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Vae Victis
Vae Victis
lykofos


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Hot (Basic Editing)
Camera: Canon EOS-40D
Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Location: In a field
Date: Jul 21, 2008
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 640
Shutter: 1/100
Date Uploaded: Jul 22, 2008

 I’ve always been interested in medieval legends, creatures, weaponry, and warfare. I wanted to create that kind of feel with this shot.

I had planned on using a 64” long bow (for authenticity), but the string broke and none of the stores around here had the right size string in stock. So, I had to use the compound bow instead. I bought some cheap arrows and cheap spear tip target points because I didn’t want to risk my expensive arrows catching on fire / melting. I used large size marshmallows dipped in lighter fluid to create the flaming effect. The large flame only lasted about 5-10 seconds and then died down fast. I went through about half a bag of marshmallows!!

My model was originally going to be female (sort of an Amazon Warrior / Valkyrie style shot), but she wasn’t strong enough to pull the string on the bow back. So, I ended up being the model in the shot! I had her stand where I would be; then I focused in, and locked the focus in manual. Next, I had her stand with an arrow on fire so I could also dial in the exposure settings in manual mode.

I stood on the spot I marked in the field, lit the arrow on fire and quickly dropped the lighter in my pocket, got into the right posture / expression, and shouted when I wanted her to click the shutter release. I then ran back to the camera/tripod to look at the photo/histogram, and reload the arrow with another lighter fluid soaked marshmallow. Repeated 48 times, then it started raining again, ending the shoot. Luckily, I got a few decent shots.

Statistics
Place: 17 out of 167
Avg (all users): 6.0521
Avg (commenters): 7.7143
Avg (participants): 6.2364
Avg (non-participants): 5.9781
Views since voting: 1145
Views during voting: 300
Votes: 192
Comments: 8
Favorites: 1 (view)

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AuthorThread
Nikon D3s
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
 07/30/2008 02:05:25 PM
This is a really hot picture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Canon EOS 80D
Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II
 07/25/2008 06:27:47 PM
Without the eyes, this would only be a so-so shot. With the eyes, it is captivating. The expression seems to be one of calculated determination.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/25/2008 02:11:53 PM
Great shot. I am not sure, if you could have avoided the red color cast.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro
 07/24/2008 07:04:07 PM
I love it, well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-5D
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS
 07/24/2008 01:33:51 AM
Great shot. Love the light glowing on his face and hands with the rest hidden in the dark. Terrific expresion. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
 07/23/2008 02:05:39 PM
Uuuh, I love bows XD
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-20D
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
 07/23/2008 02:06:39 AM
AWESOME!!! added this to my favorites- not only technically very well done, but your model also really connects- You deserve to do well with this. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon PowerShot SX100 IS
 07/23/2008 01:24:14 AM
I like this. Je looks a little demonic.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
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