think I was "Stuck up" or something, but in all respect 24.5/25
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Haha, no worries. I definitely appreciate honest critiques - they give me a challenge and let me know what I need to improve on. I get so used to looking at my photos that I sometimes get blind to things that are obvious to others.
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First, I must wonder if this was a planned photograph or if this was an impromptu candid shot. This is more for curiosity than for the sake of critique.
The lighting of the sun at the time helped to cast a good amount of shade on the people in this photo, without becoming glaring.
I think the emotions displayed by the three people are also very telling of one of the ways people feel as they are deployed: The spouses know what is happening, and (appear to be) not letting it either break them or ruin these final moments together. The baby's emotion, or lack of any strong one, underlies the tragedy of this occurrence; the children of soldiers usually don't understand what it means to have their parent leave until they are already gone.
I also have to say I appreciate how this is an image of a mother leaving for war, leaving the father to care for their child. This is something that happens more and more often these days, but we in the public almost never see happening in our media. This is a good reminder of that.
Overall, a very powerful piece, and I can honestly say thank you for doing it.
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It was all impromptu...very impromptu. I wasn't planning on photographing this event, but ended up tasked with the camera as these guys were getting ready to head out the door.
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Agree with you with the only exception about the boy: I can see a deep sadness in his eyes.
Maybe he can't say why, but he's aware he won't see her mother for a long time.
That's the tragedy of war.
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The photo is powerful. Very very powerful. It displays the modern age we live in with the female soldier leaving her son and husband behind. I found out compelling to look at. The focus of the camera is well done, showing them in perfect clarity and phasing out the background, because that isn't what matters. These pictures with soldiers leaving their families is always sad and powerful, but to see a woman do it is very original and has an altogether different kind of impact for me. The content of this photo sends a strong message out. First, that our American soldiers, male and female, make sacrifices every day so we can live the lives we have, and that no matter what you think of the man sending them out there, that is to be respected. Second, that men and women have come a long way in equality to the point where a picture like this can be taken.
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Respect...Courage Honor Integrity...Awesome!!😎😎
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Thank you for Sharing Your Gallery! Thank You for your Generosity in Allowing Us to have copies of your works by Fav'ing them! Thank You for Your Service M'Lady!
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I'm glad you enjoy them! It's been a great honor to serve and share my expierences with y'all.
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Thank You for Your Service, Thank You for Generosity, Thank You for Sharing M'Lady! 'HOOOAAH!'
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Poor woman, I hope she gets to see the little one often
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I Love armed forces
Thank you for keep us free.
thank you for your service
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I love this. So often the pictures show the husband leaving the family. It's awesome to see someone show that sometimes the wife-mother has to leave too. Two thumbs way up, man!
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I know, right? Too often you hear about the male leaving when us females deploy just as much, especially as combat cameramen.
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Thanks for showin the other side 
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Hardest thing any soldier has to do. At least they leave to protect this nation with the hopes of returning to their families again
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Wow. If this is worth more than a thousand words. I still trying to come up with the words for this one. Very powerful photograph. Yes this is a photograph. Good Work!
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Thank you.
What's funny is I have soldiers that treat photographing going away/homecomings as a chore. They don't see the potential for meaningful moments like this. =/
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Great picture. It touches my heart. To leave child and husband for such a long time alone, hurts. Very good photography.
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Thank you. It is rough, but thankfully technology has made it easier for us to keep in touch with family over such great distances.
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Strong respect for the wariors. They sacrifice so much
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Thank you. It's rough leaving the little ones behind.
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Really? That's pretty interesting.
Please tell me it was at a ridiculous one.
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