Fireline Series #1

Posted by Stinkbug Photography (Cochise County, United States) on 22 November 2007 in Landscape & Rural and Portfolio.

First of all I would like to say what a wonderful community Am3 is. The level of support and creativity found here surpasses all expectations I had when I first joined. I would like to say thank you to all who have stopped by my site and commented, and especially to those who stop by on a regular basis. You have breathed new life into a passion that was stagnent for longer than I would like to admit.
That said, I would like to try something different for me. A series of sort.
I fight Wildland fires in the summer and have so many images that never see the light of day, I thought I would do a 5 day project to stick my toe in the journalistic waters and see how it feels.
These images were all taken this summer in Arizona, Nevada or Idaho.
I have not been real discriptive in my past postings so this will also be new for me. As always I welcome any comments. Thank you all for the jump start I've been needing.

This First Image is a back burn we were doing on a fire in the Boise National Forest in Idaho. It's a beautiful forest, mostly Douglas Fir and it was hard to watch so much of it destroyed.

Comments (20)

martie from Okinawa, Japan

This is a wonderful shot! This is a beautiful composition of a horrific event. I look forward to the rest in this series.

22 Nov 2007 12:06am

@martie: Thank you martie. I appreciate that.

Ina from Krugersdorp, South Africa

This is going to be in interesting week! Beautiful shot - the two trees in the foreground make a statement on their own.... one dead, and the other alive! Looking forward to the rest of your series.

22 Nov 2007 3:24am

@Ina: Thanks for all you support Ina. It has really made a difference.

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

There's that tearing 'how horribly beautiful' moment. The actual presentation is outstanding, the fire so beautiful, and yet what a heartbreaker. Bless you for the courage you have and congratulations on taking this hurtful but fabulous photo!

22 Nov 2007 5:46am

@Lorraine: thanks Lorraine, I know I can always count on you.

MaryB from Staffordshire, United Kingdom

First of all Gary, I must say you do a highly commendable job! I can't begin to imagine the mix of feelings and emotions that you must have when fighting these fires.
This capture is totally amazing, in one respect very beautiful and in another so very sad, you've captured the both extremes brilliantly.
I'm looking forward with anticipation to the rest of the series Gary, thank you for sharing the valuable work you do, through your amazing photographs.

22 Nov 2007 9:52am

@MaryB: Thank you Mary. I think I was more unsure about trying something new with my photos than I was walking into this fire.

Daroru from Amagasaki, Japan

Amazing - looking forward to the series.

22 Nov 2007 11:46am

@Daroru: Thank you very much Daroru.

badala from Leiria, Portugal

Great documentary shot !

22 Nov 2007 1:11pm

@badala: Thanks Badala.

JoeB from Brampton, Canada

Great contrast, you really get a feel of the power of the fire. This is a rare and unique look at front line photos of forest fires.

22 Nov 2007 2:32pm

@JoeB: Thanks Joe. That's what I was thinking since the media is not allowed.

Rebecca from Leicester, United Kingdom

I agree with friends above. This is indeed heartbreaking to see, and yet, this is such an absolutely awesome capture. You are doing a truly meaningful job, Gary. Thank you so much for sharing these precious sights and scenes with us.

22 Nov 2007 5:23pm

@Rebecca: Thanks Rebecca, You are always so kind.

amy from Rocky Mountain House, Canada

As everyone before has said (but now in my words) beautifully tragic. Stunning imagery of the glorious nature of fire but tragic in the destruction of such beauty. It's an oxymoron!! Fantastic image Gary!! Really looking forward to the rest of the series... almost sounds like we're all pyros, eh?!! LOL

22 Nov 2007 8:36pm

@amy: I think there is a fine line there. I'm flattered that you got off your death bed to visit my site. =)
I hope you feel better soon.

Shawna from Regina, Canada

I am glad you have pulled these out. This image is fantastic. I agree with you about A-3, The support of everyone is fantastic. This was the best thing I have done. My stuff was getting unappreciated and this site has made me stretch and grow. I have learned so much and I am enjoying my photograph even more. By the way most of my HDR are shot as jpeg and bracketed a lot. I use mostly 5 different exposure on most of my stuff. I don't think it necessary most of the time!!

22 Nov 2007 8:44pm

Gary from United States

Thanks Shawna, I also do about 5-6 exposures and agree that it's not always necessary. I have done as few as 3 with about the same results but i still try for more out of habit.

22 Nov 2007 9:29pm

Mandy Provan from Johannesburg, South Africa

Hey Gray - what an amazing shot!!! Must be quite a thing to see fire in all it's glory firsthand!!! I can't wait to see the rest of the series!!! Awesome capture...bring on the FIRE!! :)

23 Nov 2007 1:41am