Fire Forged
Jul, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at my husband's studio workshop at our home In Scurry, Texas. I believe there is a always a tale to tell with my camera regardless of where I am. Try to take advantage of the world around you, because sometimes your next great shot is in your own backyard. I have taught myself to look at everything with a watchful eye, so a moment like this is never missed.Time
This photograph was taken September 11, 2015 at approximately 1:15 pm. Ironically, this is not one of the best times to shoot anything. However, I was able to direct the lighting in the way I needed. I remember being so thrilled because the the light was soft due to the change of season. The air was cool and crisp with zero humidity that allowed for maximum clarity.Lighting
There were florescent day light bulbs overhead and the large bay doors partially open. I opened the bay doors on each end plus the main door of the workshop completely to allow the most possible natural light in. This gave me direct frontal lighting on my subject and a subtle back lighting to make the photo more interesting.. I shot with a wide open aperture f/4. I did not use a flash.Equipment
This was shot on a Cannon 7D Mark II with a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
One fall afternoon while in my yard, I heard the distinct sounds of a hammer striking an anvil. There's something intriguing about the echo that can only be made from a 100 year old 300 pound anvil. While I have seen my husband create art many times before, the reverberating tone made me think of the detail of his work. Like photography, there is an alluring element in the artistic process that takes place. I knew at that moment I wanted to capture the raw thought behind it and not the artist himself or even the finished piece. The world should see the beauty in the details of forging, an elusive art that has survived throughout the centuries with only a dedicated few. It is necessary to document the essence of what is rarely seen. From the fire dancing in the forge, the warm glowing colors of the blow torch, the easy bend of the scorching hot metal, to striking the precise shape of what is desired. In this case, a skull as part of a sculpture for his art exhibit in Dallas featuring the holiday "Day of the Dead."Editing
I used editing software called Smart Photo Editor. I slightly tweaked the image by masking it with HDR to bring it to life. The lightning was exactly how I wanted it so no need to change that. This is one of the few photos that needed minimal editing and for that I was enthralled.In my camera bag
First equipment in my bag is my Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens. This work horse nearly handles it all. It delivers ultra crisp images and pulls the viewer into the environment of the subject, while making a tight shot when necessary. Next in is my Canon - EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. This lens has saved my hide many a times, especially in low lightning where a flash is not conducive to the perfect shot. It's a diamond in the rough when it comes to quality. It's very versatile and allows me to work smart and not hard. I swear by it from the day it allowed me to shoot in a covered but all opened sided horse riding arena. I was told it was an indoor arena and what a shock when I arrived. These two lenses are like my Visa, I never leave home without it. I also carry a Sigma DC 18-200mm telephoto lens. My body is a Canon EOS 7D Mark II. I also always have my Canon Speedlite 430 EX II for portraits and fill in flash. I also carry fresh batteries, lens hoods, chargers, lens cloths, a can of compressed air. You may wonder why bulky compressed air. It is because once at a shoot a bug flew inside my camera body while I quickly changed lenses. I could see it in the viewfinder and it cost me valuable time to blow out myself. Now isn't it's always better to prepare for the unexpected?Feedback
Understand what or whom you are photographing. Try to take the time to learn in order to connect with the subject, when able. People and subjects often have a pattern. Follow that pattern and you will soon have your own rhythm while shooting. Think about capturing a small detail for an image as opposed to an overall complete picture as a whole. Often it's the small details in life that we appreciate the most. Patience is of the utmost importance. If you become impatient, that will cause you to lose your focus. Losing your focus will cost you to miss an amazing shot.
