TOTALLY GEEKED!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Disgusting or disgraceful?

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

A picture of a newborn being cradled in Old Glory has put a Virginia photographer in a flag flap over whether the image is patriotic or disgraceful.

Vanessa Hicks, 29, has been taking family photos as part of her small business for about a year, and when two new parents with ties to the military approached her about snapping a picture of their baby, they searched for something patriotic. Searching Pinterest, they came across photos of children and the American flag, and knew they had the right image.

The photo shows the baby being cradled in the flag, which is held by the boy’s father, Rodney Clevenger, a sailor.

Hicks, as is her custom with professional photos that she takes, posted the image to her business’s Facebook page on Sunday.

"In no way, shape or form was I trying to do anything but take a picture for a family,” Hicks told FoxNews.com on Thursday, adding that she’s taken photos that have respectfully displayed the American flag before. "I was doing my job. I didn't put it out there for the media or anyone to judge it."

But a Facebook group that dishes out criticism of photo mistakes – and believes the flag was used disrespectfully in Hicks’ image -- didn’t see things that way.

“This flag is a symbol of everything my son died for many years ago. It was of the utmost honor to have a flag laid upon your coffin as my son did. That honor is taken away when disrespectful photographers throw our flag code out the window,” says a message appearing on the page of “You Call Yourself a Photographer?” “Mr. Clevenger, you have disgraced our fallen soldiers as well by disobeying that code.”

The next day, Hicks’ Facebook page and business were overrun by criticism of the image. She said some of the vitriol, which she described as cyberbullying, suggested that she should go kill herself.

But almost just as quickly, supporters of the image have come to Hicks’ defense.

“I think it went viral because so many people didn't see it as a negative thing,” Hicks said, adding that the criticism has likely “backfired” on the detractors who are responsible for giving the photo the initial attention.

Over the past couple of days, Hicks has fielded media requests from across the nation, and has found business booming. She’s even received requests for the print from people who want to hang it in their home and office, and says she’s donating 15 percent of the proceeds from sales – as well as fees from clients who reach out to her because of the flag photo – to the United Service Organization.

Hicks, who has been taking photos for eight years and who lives in Virginia Beach, Va., says she plans to continue taking family photos, working with clients to take the pictures they want to take, whether they involve the American flag or not.

“I continue to run my business as I do,” she said. “The reason I'm in this industry is because of preserving images.”

FoxNews.com's Karl de Vries contributed to this report.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/12/is-photo-baby-in-flag-patriotic-or-disgraceful/?intcmp=latestnews

chef · Guru

As long as the flag code was followed, this doesn't bother me. I think it portrays an image of the future generation of America and that our military protects the future generation too.

cadiver · Senior Member

chef wrote:
As long as the flag code was followed, this doesn't bother me. I think it portrays an image of the future generation of America and that our military protects the future generation too.

I would say it does not follow the flag code.

The flag should not be used as "wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery", or for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general (exception for coffins). 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 drawn back or bunched up in any way.

The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

Just some parts.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

I like it. No, I love it. I think it has a lot of meaning in it. Like chef says it speaks volumes about our future. I think it's beautiful. And there are violations of our flag all over the place. So this doesn't bother me. Unless, of course, we're going to start arresting everyone who wears the flag on a shirt.

chef · Guru

cadiver wrote:
chef wrote:
As long as the flag code was followed, this doesn't bother me. I think it portrays an image of the future generation of America and that our military protects the future generation too.
I would say it does not follow the flag code.

The flag should not be used as "wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery", or for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general (exception for coffins). 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 drawn back or bunched up in any way.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

Just some parts.

Hmmm. Well, I will choose to overlook the violations against the flag code in this case. I don't find the picture offensive at all. It's so simple and yet, so beautiful.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

It certainly does seem to violate the code but it is a nice picture. And in the article the statement about dying for the flag is misstated. Our military does not die for the flag, they die to protect our country and freedoms. The flag is merely a symbol.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I know there is a lot of protocol regarding the flag. But, honestly, it doesn't bother me if some flag protocol isn't followed. If you want to be to the letter, people shouldn't be wearing it on their shirts or as clothing or have all those little flags at 4th of July, etc.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

And, I think the picture is meant to portray a beautiful image and not meant as a slam.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

It's a lovely gesture. But, it does break flag etiquette.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I would not call it disgraceful - it's too beautiful and I think the intent was to honor our country. However, it does technically violate flag ettiquete. But, in a harmless way, I think.

