Celebrating 232 Years of Service To The United States of America
Every November our a team of photographers head south to San Diego for the annual rite-of-passage, the Marine Corps Birthday Balls. This year, 2007, marks the 232nd birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
This is our chance to say thank you to the men and women serving as our guardians of liberty. Our role is creating portraits of consequence of the young men and women, then branding and delivering their portraits on-site. Some of these portraits you see here.
These are portraits of enlisted, noncom, officers, generals and commanding generals at gala balls celebrating the milestone of other year in the Marines, another year of service.
We are always struck by the respect and grace of these Marines, to each other, and to us. They're congenial and glad to see us. There aren't many places where you walk in the door and hear "Sir" aimed at you 10 times in five minutes.
Amongst themselves there is joy, humor, humility and a comfortable bond of friendship visible among the Marines. We see them in the comfort of their own unit, with no challenges or dangers lurking in the distance. They are at parade rest. They are relaxed.
As we make their portraits it's always interesting to see these warriors switching to their other role in life, husband, wife, father, mother, son or daughter. Our portraits are about relationships. Our portraits are about the bond between people in love. It's a joy to see these warriors switch into The Hug, Spoons, the Touch, or the Prom pose for their portrait. And it's a special joy to see a Marine who brings their child to the ball for a portrait.
Quote of the Day:
"I've been getting portraits at birthday balls for 15 years, and yours is the best portrait I've ever seen. Thank you."Unknown Marine leaving MCRD's Officer Ball with portraits in hand
This year we created 873 portraits of Marines, their spouses and families. To the soldiers at Marine Corps Recruit Depot-San Diego, Recruiting Station San Diego, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 39 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, we at HM&P Photography say Happy Birthday. Thank you for your service. We're proud of what you do and proud to serve you at another Marine Corps Birthday Ball.