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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Three: Expressing human values > Security, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Nevada, 2006
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10-FEB-2006

Security, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Nevada, 2006

Given the state of the world, there is a heavy security presence at Hoover Dam these days. This officer keeps careful watch on pedestrians and traffic crossing the road on top of the dam. His body language tells us that he is vigilant, concerned, thoughtful and curious. All of these responses reflect human values. His task is not easy, and there is no room for error. He does his job in the open – his four identification badges are in plain view of all who pass him. Yet he must incongruously work from behind a fence.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30
1/250s f/5.6 at 88.8mm iso80 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time10-Feb-2006 11:49:08
MakePanasonic
ModelDMC-FZ30
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length88.8 mm
Exposure Time1/250 sec
Aperturef/5.6
ISO Equivalent80
Exposure Bias-1.00
White Balance (10)
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality (6)
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

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Phil Douglis11-Apr-2007 18:17
Thanks, Lorna, for your observation. The beauty of expressive photography rests in its ability to communicate a range of human values -- I see a tense wariness in his expression, which to me represents vigilance. You see contemplation. Neither of us knows for sure -- we each read into it what we want. It is possible to have conflicting emotions -- that may be what we sense here. You are right -- I watched him over a period of time, so I may be basing my response on what I observed. You only see him here, so your read might quite different than mine.
Guest 11-Apr-2007 06:00
Looks like he wants out to me... security behind bars. I love the facial expression you captured, but I can't see the vigilance in his body language, looks like he is contemplating life.... but I guess you had to be there to see clusters of behaviour. Great shot.
Phil Douglis08-Oct-2006 18:31
Yes, Annie, I see the pain as well. He may just be nursing a bad back, but I like your interpretation better.
Annie J08-Oct-2006 02:13
There is pain on his face, as if he is grieving. Perhaps he grieves for the way things used to be?
Phil Douglis27-Feb-2006 17:41
You are right, Mo -- the fence can be seen to work both ways.
monique jansen27-Feb-2006 15:10
Keeping us out, them in, or the other way around,
Phil Douglis19-Feb-2006 21:12
Thanks, Christine. Security has become a worldwide issue, part of our everyday lives. Public places everywhere in the world have become vulnerable and no matter what country we may live in, we now take this kind of caution for granted. Even without the information I have added to this image, the body language, expression, and uniform of this guard tells the story of vigilance.
Guest 19-Feb-2006 17:13
It was a good idea to provide information regarding the role of the security guard and your impressions, especially for outsiders (non Americans) like me.
Christine
Phil Douglis18-Feb-2006 03:54
I agree. It is sad that it has come to this. You are right. This image is about lost innocence and the resulting sense of distrust. You can feel it in his body language. Caution is written all over it. And given the circumstances, it is to be expected.
Tim May17-Feb-2006 23:39
I like have you have captured the foreboding presence that has take over Hoover Dam and in extension the nation. We have lost our innocence and now must guard what we treasure. This is such a sad turn of events and thus, for me, a sad picture.
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