Firestorm clouds at sunset_MG_0666
This image is from a wildfire in Northern California that produced incredible fast-moving cloud formations and colors on near full moon...
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This image is from a wildfire in Northern California that produced incredible fast-moving cloud formations and colors on near full moon
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Aug, 2015Views
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Awards
Top Shot Award 22
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Outstanding Creativity
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo from my son's backyard where we were watching the sunset filled with many firestorm clouds, unlike any clouds I had ever seen. The location was Weed, Ca. very close to the wildfire along State Hwy 97 in Northern California. The wildfire was literally blowing up and spreading rapidly, only a few short miles from my son's house. Very scary and extremely dramatic.Time
The photo was taken around 7:40 PM, July 31, 2014 when the sky would have been normally dim prior to sunset. With this wildfire burning out of control the whole sky for many miles in every direction was very eerie and powerful as the wind was blowing at nearly 80mph. I proceeded to get my camera, thus this photo.Lighting
The light was absolutely the most unique light I've ever seen as the sky, explained above, was darker than usual at sunset, and gave way to thoughts of disaster because of the speed at which the clouds were forming and changing, as well the light actually getting a bit brighter at times; then darker.Equipment
Canon EOS Rebel T2i, 17-50mm f:2.8 Sigma lens, no tripod, no flashInspiration
The natural world, for sure, and the rapid changing of light and color.Editing
Actually very little with the software editing program on my Apple MacBook Pro laptop.In my camera bag
Extra everything but especially extreme memory cards, a variety of lenses from 18MM to 50-200mm, all from various manufacturers, Tamron and Sigma, and Canon L Series lenses. Cleaning gear, 2 tripods, various filters for color and b/w shots. and a great adjustable and well-padded sectional compartments, and always journal for notes about location, light, inspiration, and equipment used. In recent years my equipment has changed and expanded to include more lenses and filters. Final note: I had one of the best, and most famous, American photographers of the West as a close friend and mentor. His guidance before his untimely death was genuine and very encouraging to taking my photography to another level. His name was David Stoecklein and will be fondly remembered my entire life.Feedback
My advice to anyone who enjoys making art is to practice, record, and get to know the tools you use for your craft, whatever that craft may interest you the most. I am a former Fine Art/Printmaking instructor as I have a couple degrees in Fine Art/Drawing/Printmaking, and Design from San Diego State University. As my mentor in photography told me early on is, "get to know your cameras and get to know what they will do to produce the products you want to share". Pretty simple but that one piece of advice allows you the freedom of not needing much editing.
