[xrmusn]

Ok.
MAYBE a poor choice of word on my part. Staged is a little harsh.

Coincidentally, the Second picture was very similar to the first and I admit there was only so much room to work in.

But, Lou Lowery deserves/deserved as much credit as the ‘reporter’ got.

[pfflier]

I think the Marine photographer got a shot from a different angle that shows one group furling the first flag while the second flag is being raised. That picture is here:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5230/5832867313_70437c1b4d_b.jpg

Looking at that picture it looks like a bunch of grunts just doing what it takes to get the job done.

[rlmorel]

I think Joe Rosenthal was just lucky. (though it is often true that hard work and skill can make someone “luckier”) If he had snapped a second or two earlier or later, the photo would not have had the dynamics imbued into it the way it does.

It LOOKS like motion. It’s beautiful and striking.

If I recall correctly, the guy who developed it for Rosenthal called someone else over when he saw the image appear and knew instantly it was special and said something like “Hey! Look at this one!” They also cropped it (which improved it even more) before they sent it out.

Pretty amazing picture.