SCV becomes the set for anti-war photo shoot

Scores of men, women and children participated in an anti-war photogrpahy project called "Know War" on Mystery Mesa north of Saugus on Saturday. The Know War group, lead by New York City photographer Zach Gold, aimed to create a photographic representation of the number of American casualties in the War in Iraq.

Organizers had hoped to attract around 2,400 participants to the project, but it appeared by late afternoon that only 50-70 people participated. Nevertheless, the participants were spirited and friendly, insisting they only wanted to draw attention to the number of American and Iraqi casualties suffered so far in the war in Iraq.

SCVTalk.com covered the event and photographed some of the participants.

Participants, most in their 20s and 30s, came from as far away as New York, but most were from the Los Angeles area. When I asked Know War project spokeswoman Ani Darakdjian why the group had chosen a vacant desert mesa in conservative Santa Clarita for their project, she explained that several California locations were considered, but Mystery Mesa provided the best parking, location, and look for the project.

The organizers of the event stood high above the participants on scissor lifts with sophisticated cameras and a bullhorn. Mr. Gold's plan was to have the participants lay down on the mesa's floor, in simulated 'death positions'. Dozens of camera shots were taken as the group of participants laid still on the ground in various poses under the hot sun. The temperature at the mesa crested 100 degrees in the early afternoon.

Mr. Gold has worked with dozens of corporate, advertising and fashion clients over the years and has been the recepient of numerous awards for his innovative photographs.

The event was coordinated well with a large tent providing shade, plenty of water, and frequent breaks. Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies were on site as well as medical crews.

Along with the photography sessions, Know War organizers conducted interviews with participants on their thoughts about the War in Iraq. The group plans to create a documentary about the event.

SCVTalk.com will post the photographs on this site once they are available.

Event participants line up before dropping to the ground in simulated death poses

Know War participants take a break in the large tent on site. The photography team typically asked participants to pose for 15-20 minutes

The support crew that managed the event highlighted by the beautiful mountains north of Santa Clarita on this clear, hot day

Know War filmmakers ask young men their thoughts about the War in Iraq

Photographers and videographers work to maximize the impact of the desert like surroundings

For more information:

Know War Website