"Fire Demon"

[schrackman]

If you haven't seen some of my pics already on Viewfinder, here is just one image of a huge fire we are having out here in the desert north the I-10 freewa, up near Yucca Valley and Twenty-Nine Palms in California.

I was snapping along when suddenly I saw this: the face of the fire demon responsible for this massive blaze. The clouds and smoke were moving so quick this was the only shot I was able to get of this evil face.

You can go here to see more pics: Why I can't get 15% off my Mercury car insurance...

You may critique this photo also if you like. Shot in manual in mid-day sunlight, Digital Rebel + Sigma 28-80mm & Hoya Polarizer

[GB1]

schrackman - Sorry about the fire... I really like the area up there and I hope the damage is minimal. (I esp hope it doesnt reach Big Bear or Joshua Tree NP !!!)

The cloud looks ALIVE here .. yikes! Maybe it is an evil omen.... But I wouldnt have known it was due to a fire unless you mentioned it (the bottom part of the shot also reveals that). I would crop out the bottom and turn it into a happy pic.

GB

[Anbesol]

great shot, great tonal range, and great detail in the cloud. I like this one.

[schrackman]

Hi GB,

Thanks for the comments!

Freaky, isn't it? Temps are going to reach 106 today here in Banning, and we're south of the fire and separated by a mountain ridge in a pass area so the weather is generally much cooler here. I can't imagine how hot it's going to be where they are fighting the fire!! In addition to that, the wind has kicked up some, so I imagine today is not going to be a good day at all for the firefighters. These guys need our prayers.

As for the photo, I can't bring myself to crop it. I wanted to show the "beast" that this fire really is and I think that bottom portion helps that along with the plume of smoke ascending to mix with the monsoon-type clouds typical this time of year in the low and high deserts.

[schrackman]

Thanks Anbesol!

I think using the manual mode on my camera made quite a difference with these mid-day shots. Normally I just use Aperature priority and I'm never satisfied when shooting at that time of day. I guess I've just been too lazy to attempt something different.

By the way, I love your handle! lol

great shot, great tonal range, and great detail in the cloud. I like this one.