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| EXIF: f/5.6, 1/800 sec, ISO-3200, 171mm |
The Physics behind Fire
Fire is actually hot gas emitting radiations. The infra-red component of this radiation gives the fire its characteristic heat, which we can feel. In fire photography, we are not concerned with the infra-red component. Rather the visible spectrum of this radiation which gives us the light is more important to us, and it is this component which we intend to capture. Since, fire is made up of hot gas, it is logical to imagine that fire is a kind of fluid like water. So, the basic ideas to capture flowing water and turbulent flames are more or less the same. The difference lies in the fact that, while water flows in downward direction, flames blow in upward direction. This is because hot air gets lighter and flows upward carrying the radiation along with it.
Aesthetic Aspects of Fire Photography
In my experiment to capture fire, I learnt about two aesthetic aspects of fire. The first one being the explosive nature while the other one being the radiant nature. These two effects can be captured by varying the shutter speed and then adjusting the aperture and ISO settings accordingly.
The explosive effect is a snapshot of the turbulent hot flames rising up. Since, the flames rise very fast, we need to speed up our shutter speed to capture the explosive effect. Ideally, a shutter speed of 1/250 sec or higher is good to capture this type of image. Now, since we are going for higher shutter speeds, to compensate for the exposure accordingly. This can be achieved by going for wide apertures (e.g. f/3.5, f/4 and so on) and boost the ISO if needed (i.e. ISO-1600 and above).
As fire is basically a fluid, I tried to play with slower shutter speeds while capturing the flames. The result was the radiant nature of fire. In case of capturing flowing water, a slower shutter speed gives the water its silky appearance symbolizing dynamism as in the image below.
However, as fire rises upward, the same camera settings gives fire its radiance effect. The radiance effect symbolizes the flow of energy from inward to outward as if the image is captured from the surface of the Sun.
Precautions & Professional Ethics
No wonder, fire is a beautiful subject to capture and opens up a lot of avenues for learning photography, it is a dangerous form of raw energy. If precautions are not followed, the enjoyment of capturing fire may turn into a disaster with fatal consequences. Hence, as a thumb rule, it is always better be safe than sorry. Some of the safety precautions are:
Aesthetic Aspects of Fire Photography
In my experiment to capture fire, I learnt about two aesthetic aspects of fire. The first one being the explosive nature while the other one being the radiant nature. These two effects can be captured by varying the shutter speed and then adjusting the aperture and ISO settings accordingly.
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| EXIF: f/4, 1/4000 sec, ISO-6400, 70mm |
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| EXIF: f/8, 1/10 sec, ISO-100, 154mm |
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| EXIF: f/29, 1/10 sec, ISO-100, 32mm, EV -0.7 |
Precautions & Professional Ethics
No wonder, fire is a beautiful subject to capture and opens up a lot of avenues for learning photography, it is a dangerous form of raw energy. If precautions are not followed, the enjoyment of capturing fire may turn into a disaster with fatal consequences. Hence, as a thumb rule, it is always better be safe than sorry. Some of the safety precautions are:
- Keep a safe distance from the fire - It is best to capture the explosive flames from a distance using zoom lens than the standard 18-55 mm wide angle lens.
- Have the appropriate fire extinguisher handy. If possible, it is always advisable to look for an event as an opportunity, where starting a fire is a part of the ceremony. In such a case, the concerned authorities are always present to take care of any untoward incidents and hazards. In my experiment to capture the flames, the ceremony of 'Holika Dahan' presented the perfect occasion.
- Learn the ABC of Fire Extinguishing - Fire is sustained due to presence of one or more of the 3 factors i.e. Fuel Supply, Air Supply and Temperature. If any one of the contributing factors is taken care of, then fire can be extinguished. In other words, either find a way to lower the temperature or cut off the air supply or cut off the fuel supply to extinguish a hazardous fire. In fact, cutting off the fuel supply is the most obvious and wisest choice as the flames get nothing to feed on and finally die out.
- Save yourself and others too !! Nowadays, there is a disturbing trend of capturing almost anything and everything, even at the cost of life to get maximum likes in social media. In case of a fire hazard, it is unethical and unprofessional to capture the beauty of the flames when there are people dying around. In such an event, rather than worrying about the shutter speed and aperture, it is more professional to save oneself and coordinate with the appropriate authorities and help them to control the disaster.
Fire is beautiful and elegant radiance of pure energy. It is the ultimate purifier and it converts everything to its native state. It is not only the destroyer, but also the creator and preserver of life which, in turn is more beautiful than the fire itself. So, last but not the least, enjoy the beautiful life and explore the fire within !! :)
