The American Flag in Portrait Photography
Topic: Business
Time Investment: 6 Minutes
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As 4th of July draws near there are great displays of patriotism in portraiture – rightfully so! The American flag is a beautiful symbol of the United States and is so powerful in photographs. It is important to remember the standards of etiquette that accompany the honor of having such an amazing symbol.
STANDARDS of RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
- The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
- The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
- The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
- The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
- The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
- The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
This excerpt is from USFlag.org – to read more go here | View the entire Code on the US Flag here
So what are some ways you can respect the flag in portraiture?
- Properly hang the flag so it does not touch the ground
- Do not allow it to be worn, sat or laid upon
- Wear red, white and blue to stand in as a flag – but don’t wear a flag itself! (You can get the same message across with the colors!)
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