The architecture of machinery
Machine shop
While I like the mechanical aspects of machines, what they do and how they do it, along with all of the accessories and tools associated with the process, I’m more drawn to the machine in the abstract. I like the way light plays off of the surfaces bringing out texture, patina, and geometry. To that end, a flashlight coupled with long exposures is the best tool, but as often happens, for this subject long exposures were impossible so I had to resort to flash. I shot 41 frames and used 16 of them to composite the final image. Out of those 41 frames, only one was done with a small soft box. The remainder were shot with the speedlight (wide angle diffuser flipped down) at very close range. You can see by the example below that at that distance the flash head becomes a mini soft box and shadows are quite soft. Tomorrow … on to other subjects.
Speedlight example
Great post—–really like the “this is how I did it” aspect. Your light painting is wonderful, and I think part of the beauty of your shots is what you don’t light—–or what you leave in shadow. I guess that “not painting” is still a part of “painting”!!
Great talent.
Thanks Gary. You’re exactly right about ‘what you leave in shadow’ and areas which are sometimes called negative space, (The empty area between and around the main subject). Within the frame, everything is important.
very nice post, and an awesome way of taking pictures. It gives a nice extra touch on the photo.
very nice…