Black Bike
by jaysonmc

Comment:
Seems a little blurry at the top. Good photo though

Slave
by mgarsteck

Comment:
That's all I really wanted to do... Thank you much

Slave
by mgarsteck

Comment:
Thanks for your imput and being polite. I agree with you on what you said. I am not completely innocent in the fact that I knew I was joining and did it willingly and I did raise my hand. As you may know, things change from the time you are 18 till you are almost 24. However that's no excuse I still have a contract to follow. I don't think I have ever endangered anyone as I still do my job quite well and that's what counts when it comes to bare bones numbers.

I think I will do my time and leave and try to have less of a chip on my shoulder. Be thankful first for what you have been given undeservedly and then see if you can complain a whole lot afterwards. I just felt I had to let this photo get out of my system

Slave
by mgarsteck

Comment:
Its more of a statement about the situation actually. I'm discintent with my position and have to stay there in order to feed myself everyday.

I've had some bad experiences in the service that don't line up with how its supposed to be setup. Hypocritical supervisors that busy you for doing what they do in secret. I've been best down by supervisors while having depression to the point of attenoying suicide. Instead of helping they dig the hole deeper but when the spotlight was on them they acted all caring and concerned. I am a religious man who tries to be a decent Christian in a group of people that only want to be bring you down because of it. I expect persecution because of my faith but I don't want to willingly be placed in the middle of it. The list can go on. I work around people who sleep with each others significant others and yet they talk about following the rules and what not.

The list goes on.

Being in such a place doesn't grow productivity or any kind of virtue

Slave
by mgarsteck

Comment:
Now its getting interesting.

The whole missionary position thing is dumb, yes, but it shows the inconsistencies. I'm not a guy that just shuts up and colors. I see something bad, I point it out, its that simple. Just because it happens in the military doesnt make it good.

You sir, fit under the category of the blindfold. I am a patriot, a big one, I love my country and have served two tours in the desert. Whats more harmful? Being silenced because someone might not like my photo or my oppinion? Is it someone who wouldnt bother asking why I feel such a way and just being labeled as, well, a person that deserved to be slapped? Or is it me just getting out early and not fulfilling my contract because I disagree?

Like I said, you fit under those who think that if anyone says anything bad about the military or country then they are in some way shape or form a bad person. Then people will go onto explain how this country is still better than any other country out there and blah blah blah and you are right. We have a pretty good country, I have been to other countries and seen what its like. I find it important to show flaws, get rid of the flaws, prune the dead branches and make it better.

When I joined I was 18 and just graduated high school, and yes if I didnt join I would probably working Mc Donalds. You get me wrong, you dont think I'm thankful for what I have. In all reality I am. Just because I point out something and say its bad, doesnt mean I'm not thankful.

You sir, with your close-mindedness cause more harm than I have. According to you my picture causes harm or strife because I'm unpatriotic.
I have shown my picture to a lot of Airman and they have liked it and let be up to their own interpretation. I explained why I felt that way, and they related. They didnt get upset, they didnt want to punch me in the face. You know what they saw? The saw someone who expressed his emotions and were able to relate because they go through the same things too. I was able to make something good for me and for them. Its always comforting to know someone is struggling right along side of you.

driftwood5.jpg
by mgarsteck

Comment:
I agree with you. I really don't like this image at all. I need to take it down. I have made a conscious decision to stop doing making extreme hdr images. For some reason I think the images I make are sub par unless they have a lot detail. Maybe its a lack of confidence in me seeing good composition

Slave
by mgarsteck

Comment:
You make a couple of good points and I thank you for your comment

Actually what I did with this picture could get me in a whole lot of trouble with the military. I'm sure I wouldn't be sentenced to death but still wouldn't be a picnic

The more I think about this picture the more it hits me as situational thing. Not every experience in the service is bad some are really good fulfilling opportunities.

We are silenced in a way because there are only certain things we can say. We have to be politically correct on everything and I hate political correctness.

I see a bunch of things that don't line up. Like how the ucmj only allows you to have sex in the missionary position but you can sleep around as long as you aren't cheating on your wife or sleeping with your co worker. The list really goes on but the main point of the blind fold and the tape is that if I said anything bad then I'm labeled as non patriotic regardless of my point. We have to shut up and color.

The point about the economy you also brought up makes me cringe because the economy does stink and I probably won't make the same money and benefits on the outside. However I would rather be happy and poor than to be well fed and miserable because of my job. Also the benifits are not as good as they seem. Because of the military I have only been able to take two college clases in 5 years. I was unable due to many circumstances because of the military

I'm glad for what I do even if my religious views don't coincide.

Reach for the Stars
by ravins4

Comment:
Cool idea, i bet this took forever! ill give you a nine just for that

Like, Too Much Flash Dad
by vtruan

Comment:
This may look better in black and white. Looks a little soft or out of focus as well.

December Bride
by XMountaineer

Comment:
I think this would look awesome in black and white. Nice photo nonetheless.