Howard Frank
July 2025 - Fire Jam
About the Image(s)
The local park districts host a "full moon fire jam". Several people come to twirl fire sticks and do all kinds of crazy stunts with lamp oil. One of the highlights of the evening are the fire breathers. Taken with my Nikon Z8 and 24 to 120 lens. Taken at 1/400 sec at f/4 and ISO 800.
5 comments posted
Very dramatic! Nice lighting on the people in the foreground. And I like the soft focus and dwindling light on the folks in the background. The fire looks like a bit too much definition was applied. Nice composition and arresting photo! Posted: 07/17/2025 13:25:53
Howard: Love the breather and the fact that you caught him at precisely the right moment in time. The warm tones on the bricks and people brings the viewer into this photo that tells a story about people drawn to danger. Given the fact that it is night time and the only light in the photo is coming from the fire you still managed to capture a lot of detail with the breathers, the bricks, and the people in the stands. Very well done.
Posted: 07/17/2025 19:12:37
Posted: 07/17/2025 19:12:37
This is a highly successful photograph. You've done an excellent job of capturing a thrilling moment with great energy and impactful lighting. The strengths far outweigh the minor areas for consideration. It's a visually striking image that effectively tells a story and engages the viewer. Well done!
The only thing I would improve is the background distractions: while the background provides context, there are quite a few people and a few elements that draw the eye away from the main action. This is often unavoidable in live action, but a slightly different angle or tighter crop could have minimized this. Posted: 07/19/2025 08:30:53
The only thing I would improve is the background distractions: while the background provides context, there are quite a few people and a few elements that draw the eye away from the main action. This is often unavoidable in live action, but a slightly different angle or tighter crop could have minimized this. Posted: 07/19/2025 08:30:53
Fun photo. I like the overall lighting. I have shot fire breathers and it's a great subject to work with. The guy with the mist coming out of his mouth make this photo. I would crop from the left which also could get rid of that group of people in the middle left. Otherwise, the audience helps tell the story successfully. Our club always recommends this with photos with lots of dark edges to help the eye see the edges. (generally a three pixel line)
I am somewhat confused and distracted by having the performer right covered up by the fire. I keep coming back to that instead of looking at the rest of the photo
If this were submitted in a contest, the judge would note the blown out parts of the fire.
Posted: 07/19/2025 16:14:43
I am somewhat confused and distracted by having the performer right covered up by the fire. I keep coming back to that instead of looking at the rest of the photo
If this were submitted in a contest, the judge would note the blown out parts of the fire.
Posted: 07/19/2025 16:14:43
An intense and well-timed shot capturing the fire breather mid-action with dramatic lighting and warm tones. The composition is engaging, though the performer obscured by the fire can feel confusing. Slightly toning down the fire's sharpness and cropping from the left would enhance focus. Overall, a strong and exciting image with great narrative power. Posted: 07/24/2025 23:03:44