A mess of deceased freshwater clams in the now-dry Alberta Pond, Alberta, MI.
Thanks to everyone for the nice comments, they are very much appreciated.
I knew I wanted to do something involving mud cracks when I saw the challenge details (it's the geologist in me). Fortunately we're in the middle of a swell drought, there are many mud cracks to be found. Unfortunately we're in the middle of a swell drought, rain is in extremely short supply. To cure the latter I spent most of the challenge designing rain machines. After many unsuccessful attempts at construsting something portable and easy to use I resorted to old faithful: a plastic plant watering can with diffuse end.
I humped a few gallons of water, the watering can, a spritzer bottle, camera, tripod, and accessories down to the dry lakebed.
After some trials with my first subject (poor Mr-Dried-Out-Snail) I collected a lot of clam shells, found an appropriately cool set of giant mud cracks, and tossed the shells on the cracks.
After positioning and framing the camera I spritzed everything down to get it wet looking then, with coordination I'll never duplicate, held the watering can in right hand and remote in the left. Right hand furiously sloshing water, me praying it looked rain-like, left hand in an awkward position (so the camera sees the remote) trying desparately to click click click as the water fell fell fell.
Did I mention it was 85 and bright sunshine? No? Post-processing was me trying to make it look less sunny.
No one reads this far so I'll stop here. If you have questions please ask!
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Place: 53 out of 228 Avg (all users): 5.9276 Avg (commenters): 7.0000 Avg (participants): 5.9138 Avg (non-participants): 5.9368 Views since voting: 1600 Views during voting: 518 Votes: 290 Comments: 25 Favorites: 4 (view)
I just realized I never left you a comment on this excellent shot - gave it a 9 back when we voted. Knowing now all the hassle it was for you to capture this, I'd have given you a 10. Perseverance sure pays off.
Wow, you went through a lot of effort for this picture. I don't think the sun shining dimenished anything. I've often seen it rain while the sun is shining, particularly when I lived in Florida. The muscles were an extra nice touch, and I'm thinking its what made this photo have the impact that it does. I doub't I would have ever questioned that was rain had you not said so. Great work JP.
ahh for the love of art!!!! Thats a great story. I was waiting for you to say that after all that work.. it started pouring out ;) LOL... I love the shot and it does look like rain to me. :)
jp not only read the whole thing laughing all the way. the things we go thru for the love of art. Because we are in a draught her in IL as well this image speaks volumes to me.
Are these mussels? I'm not understanding your title. Anyway, I think you definitely captured rain in this shot. I like how the rain juxtaposes against the jagged edges of the rocks.
Fascinating shot. Love the deep shadowed cracks and the lighting on the shells and flat surfaces. Very well lit for raining. Love how the streaks of rain look, too. 10
Had you played a bit with shadows and highlights, it may have created a more dramatic effect. None the less, this is an excellent submission. Good luck!
This is truly unique. I love the cracks with the oysters amidst the rain. Extremely unusual. Nicely done. The monochromatic theme with the touch of the pearly white really is a stunning visual. I think I'd have dropped above that crack in the 2nd centered stone and it would still work. Just my opinion. Otherwise - great. 8
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