Matches

[jdunphy]

Now that the contest is over I thought I'd post my set of my "finality finalists."

 

[LaFoto]

Whoa. That second photo here is outstanding.

While I like the texture of the smoke in all of them (and the lighting in the first!), that very simple composition of No. 2 really grabs me! Really, really does!

 

[Ab$olut]

i'll have to try this when I have some time a good light setup

 

[Johnboy2978]

These are really nice. Mind sharing how your lighting setup with us?

 

[emo]

Great Work! love that 2nd shot.. & yes, car to share the light set up?

 

[myopia]

i love the whole series, especially number 2.

 

[ShootHoops]

Very nice. #2 for me as well. :thumbup:

 

[jdunphy]

It's been over a month, but the lighting setup was pretty simple. I had the match mounted on the tip of a knife blade with a little hunk on kneaded rubber eraser. I just wanted to make sure that my mount didn't cast any shadows, so I tried to find the smallest thing possible.

I had one SB-800 @ 85mm focal width mounted behind and below the match, at about 1/16th or so. I was shooting 1/500 @ f9-f11 or so. I would adjust a little up/down with test shots until I found a spot that didn't have much lensflare/knife glare.

Then my wife lit and blew out the match a few times while I mashed the shutter release. We took about 8-15 shots per match, and then switched the camera orientation/angle up. Rinse. Repeat.



If I have a decent setup photo, I'll post it tonight.

 

[GrfxGuru]

Nice, interesting subject and something I have not thought to look at, you have inspired me!