Andrew Lewis
July 2024 - Low Drop
About the Image(s)
I've titled this "Low Drop". I heard about a brush fire not too far from where I live, so I headed over. This was taken with a Nikon D850 and a Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 FL-ED lens. I used 1/1250 sec @ f/8 at ISO 160, lens zoomed to 360mm. I wanted to include some of the flame to help tell the story. It's always a battle with the shutter speed. I want it high enough so I don't get any blur from moving the heavy lens, but I want to try to get some blur in the rotors of the helicopter. Being a photojournalistic image, I didn't do a ton in post. A little bit of adjustment to open up the shadows through the harsh sunlight and haze and some dust spot removal.
I hope everyone had a safe holiday.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted
Good story telling piece. I thought you wanted the otors turning but they do not seem to be. Nice capture either way. It certainly tells a story. I did do some adjustments and crop differently to see what you think, but since you have it as a photojournalist shot not sure you would want to change a thing. Posted: 07/15/2024 21:22:53
I like your crop too, Harley. You can see more of the helicopter and what they're doing. It's always a struggle in a frame like this to keep the flames to tell the story or portray the power of the helicopter by emphasizing it. Tough choice, both are great images. Thanks for your suggestions. I missed getting the blur in the rotors by *that* much. :-) Posted: 07/26/2024 15:48:43
Hi Andrew,
This is a wonderful documentary image. I am amazed to see the helicopter flying that low. To me, that's scary! The ground and flames are too close for my comfort.
I don't think you need the rotors turning, but that made me curious as to how one would do it. I found this article: http://kristofferglenn.com/blog/2016/5/17/prop-blur-is-critical-for-your-photos-of-propeller-driven-aircraft-and-helicopters
There is only so much you can to when it is sunny. But the article suggests, among other things, that a neutral density filter can help on a sunny day. It might be something to try out at your local municipal airport! Posted: 07/16/2024 17:14:26
This is a wonderful documentary image. I am amazed to see the helicopter flying that low. To me, that's scary! The ground and flames are too close for my comfort.
I don't think you need the rotors turning, but that made me curious as to how one would do it. I found this article: http://kristofferglenn.com/blog/2016/5/17/prop-blur-is-critical-for-your-photos-of-propeller-driven-aircraft-and-helicopters
There is only so much you can to when it is sunny. But the article suggests, among other things, that a neutral density filter can help on a sunny day. It might be something to try out at your local municipal airport! Posted: 07/16/2024 17:14:26
Good thoughts, Bunny. I have ND filters for my 24-70 lens. I'll check on what they have for the 200-500. That's a really interesting article. I guess I need more practice on using slower shutter speeds. I'm always nervous about keeping the aircraft sharp, but the prop/rotor blur is always desirable. Thanks for the great info! Posted: 07/26/2024 15:51:45
Andrew
You certainly have given this thought. The rotar blages are certainly a factor. When using a long lens I try to use a monopod. It keeps the camera steady and you can still "react" to your subject. I think you did everything right here. I like the tighter crop suggested by Harley. I think Bunny will hereafter be the official Group 43 research person. Posted: 07/16/2024 17:58:15
You certainly have given this thought. The rotar blages are certainly a factor. When using a long lens I try to use a monopod. It keeps the camera steady and you can still "react" to your subject. I think you did everything right here. I like the tighter crop suggested by Harley. I think Bunny will hereafter be the official Group 43 research person. Posted: 07/16/2024 17:58:15
Ha! I think you're right about Bunny and her research. I find it really valuable.
I have a monopod and think I even had it in the car that day. I need to get out and practice with it more. I find it tough when I shoot the jets in the canyon and at fires because the aircraft aren't coming through at a constant level. I think mastering the use of the tool will pay off big time. Posted: 07/26/2024 15:54:04
I have a monopod and think I even had it in the car that day. I need to get out and practice with it more. I find it tough when I shoot the jets in the canyon and at fires because the aircraft aren't coming through at a constant level. I think mastering the use of the tool will pay off big time. Posted: 07/26/2024 15:54:04
This photo has told a story by itself. The helicopter is in the place of rule of third. I like the smoke and flame that have added atmosphere to the photo. Good job!
Posted: 07/17/2024 03:20:05
Posted: 07/17/2024 03:20:05
Thanks, Leo. The elements seemed to all come to come together for me that day! Posted: 07/26/2024 15:54:57
Super photojournalistic shot Andrew. Peak action of the copter dropping on the fire. I really like how the background is shrouded in smoke yet we can see the outline of the mountains in the distance. I feel I am right there, up close and personal, with the action, I can almost smell the smoke. Your perspective is perfect. This really tells a story. As far as the rotors go, oh well, there is too much else to see to worry about them. With shots like these everything happens in the blink of an eye and it is not easy to make adjustments before the action goes away.
Great shot. Posted: 07/18/2024 14:20:37
Great shot. Posted: 07/18/2024 14:20:37
I appreciate it, Bruce. I'm pleased with how it came out, but there's always room to improve. I appreciate everyone's thoughts here and definitely take the suggestions with me when I go shoot the next fire. (Which surely won't be a long wait)
I had a pretty good spot for this. I try to choose locations that are close, but safe. I actually had a highway patrol car come "suggest" to us that we might not be in the best spot. I don't like attracting negative attention like that. I thanked the officer and moved on. It's always a struggle. We have an officer who's also a great photographer coming to talk to our local club next month about how to shoot emergency scenes and stay safe. I'm looking forward to it.
I appreciate your thoughts. Posted: 07/26/2024 15:58:45
I had a pretty good spot for this. I try to choose locations that are close, but safe. I actually had a highway patrol car come "suggest" to us that we might not be in the best spot. I don't like attracting negative attention like that. I thanked the officer and moved on. It's always a struggle. We have an officer who's also a great photographer coming to talk to our local club next month about how to shoot emergency scenes and stay safe. I'm looking forward to it.
I appreciate your thoughts. Posted: 07/26/2024 15:58:45
This is certainly a photojournalist image! I think you have captured the story very well and perhaps the only thing you might consider would be to crop a bit off the right side to highlight the helicopter. Good job! Posted: 07/27/2024 14:43:49