The USMC Community Astounds me
I love being apart of the Marine Corps (by association of course).
I was able to photograph this USMC pinning ceremony solely because close community stretched across the globe. A friend from Okinawa, knew this family from TBS (The Basic School) 10 years ago, who was looking for a photographer in the DC area. A call on Facebook and bam, we connected.
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Have you thought about family photos while you’re in Hawai’i?
Its photo season year-round here in Hawaii and I want you to take advantage of it!
Take home the bright skies, warm air and blue water to relive it over and over because you’ll never experience this place with the kids these ages ever again.
This is your one shot. Take it!
As the ringleader of my own 4 boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be. I’m here to change that.
If I could dress your kids and literally hang your family photos on your walls, I would …but I can’t, so I do just about everything else in between. That’s why I take the time to hold your hand from start to finish.
Because what good are family photos if your kids never see them?
I only accept two families a week, so if you have dates, reach out to Alison Bell, Photographer now.
Saturday at the War Memorial
The thing about a War Memorial on a Saturday is tour busses – full and frequent! Just about every bus was full of Veterans. Seeing three Marines in their Blues got them excited! They were celebrities shaking hands and taking photos with everyone.
After ceremony and group photos, another tour bus rolled in. It was an Honor Flight with a Veteran of Iwo Jima! Iwo Jima is what inspired the USMC War Memorial… and the movie Flags of Our Fathers. Scroll to the bottom to see their meet & greet!
Fun Photo Fact
Side note: Photographically speaking it’s been argued that had the flag pole in the original image not be at angle (ie if i was completely vertical or completely horizontal), the image would not have sparked such support and patriotism that it did. Its the action of the angled line that gives it power and gusto
What is a USMC Pinning?
A pinning ceremony is when someone is promoted, pinning on new rank. (Do other services call it something else??) In this particular ceremony Maj Constance was being promoted from Captain (Company Grade) to Major (Field Grade) which included change his cover (hat) from Company Grade to Field Grade.
Family gets to participate – or whoever the Marine decides/ask to pin him. Usually senior personnel or a spouse does the pinning (because there’s two rank pins – one on each side). In many cases a son or daughter participates too. In this case it was all three.
Most pinnings are done in a conference room with immediate family. Or maybe in a field over looking the Pacific Ocean if you’re Okinawa. My hub’s was under the armory shelter where they clean the weapons.
This one wins for pomp and circumstance!
See More Ceremony Photo Inspiration
At the end of a career, all that will be left are the photos and uniforms. I pray you have photos! If not for yourself, for your kids.
USMC Pinning Photos at the War Memorial In Washington, DC
More ideas for Military Photography
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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