Vette · Owl drink to that!

I don't like babies

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

VetteGirl wrote:
I don't like babies

burns07 · Guru

it does technically violate etiquette--but the image is stunning--simple and powerful--love of family, love of country, love of honor

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

I think because of the parents military background the flag etiquette gets a pass. It was meant to honor our flag & country.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lexxy wrote:
I think because of the parents military background the flag etiquette gets a pass. It was meant to honor our flag & country.

I totally agree. The parents & the photographer did not mean ANY disrespect.

flan

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I think it is the most beautiful picture ever. It show exactly what the soldier is all about.

TrudyML · Guru

VetteGirl wrote:
I don't like babies

You still got that baby grill spit thingy?

chef · Guru

burns07 wrote:

it does technically violate etiquette--but the image is stunning--simple and powerful--love of family, love of country, love of honor

Beautifully stated.

Dona Worry Be Happy · Vette's SS!!

For me, a lot of it depends on who is breaking flag etiquette. . . And in my mind, people who are serving our country, or have served, get a lot of leniency. Dad is a sailor. He has served the flag well, and can hold his baby in it for a photo shoot if he wants.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and clothing.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Oh man! Why did you point that out?

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

Mellow Momma wrote:
She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and clothing.

I'm sorry I laughed at your pain. Then I scrolled up to see what you were talking about & now I see it.......I can't unsee it. Thanks, thanks a lot!

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

Southern_Belle wrote:
Oh man! Why did you point that out?

You too huh? Should we ban her?

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Lexxy wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
Oh man! Why did you point that out?
You too huh? Should we ban her?

We should make her eat tide pods!

Tinydancer · Guru

People will find any reason to be offended. The picture is beautiful and I don't think it shows disrespect to the flag at all.

TrudyML · Guru

Southern_Belle wrote:
Lexxy wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
Oh man! Why did you point that out?
You too huh? Should we ban her?
We should make her eat tide pods!

Yum! Put some Nutella on them!

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

TrudyML wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
Lexxy wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
Oh man! Why did you point that out?
You too huh? Should we ban her?
We should make her eat tide pods!
Yum! Put some Nutella on them!

Everything is better with Nutella!

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Gross

cadiver · Senior Member

Mellow Momma wrote:
She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and cloth

Does it make a difference if the baby is naked?

cadiver · Senior Member

I do not find it disgraceful, but I tend to be a stickler for flag ettique.

It reminds me of a show years ago "The Cut" a woman made a dress out of two flags. she thought it was fine that she did not cut the flags or let them touch the ground.

TrudyML · Guru

Uh, oh! Just saw a woman breastfeeding in uniform. If I knew how to post it, I would.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

cadiver wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and cloth

Does it make a difference if the baby is naked?

To me, it does, yes. I think it is disrespectful to have a bare butt on the flag, even if it is an adorable baby butt. It is a serious breach of flag etiquette that goes WAY beyond draping, cutting, etc.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lexxy wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
Oh man! Why did you point that out?
You too huh? Should we ban her?

bwahahahahaha...

I have done windows, and photo shoots for companies. This is basic stuff. I am surprised the photographer didn't catch it. It literally leaped out at me.

I could tell you my #1 pet peeve in a store, but you would never forgive me. You would see it literally everywhere.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Dona Worry Be Happy wrote:
For me, a lot of it depends on who is breaking flag etiquette. . . And in my mind, people who are serving our country, or have served, get a lot of leniency. Dad is a sailor. He has served the flag well, and can hold his baby in it for a photo shoot if he wants.

I agree with this, too.

ed11563 · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:
cadiver wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and cloth

Does it make a difference if the baby is naked?
To me, it does, yes. I think it is disrespectful to have a bare butt on the flag, even if it is an adorable baby butt. It is a serious breach of flag etiquette that goes WAY beyond draping, cutting, etc.

