The large plums of smoke attracted attention for miles away. I first saw the smoke as I came home from Salt Lake City. The fire was started by a lighting. After, I realized where the fire was I gave it no thought. I had the chance to use a 200 - 400mm f/4 lens from Nikon, and wanted to shoot some action shots. The fire was not what I had in mind. My first look at the fire, I realized it was a long way out with no way to get to it. I didn't find any games at the high schools, and no one playing at the parks, so I made my way home.
Since, I was getting closer to my girls school I thought I would pick them up. I was headed the back way to the school when I realized how close the smoke was. I turned right, for the smoke, not left, for my girls and the school. The fire was in the marsh lands around the Great Salt Lake. From the dirt road I was on, I could see the flames and a helicopter fighting to get them under control. Other firefighters and water tank trucks drove past and sat up in the field about a football fields length away from me.
I wanted action to photograph and there it was! Quickly, I jumped in the back of the truck to set up and start taking pictures. Several on lookers stopped to see the events unfold, also. A few asked me if I knew what was going on. Others had there own cameras out taking pictures too. The news media was there also, video and sound bites for those guys! I don't think this road has not seen this much traffic before!
At one point it looked as if the fire was about to burn itself out. The wind changed direction and with a gust the flames shot into the air again with black smoke filling the sky. What a site! Great for me and other spectators, not so great for those who are trying to fight it.
The live stock was oblivious to the events around them. The cows kept doing what cows do! If the fire had been closer they may have moo-ved! Ha! Ha! Ha!
The birds, however, were taking off for greener pastures! A flock of Canadian Geese flew by, several small birds, sparrows etc... and some gray herons I think. The geese honked as they went by as if to warn us! I was staying put, I had a big lens to use and I wanted to get the most out of it. Sometimes I just love working at a camera store! Nikon sponsored an event we did out at Antelope Island, this is way I am able to barrow some very nice equipment. I love it when that happens, my wish list get bigger each time.
The pilot did fantastic job! He or she made it look easy. He/she has the best set for viewing the fire. I wonder, do they have a camera on board? Will they give me a ride? NO WAY! I am fine with the point of view I already have. A very special thanks to Nikon for the equipment and support, be sure to check out there web site for some of the lastest gear. The D7000 was just announced and it looks like it will be a good one! I used a D200, Nikon 200-400mm f/4 lens and a 2x teleconverter on few of the pictures. Some edits and croping done also.
12 comments:
Fantastic shots of the fire. Too bad it has to happen but it does and they look like they have or will get it under control
I definitely think you got your action shots! Great job, David!
I didn't see or hear about this. When was it? Yesterday? Doesn't really matter, I missed it anyway.
David can you please tell our geese to get back home, I don't want winter to get here!
You sure got some fantastic photos and thank goodness that the firefighters were able to get it under control so quickly.
You are soooo lucky to be working at a camera shop, oh the toys to play with would be phenomenal! I'll just stick to my university, hopefully in a few years I'll have a job where I can afford to come into shops such as the one you're at!
Cheers!
Fires are so scary - but great shots.
Fabulous photos, and how exciting for those not fighting it. I do hope that no one was harmed - including animals. You did a really great job capturing the intensity of the situation.
and, Nikon rocks. :)
Great photojournalism. Did you see if the local newspaper could use these shots????
Lisa, Thanks for the comments!
Carolyn, I love the action type shots!
Scott, You should have been there, may-be one time we can go shot together.
Darlin, Because of the toys, I sometimes don't come home with a pay check!
Stacy, Thanks.
Jennifer, You are so right. NIKON ROCKS!!!
Karen, Thanks. I sent some to the news stations but didn't think of the news paper. May-be next time.
Seriously these are pretty dang good. You've got talent for action shots as well I see.
These are great...no surprise that you have mad skills at action shots too.
I love the shots of the birds flying in front. I witness a fire this year also. They were able to put it out by the time I had to move on in the traffic. Was amazing to watch the work of the helicopters and plans. Thanks for sharing the excitement in your day.
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