The Chariot Fire, by my Husband
During the Chariot fire we found ourselves almost on top of Monument Peak. No other news crew got there. One of the reasons for that, we carry topo maps to fires, and we share.
This was one of those situations where knowing what you are doing in a fire scene helps.
So Tom got these shots with a Nikon D300, using long glass. One of the shots will show the crowning fire. In a very small photo in a paper that does not expand when you click on it, it would not show, why you are seeing that shot here.
The other two shots are of the very large Bomber, the DC-10 adapted for fire fighting missions. Both are dramatic, but the second shot, due to the light, was that far more dramatic. The first bellow, the bird is flying through the smoke. It is not as sharp or clear. If that is all you have, it’s good enough.
Here, you have a similar photo, taken from a higher point, therefore we were not photographing into the smoke, that has the DC-10 in front of the smoke. It’s crisp and the light was in “the right direction.”
So always think of light direction. You are indeed painting with light.
Oh and it goes without saying, always watch your surroundings. You never know when you might have to run.
And I will say something else...next major fire, I will post a gallery of photos at Wordpress.
I also intend to do more how to...tactics of photo journalism.
This, I recreated the post, but 20 or so shots, a good sized gallery...I don't think so...for those, will post a link.
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I've never had much luck getting good shots when I'm high.