I'm pretty sure this baby is a doll.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

ed11563 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
cadiver wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and cloth

Does it make a difference if the baby is naked?
To me, it does, yes. I think it is disrespectful to have a bare butt on the flag, even if it is an adorable baby butt. It is a serious breach of flag etiquette that goes WAY beyond draping, cutting, etc.

I'm pretty sure this baby is a doll.

No. That is a baby. Still with an umbilical cord, even.

ed11563 · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:
She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and clothing.

Please don't steam any live babies. cry

ed11563 · Guru

Tinydancer wrote:
People will find any reason to be offended. The picture is beautiful and I don't think it shows disrespect to the flag at all.

I agree. Our babies are the future of America, and to me, the baby and the flag are complementary.

ed11563 · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
ed11563 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
cadiver wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
She is wrapped up in a blanket. This means a lot. She is not bare bummed on the flag.

Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and cloth

Does it make a difference if the baby is naked?
To me, it does, yes. I think it is disrespectful to have a bare butt on the flag, even if it is an adorable baby butt. It is a serious breach of flag etiquette that goes WAY beyond draping, cutting, etc.

I'm pretty sure this baby is a doll.

No. That is a baby. Still with an umbilical cord, even.

I'm pretty sure I've seen this "kid" in a medical education lab ...

Want to know where? I could tell you which hospital, and how to get to the lab from the lobby. Dolls like this are pretty expensive, and they make great teaching aids.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Well that "doll" has lines on its leg from the elastic on the diaper. It's a baby.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

You people crack me up. So I blame you all for my demise!

WYSIWYG · Guru

I was fine with everything, until I read this:

"Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and clothing." - Mellow Momma

Thanks for the OCD twitch I didn't need.

I agree with Dona Worry Be Happy, He served our Country, he gets a lot of leniency on this one from me. Plus, the flag represents our country, and the baby represents our future. I'm okay with the imagery of our country supporting our future.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

WYSIWYG wrote:
I was fine with everything, until I read this:

"Actually what upsets me most is that no one thought to iron the flag before the shoot. There are wrinkles from the folding right in the front and it's bugging the OCD in my visual merchandiser's brain like no other. First rule of dressing a scene - steam all props and clothing." - Mellow Momma

Thanks for the OCD twitch I didn't need.

I agree with Dona Worry Be Happy, He served our Country, he gets a lot of leniency on this one from me. Plus, the flag represents our country, and the baby represents our future. I'm okay with the imagery of our country supporting our future.

Hahaha!!!! Glad I infected you all!!!

WYSIWYG · Guru

I almost want to get the iron out of my closet and iron the screen.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

Hmmm. I thought that there was something in this about the flag having been on someone's coffin? Wouldn't the lines be from that folding? I would want to keep them . . .

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Tignanello wrote:
Hmmm. I thought that there was something in this about the flag having been on someone's coffin? Wouldn't the lines be from that folding? I would want to keep them . . .

The OP doesnt say. It says the photographer's son died but it doesn't say this is the flag from anyone's coffin.

Get the iron out!

chef · Guru

Mellow Momma wrote:
Lexxy wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
Oh man! Why did you point that out?
You too huh? Should we ban her?
bwahahahahaha...

I have done windows, and photo shoots for companies. This is basic stuff. I am surprised the photographer didn't catch it. It literally leaped out at me.

I could tell you my #1 pet peeve in a store, but you would never forgive me. You would see it literally everywhere.

I want to know. Could you spoiler it?

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Mellow Momma wrote:
Lexxy wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
Oh man! Why did you point that out?
You too huh? Should we ban her?
bwahahahahaha...

I have done windows, and photo shoots for companies. This is basic stuff. I am surprised the photographer didn't catch it. It literally leaped out at me.

I could tell you my #1 pet peeve in a store, but you would never forgive me. You would see it literally everywhere.

I need to know...put it in a spoiler, so those who don't want to know are safe?

flan

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Jinx, chef! LOL

flan