Featured Forum Thread: "Grassfire!" by kyteflyer

I wasnt going to go to my usual locations today but with smoke billowing into the sky... I felt compelled to investigate. Found that my favourite grassland was up in smoke and flames, and my favourite tree...almost. Here's a few shots from today...

The tree
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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

and more
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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

The grassland
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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

The aftermath
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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

Mind you... I don't think its over. Even as I was pasting those links, I heard another fire truck arrive. The fire was very close to houses, and if the wind changed direction, there would be trouble. I hope the ducks and geese are safe.
 
I am sorry to hear that your favorite grasland and tree felt victim to the flames. Isn't ironic that such a terrifying thing provides opportunity for spectacular photos? You've build a very nice story out if it. If I had to pick one, it would probably be #1 because that visualizes the threat to to tree so well. The contrast in colors is also striking. The light and texture in the last three photos is also incredible. #4 could easily represent the "underworld" or hell in the photo challenge!

Thanks for sharing Sue. I do hope all is well with the people and houses.

Peter
 
Thanks, guys. re the news outlet... too late, they were there.

Anyway, I have more, and I think they are better. downloading now, but plan to don a heavy jacket and boots so I can go back. It will be interesting to see if the V1 can deal with night shots. It should be fine, I think.
 
Here's more. I am SO impressed with the Nikon V1 + 30-110... It handled todays events without a hiccup. Magic. This set is about the firemen as well as the fire... but more about the workers. Geez I respect them!.

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr

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Maryland Grassfire by kyte50, on Flickr
 
Excellent set of images Sue. I was particularly interested in number 3 of the original series showing how the fire drew in your local Kites trying to catch any small mammals and the like displaced by the fire.

Also the set on the firemen since any people photography that I do tends to revolve around people doing a job of work rather than random individuals with no background to the photograph, so all good stuff and well done.

Barrie
 
Thanks, Christina and Barrie. I think today's shooting was the most I have actually enjoyed in weeks/months, even years, perhaps. Its so different to my usual genre, and with the V1, I was in my element, whilst the Canon DSLR shooters (of which there were many, I only saw big Canons, the odd P&S and phone cameras.) were madly chimping to make sure they got the shot (in the meantime, missing many more). I actually have a couple of shots of one fellow who spent more time peering at his screen than taking photos :) But... I do have one of him shooting, too. Must be fair <grin>

I had a great time today and am feeling quite enervated!
 
Stunning shots Sue! I particularly like the shots of the firefighters, both because of the human / story element and because of the mixed emotions, due to the very obvious threat creating heavenly colours in the sky (the first one, with the firefighter shielding his face from the sun, is amazing).
 
Wow, Sue... Weren't you just saying you were sort of bored or stuck lately?

You managed to get out there and photograph a very tough and emotional situation - beautifully. I've been looking more closely on Flickr. Sad, tragic...however you've shown nature's power and destruction as well as the attempts of the selfless firefighters to hold her back. I am so sad about the loss.
 
Sue, I almost skipped this thread. I was thinking what would I care about a grassfire. I'm glad I clicked. There's so many great photos here I had to move it to the front page to make sure no one else missed it. Great work. I imagine you can get some more great ones of the aftermath. I'm hoping for some gritty b/w.
 
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