Fire At Night
An incredible sunset in Scotland. It looked like the sky was on fire.
An incredible sunset in Scotland. It looked like the sky was on fire.
Read less
Read less
Jan, 2014Views
318
Likes
Awards
Chatter Award
Top Shot Award
Great Shot
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Exceptional Contrast
Peer Award
Jaw Dropping
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
Top 30 rank week 2
Top 30 rankCategories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo up in Scotland, near Gatehouse of Fleet. If you can get to the coast the sunsets are magnificent. You really don't need to watch TV when the sky is creating such an amazing show for you.Time
It was taken at the end of the day, around six o'clock. I was just reading in the lounge and looked up and saw this incredible sunset. Outside it was an absolutely freezing October night, even the cats had decided they would rather stay inside in comfort. I had a choice, go out and take the photo or just remember the memory in my head. There was no choice. I was out on that decking in bare feet in seconds and only had that long before the sunset changed. I took the photo and a few seconds later the fire of the sky was softening. When you see it you have to go outside.Lighting
Nature provided the perfect light that night, it created what looked and felt like an inferno in the clouds and burning into the sea. I held it steady with my freezing hands, framed the shot and took it. Of all the photos I've carefully composed this is the one that just felt right as I took it.Equipment
I had my PentaxK200D, my first DSLR and 18-55mm lens, I took this at 55mm. There wouldn't have been time to set up a tripod, I just relied on myself to keep the shot steady with an ISO of 1600.Inspiration
Nature inspired me to take this. It's like opening a brand new book and feeling that thrill of excitement of what the contents will be like. Every single night and morning we are given magical displays like this and none of them ever look the same, every time it's a beautiful surprise like the sky is a canvas and nature thinks "Hmm what shall I paint today?"Editing
I slightly edited the levels but apart from some slight cropping I left it. Nature is the best editor.In my camera bag
Where ever I am I'll always have my Canon E0S 60D, I got it for my 21st birthday and it's one of my most treasured possessions. I generally keep the 18-135mm lens on because it gives me great scope for different distances. I also love my 50mm macro lens, it's small and beautiful and has fantastic results. As long as I remember to take the lens cap off :) I also carry a white balance card which has become my best friend.Feedback
Make sure that you chase the sunset. It's so easy to think, it's freezing outside and I'm tired and my favorite program is on, but there will never be a sunset like the one happening just down the road. You'll never see it again. I've gone to the coast on so many nights when I really want to be in bed but everything is forgotten when you see that sunset. It really is magic.
