One of over 200 attempts to get the pose and timing right. The positioning was a challenge in itself but the hardest part was focusing on air while 7 or 8 feet away from where I'd be standing while the shots were taken.
Shot with the mode dial on Manual, I set the aperture wide open knowing that when I zoomed slightly, it would assure an out of focus background (sky with occasional passing clouds) and knew it meant relatively precise positioning on my part once the focus was set.
Then I programmed a macro button for the universal remote program in my Palm Pilot to fire the shutter every 3 seconds (camera set for remote with 2 second delay for the prompting 'beeps') and moved into position. I lit the cigarette in hopes of including a smoke swirl or two in the shot(s) and started the remote sequence. Then as soon as I heard the last warning beep, I'd strike a match and move it into position as if lighting the cigarette.
Every 4 or 5 matches, I'd go check the preview on the most recent sequence and return to my position for more shots till the cigarette was burnt too short to be a useful prop. Then I'd take a break from the smoky room and scent of sulphur and view the shots on the computer to assess the results and decide what I needed to try or do differently.
All in all, this shot was the final one after nearly 4 hours of off and on shooting and viewing and repeating it all again . . .
Statistics
Place: 14 out of 248 Avg (all users): 6.7562 Avg (commenters): 8.5833 Avg (participants): 6.7541 Avg (non-participants): 6.7583 Views since voting: 2387 Views during voting: 382 Votes: 242 Comments: 26 Favorites: 3 (view)
Another impressive image which got my highest vote. Yes, we know that smoking themes are not wanted here, but an image is an image and this one is very strong. I judge the artwork and its visual impact before I allow my likes and dislikes to interfere. Besides, I smoke. But this silhoutte is expertly executed. Congratulations on your top 20 finish.
Very nice. The striking match is a great aspect of this photo. Unfortunately, I think the smoke detracts. It looks like a smudge, and keeps taking my eye away from the man and the hand. Your cropping is dead on.
strong impact good composition and the smoke and match adds a lot - my only criticism would be the blue of the background - if its sky it could do with taking back a bit - good work though well done
Very nice. I enjoy the way you captured the rutic look of the man. I like the unusual idea of having a colored peice on the silhouette with the match. While not a wow photo this is still very well done and very creative bumbing this one up 7
Indiana Jones like! Good shot, nice colors, you caught the lighted match very well. The only thing is a few spots that look like they come from marks on the sensor of the camera or the lens, it would have been great if you had cloned those out.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
