We are living in historic and record breaking times as the 2020 wildfires are ripping throughout west coast. I shot this on 9/17/20 from a park in San Dimas, CA.
The Bobcat Fire is blazing in the mountains.
Nikon D850
70mm
F2.8
ISO64
15sec exposure
It is remarkable photograph that tells a story of courage and sorrow. I hope everyone is safe especially the fire fighters.
Thanks. Yea, I have deep respect for the fire fighters, putting their life on the line to help limit the devastation of our forests and homes!
Dan, exceptional image. You've documented the power of this and representationally all of the other fires burning in California, Oregon & Washington very well. Having spent most of my life in Oregon and now in Seattle (Washington) I'm keenly aware of the devastation that these fires are wreaking on the environment, the residents and on the whole, all of the residents in the PNW and surrounding states. In Seattle the Space Needle which is all of ~4 blocks from my apartment has been partially to wholly obscured by the smoke.
Thank you very much. Yes the smoke has turned the beautiful PNW into a hellscape. Stay safe!
Here is another shot, this one shows the stars above the smoke. Maybe a little reminder of what is beyond the smoke and flames
If I may add my two cents worth.... I do like the theme and i do like the juxtaposition of the fire above the homes/town which emphasizes to me the sense of menace presented by the fire.
As a suggestion in editing though, i find that the bright reflections in the water draws my eye away from the fire which in turn detracts from the theme. Perhaps toning down the reflections and increasing the brightness of the fire?
Great image and my total respect to the firefighters.
Regards,
Mike
Thanks Mike, I see what you mean about the reflections, I like the way they look but you make a good point that it can distract from the subject.