There's such a feeling of anticipation and joy in this capture, Mark; I remember that feeling of filing into school and being excited about who and what we'd find. And I remember the smells, and the sounds...we had those old wooden desks with the steel box frames and the opening under the seat to put our stuff...I always liked school, even the catholic school I was forced into for four long years. Learning was easy, and fun. The brightness of this shot take me back to younger and sunnier years, and it's a wonderful image! Well done!

The extreme, blown out whiteness of this image fits the innocence & purity of it's subject very well. And it does bring back memories of childhood, so thanks for that gift...

I love your high contrast style! This is a joy in itself, as well as conveying perfectly what your friend described. It brought back a memory of when I was five years old in my first winter at school. We had to crocodile to a church hall about half a mile away to do PT and my hands were so cold the pain made me cry. Miss Seargent , a most appropriate name, by the way, slapped me for being silly. I didn't like her much, and when I became a teacher myself I vowed not to be like her!

This reminds me of my grade school days....not only did we have to go everywhere in line...we went according to size!!...great shot!!

Very good shot!

Wonderful shot, Mark. I really like the sepia feeling in it. But also the way it portrays, common, daily life, in going to school.

There is a joy and enthusiasm and innocence in childhood that is captured in this delightful photo. I like how the personalities and life of each child shows. I see the playfulness and spirit of the children, and the quietness of the adults, like guardians watching over this innocence, perhaps remembering their own childhood. I have wonderful memories of grammar school, and one of my favorite subjects was art. I even remember my teacher, Mrs. Pacquin, and how much she encouraged me. This photo brought back those wonderful memories.

Mark, this is such a moving and powerful presentation you created for your friend. I find myself very touched by it after attending a visitation for a friend last night and spending time with this family. The friend worked with boy scouts for many years, and even after retiring from the scouts found himself missing that interaction, and seeing them grow into adults. I'll be sure to keep your friend in my prayers, and know that your post today was a special one to so many. The kids truly are our future, and I fear for their future considering what we have done to them.

I love literally every single aspect of this image. The subjects, the memories it evokes, and oh but these hues that accentuate the shot's emotive qualities. (And then, look at the mischievous little one at the far right...in contrast to the quieter little ones more inside themselves than out...so many personalities evidence in one small view...isn't that alone amazing?) I adore winter in general. And I understand so perfectly what your friend described. And what a beautiful gift for him. :) There is undoubtedly a point each winter, where I find myself missing past memories and moments....particularly the sight of my children all bundled up, the sweet feel of goodbye morning hugs and kisses seeing them off to explore their day, the blush on their chilled cheeks, how I always thought their eyes seemed just a bit more filled with life, just a little bit brighter, more alive, dancing inside, in winter months. Their little procession to the school, all the approaching kids en masse, was a sight I'd often stop and just watch in the mornings..whether from the car as I dropped them off in times we weren't within walking distance to the school they'd attended...or just standing on the opposite side of the street as they crossed and moved along, with a morning mug of coffee after walking with them on their way, when it was only a little walk to where school happened to be. I always found such peace in those moments. I hope those memories never leave me. Love this shot, Mark. Thank you for the smiles it evokes. It's as beautiful as my memories, my friend, and if your friend's memories are half as lovely, then there's little doubt he will cherish this image too. :)

Very stylish shot that looks really cool Mark you certainly have a gifted eye for some unique shots!!

OH Yes, I remember my first school day. I was 7. At that time we didnt begin before we were 7 years old. I was very excited and our parents were sitting along the walls the first day watching us. :) And we got books and maps and I felt I was a big girl now :-) It was a magic time. Mark, you have again shared a beautiful photo with this clean feeling, I love so much. What ever you do to it, I havent seen any other do. I hope you will continue put your magic on your photos for our joy. :)

My students are not like the kids oyu describe.My students are late a dn drag themselves to school,Great shot

marvellous picture

SUPERLATIVE WORK!

I like the context the sign gives this piece. Not only can I identify with the children and with the young adults who teach them, but I can look up the website for the school and learn more about the atmosphere and what's important here. High key always gets big points with me, and your unerring eye for composition is ... well ... unerring, but it's those little things that I find out later were unconscious on your part that grab my attention. Those little connections are mysterious and wonderful. :) A terrific shot!

yes the image and story is wonderful done. this is old memory here too. hope your friend will be ok

Wonderful contrast on display in this shot, Mark, a captivating lighting method I hope to achieve after I discover your secret to this procedure (hint, hint). Ironically, I watched the horror movie, Ghosts of the Mississippi, a few nights ago, a really incoherent film, which employed this same style of bright light and dark contrast with virtually uninpenetrable shadow. As for the subject matter, I sometimes muse over the idea of individuals entering a building or similar structure, never to be seen again.

This type of postwork by you is rapidly becoming a favorite of mine. I never was in love with school at this age. I used to sit and stare out the windows dreaming of the day I'd be old enough to be driving one of the cars that was always passing by...and my supposition was that life would be simpler after becoming an adult and being finished with school. Guess I got that wrong:-))) But again, see what thoughts your photo has inspired?