[Brin]

Hi Jim,

As I said I've never seen these images before, and didn't know they had been published. Yet still when I look at the first image it does not seem quite right. I'll try and explain it as:-
As I understand it we see things as a 3D perspective, which can be viewed with a 'vanishing point'. The height of this point is a function of our positioning in relation to the object. This positioning of the viewer is fixed with our eyesight (by our position) as it is with a camera image (by the position of the cameraman), but unlike a painting as the artist can position the viewer. As such if a grid layout is applied from the viewer to the vanishing point, it gives structure to the image in the form of scale and perspective........ this being said, the image is clearly in focus in the foreground and slightly blurred in the far ground. The division between these two areas is the mounds of earth (from the grave).
So given that cameras in the time of WW2 were not computerised, and so operated on manual control, to set up the focal point to the earth took time, therefore suggesting that it was a premeditated and planned photo shot of an event. Yet for me the division between the foreground and the far area could also be a division from one layer to another, the far ground being applied as a separate image to the foreground.
On looking at the far-ground, those stood directly behind, to me appear to German army troops, mostly stood in a relaxed form of attention. But considering the German use of discipline they are not all dressed correctly, i.e. missing belts, talking to each other and the one most certainly in a German uniform has his hands relaxed to the front...? In contrast to the left far-ground the plump figure has his hand raised as if to prevent the sunshine from obscuring his vision whilst wearing a floppy hat..? Not quite German army issue.... The whole demeanour of the troops in the background appears relaxed, as if about to be told some good news in a semi-informal short notice muster.
In comparing the thick rough grass of the far-ground it is strange that it does not appear at all in the foreground, not even flattened at the side of the grave edge. The ground in the foreground seems devoid of such plant life, perhaps suggestive of being a different location to the far-ground, hence the layered divide.
The body language of the nearest shooter does not seem to be tense at all for someone who is about to shoot an unarmed individual, Outwith the 'red-mist' of rage it is not an easy thing to shoot someone, esp. up close and personal. Yet the expression on the face suggests this, but his body language does not match such stress symptoms. His grip on the victim also appears to gentle, not as if the victim is scared and so struggling.

If the uniforms of the shooters were SS, it would to me be better fitting, but then these uniforms would be harder to acquire compared to Wher. ones.

I may very well be proved incorrect regarding my thoughts on this photo, but to me it seems like a composed work, with an attached far-ground. The purpose, to empathise a depth of anti German propaganda.