Flags were invented to be noticed, and photographers have always made use of their symbolism. Like other representations of objects and concepts, flags serve as a shorthand for us, a part of our visual vocabulary.
We include them in our pictures not just because of what they say, but for aesthetic reasons as well, because they look good and usually add to the composition of our photographs (I'm more partial to hats and umbrellas).
This nation's flag flying fervor reaches a pitch today for the Independence Day holiday, when flags will be seen from barbecues to ball games to parades across America. So to both salute our country's birthday - and to celebrate this photographic element - I asked readers to submit their favorite flag photos. The one above is from Inquirer photographer David M Warren, who has over the years collected hundreds of images of flags. This one was attached to a car antenna. Enjoy.
Larry Browne is a volunteer firefighter in Doylestown and the company photographer, originally from Long Island. He photographed a memorial service there for firefighter Capt. Thomas Moody, who was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. There were 26 ladder trucks forming 13 arches with flags. Browne asked a few of the firefighters about the tribute, and they told him that they planned on doing the same thing at the services for all of the members of the FDNY who lived in Suffolk County.
Matthew E. Jones took this photo at the 2007 Phillies home opener. The soldiers are from the 56th Stryker Brigade of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Mary B. Harris came up with a flag photo of herself and daughter Mary Louise made thirty one years ago. Harris was a big fan of the celebration for the American Bicentennial in 1976. At that time, she recalled, there wasn't a huge groundswell towards an organized celebration, so she took a longer view. She made plans for a personal celebration for herself, her family, and friends. Among other things, she designed and hand sewed a new flag for this special birthday. The seamstress is now seventy-seven years old! In the interests of family harmony, she didn't want to disclose Mary Lou's age...
Harry M. Roth said his wife thought this would be an interesting flag candidate.
Theodore Lang made this photo of the flag near the Cape May lighthouse. The white streak is a jet airplane, not a scratch.
The Church and cemetery is on Tilghman Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, photographed by Jim McWilliams, a member of the Delaware County Camera Club.
David M Warren captured a reflection in the fluid drippings in the parking lot of a Cherry Hill Post Office.
