Civil War
Aug, 2015Views
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Zenith Award
Summer 2020
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at a local park that was hosting a Veterans Weekend. They do this every year, which I try to attend at least one if not both days...Work dependant of course. This is always a free event and it's for a worthy cause. They hold firing displays and hold 2 battles each day, they also have stalls and other events that work in conjunction with the main event.Time
If I recall correctly this was roughly just after lunch.Lighting
100 percent natural light and it was a scorchio of a day. Not one cloud in the sky.Equipment
Totally freehand, I see a lot of photographers using tripods and monopods at these events, but whilst that equipment is good for keeping your shots steady, I feel for this type of event you have to be quick and be able to get into an assortment of positions. As the action is continually moving you have to be able to move freely too.Inspiration
Whilst this is an action-packed event with lots going on around me, I wanted my shots to have meaning and when this presented itself I jumped at it. The flag, the smoke and the wounded man on the floor suddenly brought a sense of vulnerability, sadness but yet hope. These guys were on the front line putting themselves in harm's way to protect our futures.Editing
I boosted the contrast in the flag to make it stand out more, The flag is a significant part of the story, therefore, it had to the first thing you see before leading your eyes around the rest of the image.In my camera bag
My bag always contains the following, my trusty Canon 5D mk11, along with a Canon 105mm lens, I won't bore you with the techs of any of the lenses, you can find the info yourself should you want to. I also carry my Sigma 70-200mm lens. I also have a handkerchief as you never know when you may need a good cry...joking aside lol...I use to clean my lenses of any dust and residue from the explosions at these events. Just like any other good photographer I always carry spare batteries and memory cards...and a good packed lunch ;)Feedback
Going to these type of events can get you hooked, each event is different and no 2 battles are ever the same. Be free from limitations and leave your tripod etc at home and think outside the box. Once you have been to a few re-enactments you start to get an idea of what you want and you stop just point and shooting, you become more focused and start composing better shots because you have a better understanding of what is occurring and have the knowledge to be ready. Stay safe and enjoy yourself.
