Blacksmith Hammer Blows

[Scottes]

I went out this morning looking for foliage shots. Once again I couldn't find anything to shoot. I really have to learn how to see better.

So I went tourist again and visited Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum in Mystic, Connecticut. It was a very interesting place, but photographically it was pretty much a waste of time for me. There was too much background stuff that didn't belong. I can't see the sense in taking a picture of a 19th Century Whaling ship with a highway in the distant background. I love the old building and ships and stuff but not when it's mixed with 21st century backgrounds.

I did enjoy myself, but I shoulda left the camera in the car.

Almost.

Last week at Old Sturbridge Village I took some Blacksmith shots which were pretty cool I thought. Mystic had a blacksmith who was much less in character but really hammered the iron. So I tok a few pics, trying to catch the sparks flying.

OK, I took a *lot* of pics before I got the timing down. But I finally did, and I think these turned out OK. I love the second one.

http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/Blacksmith_54124.jpg
http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/Blacksmith_54140.jpg

[gixxerjasen]

The second one is good, but doesn't seem to show the motion. If it weren't for the sparks I'd think it was just placed there. However knowing how hard it is to get the timing of the impact down, nice one. Love the soot on the hands too.

[dtrayers]

I like the second one too.

Have you considered taking close ups of the sailing ships? You could tell a story with a sequence of tight shots that avoid the background.

Perhaps print in B&W for a more period feel.

[marie]

great impact in the 2nd shot especially Scottes
love it
can almost feel it

8)

[IanD]

I like the first one because you can see the impact from the first blow in the hot metal. This type of shot cannot be easy to capture. Well done.

[DeeplyDigital]

Cool!
Though hot would be more appropriate.
How close did you have to get?
Lots of hot pixels flying about...

J.
-
no foliage here either, on the ground the leaves are mostly upside down

[amitnike]

like the first one... bang on

[Scottes]

The second one is good, but doesn't seem to show the motion. If it weren't for the sparks I'd think it was just placed there.

Yeah, you're right. I loved the sparks so much that I ignored the lack of motion.

Thanks a lot. You ruined it for me.

just kidding :D


Have you considered taking close ups of the sailing ships? You could tell a story with a sequence of tight shots that avoid the background.

Perhaps print in B&W for a more period feel.

That's a good idea. Chalk up another lesson in "how to see." B&W and some sepia/old-time-grainy effects could have looked cool. I'll remember for next time.


How close did you have to get?

I was about 5-6 feet from the anvil. This was with the Sigma 105mm Macro at something like ISO 100 f/3.2ish 1/60-1/80, manual mode - all trying to keep things slow to capture the sparks flying through the air.

[stoneylonesome]

both are great but I have to go with the first one. The trick to Mystic Seaport, (used to be a Member and went a lot) is to get up close and personal with the stuff, Take a photo of the Morgan at a low angle, take some of the details of the ship from on board. That way you can almost block out the busy backgrounds.

[Scottes]

The trick to Mystic Seaport, (used to be a Member and went a lot) is to get up close and personal with the stuff, Take a photo of the Morgan at a low angle, take some of the details of the ship from on board. That way you can almost block out the busy backgrounds.

Where the heck were you and Dave yesterday?!?!?!?

I need cell numbers, please, so I'll never get stuck again.


Hmmm... 1-800-Photo-Help... Assistance for incapable photographers is only a phone call away...

<ring>
<ring>
"Thanks for calling Photo-Help!"
<sniff><boo-hoo> "I'm at Bryce Canyon with my family and my pictures look like crap!"<sniff>
"OK, ma'am, we're here to help. Take two steps to the left. Now focus on your family. Great. Now swing the camera little so your family is just inside the frame. Have you got that?"
<sniff> "Yeah... But...."
"Don't worry Ma'am. Now kneel down, and check the LCD to make sure you're not cutting anyone's head off."
<sniff> "OK"
"OK, now wait for that fat tourist to move out of the background... Wait a sec... wait a sec... CLICK NOW!"
<click>
<pause>
"Oh, that looks great! Oh, Photo-Help, you're the best!"
"All in a day's work ma'am. Enjoy your vacation."

[Ballen Photo]

Excellent Shots Scott. I like the fact that you caught the sparks flying from each blow. :D
-Bruce

[thomascanty]

That second shot is very cool! Great timing.

[dtrayers]

<ring>
<ring>
"Thanks for calling Photo-Help!"
<sniff><boo-hoo> "I'm at Bryce Canyon with my family and my pictures look like crap!"<sniff>
"OK, ma'am, we're here to help. Take two steps to the left. Now focus on your family. Great. Now swing the camera little so your family is just inside the frame. Have you got that?"
<sniff> "Yeah... But...."
"Don't worry Ma'am. Now kneel down, and check the LCD to make sure you're not cutting anyone's head off."
<sniff> "OK"
"OK, now wait for that fat tourist to move out of the background... Wait a sec... wait a sec... CLICK NOW!"
<click>
<pause>
"Oh, that looks great! Oh, Photo-Help, you're the best!"
"All in a day's work ma'am. Enjoy your vacation."

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Kind of like PCAnywhere only for digicams!

[iwatkins]

Nice shots Scottes :D

Got a modern equivelent below, welding.

Cheers

Ian

http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/Miscellaneous/Images/20040221_1243_3642.jpg

[neil_r]

Off Topic (sorry)

Ian

Is the reg on that BMW in the background really what it looks like ? :?

N

[PhotosGuy]

Well, I wouldnt say that the "Blacksmith Hammer" shot Blows! Pretty nice catch, actually! I prefer the 1st one - got to have that motion blur to make it work! :wink:

[iwatkins]

Neil

Er yes, D18 TYC = DIRTY C. The guys named is Curtis but everyone calls him "Dirty" hence the reg no. I've called him worse though ;)

Cheers

Ian

[paladin]

As someone else said "Cool" ... and I too like the hand in the 2nd pic. Both nice shots, IMHO.

Paladin