Good Servant, Bad Master
An festivity bonfire, always looking good, and always hiding some dangers... depending mainly upon who's controlling it!...
Read more
An festivity bonfire, always looking good, and always hiding some dangers... depending mainly upon who's controlling it!
Read less
Read less
OLYMPUS TG-2 
Aperture 28/10 ISO 100 Shutter 1/500 Focal Length 450/100 
Vevcani, Vevcani, MK
Dec, 2022Views
68
Likes
Awards
Winner in flames Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
Photo was made in Vevcani (North Macedonia) a township known among other nice things, also for organization of interesting carnivals. This is one detail from the scene where devils or demons pull a metal tub on fire. It is drawn around by chains, probably representing "mobile hellfire". I don't know enough about its significance, but it sure makes you keep a safe distance.Time
Exif says, Date/Time Original: 14-Jan-14 14:22:11Lighting
Simple. Shutter Speed was 1/500 sec, aperture f/2.8, ISO 100, 0.00 eV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Flash did not fire, and Focal Length was 4.5 mm.Equipment
Olympus TG-2, an old but water- and dust-proof model was a camera of choice, since I knew there would be smoke and dust flying around, and the TG cameras can be easily washed whatever kind of dirt it gathers. Besides, it is small and practical, which makes it also my spare camera in every situation. This shot was made out of hand, as there is absolutely no chance to use neither a tripod nor a monopod in the whole shindig... :)Inspiration
Carnivals are always choc-full of inspiration, from the masks thru various situations, also the spectators are sometimes funnier than the actual happening. So the inspirations are your last worry... :)Editing
I have re-framed the photo to maximize the dominance of fire itself, and also filled some empty spaces between flames by cloning. Otherwise there was nothing to be changed, since the camera did a rather good job in the first place.In my camera bag
For decades already I find it easier to carry a photo vest than any photo bag. It is more than enough to take along whatever I want or need for my photo session, walk or trip. My photo bags usually stay home or in the car, to keep the equipment I'm not using at the moment. The tripod has its permanent place in the car. My vest pockets usually contain two cameras. Regardless of which is the "main" camera, one of those is always some waterproof model, if the weather plays up or when I find something interesting in the shallows. Nowadays I usually use Nikon P900 or Sony RX100m7, and the waterproof backup is an Olympus TG-2 or a Paralenz DiveCam. Other vest pockets keep the spare batteries, ND and CPL filters, and one small camera clamp which can be fixed to almost anything. In many cases this can replace a tripod. The vest has deep pockets for longer lenses, and these usually hold a small water bottle, a sandwich, or a bar of chocolate - if I plan on being out for the whole day. I always pack about three meters length of paracord or similar strong, thin rope, one hefty pocket knife, and a lighter. Much can be improvised with these if need be. Recently I made it even easier, and take the essentials along in a waist pouch; one variable-volume McKinley. In the Outdoors, simplicity and comfort are my most important requirements!Feedback
For such situations I would recommend a small, versatile camera, quick to employ in the dense crowd, and able to change between close-up scenes and moderate telephoto requirements. It is good when the camera is also inconspicious (e.g. does not appear too "pro-like") so people will not pay much attention to it. Models like Olympus Tough (series) can stand many pushes and careless elbow bumps, as it does not have moving lens segments on the outside to get damaged. Heartily recommended! In the end, you are there to enjoy the scene, and not to have to worry about your camera... :)
