In response to today’s WordPress Daily Post prompt of Smoke, I figured it might be interesting to post an image from a number of years back that speaks of the other aspect that is often mentioned with smoke: Fire!
This was an image that came to me from sitting around a campfire with a bunch of photographers and looking for something more interesting to photograph than the usual fire images…
Pyroplasm 3x
As I was sitting there, I was trying to visualize how I could make the fire come more alive than in a usual still photograph and capture its essence of dynamic flows and creative power. With a twist of my zoom lens and a bit longer exposure, I arrived here.
Technical Details
This image was captured with a Canon EOS 1D MkIII camera and EF 24-105mm f4/L lens. Exposure settings were 1/3 second at f/10 and 400 ISO.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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7 thoughts on “Where there’s smoke…”
Great image! Almost magical in nature. Feels like a Mage’s power… Or perhaps a Witch’s, considering the time of year…
Great image! Almost magical in nature. Feels like a Mage’s power… Or perhaps a Witch’s, considering the time of year…
Thank you! I really like your interpretation and grant this to be Witch’s power!
WOW !!
Thank you!
This is a great capture. I couldn’t figure out what it was until you explained. So unique 😊
Thank you! Abstraction is a lot of fun in shooting.
Definitely!