<< Previous Next >>

Wildfire


Wildfire
Photo Information
Copyright: Chris Chafer (sandpiper2) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1906 W: 107 N: 4875] (16757)
Genre: Landscapes
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-11-19
Categories: Mountain
Camera: Canon Powershot S2-IS
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/250 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-11-21 5:39
Viewed: 3816
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
In stark contrast to my previous post of a tranquil sunset in Thailand (here), here is the reality of summer in the Australian bush.

Eastern Australia is entering its sixth year of well below annual rainfall and higher than average temperatures. Its not even officially summer until December, yet numerous wildfires rage across the countryside. Already some 40,000 hectares of native forest have been consumed by fire. So far, most of the wildfires have been ignited by lightning strikes in remote area and only a few properties have been lost. The downside of course is that hundreds or perhaps thousands of wild animals will have unfortunately not survived; and we still have four months of hot weather to come.

This shot was taken last Sunday in Blue Mountains west of Sydney. This large fire rages in the deep Grose Valley just east of Mt. Victoria and has thus far destroyed 7,000 hectares of wilderness. The shot was captured from the roadside near Bell. It was taken with maximum zoom and I was perhaps a kilometre from the fire. Over 400 fire fighters and 8 helicopter water bombers have been fighting the blaze for 7 days, and it is predicted to burn for another 5-7 days.

Wildfire is a natural event in the Australian bush and many vegetation communities have evolved to deal with the occasional incineration by natures’ fury. Nevertheless, its equally disheartening to watch such a beautiful landscape consumed by fire.

PP included NeatImage and Levels in Photoshop to reduce noise caused by smoke haze.

Thanks for looking
pvs, PaulH, nainnain, JORAPAVI, enrico, peter_stoeckl, metcher has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1127 W: 254 N: 3161] (14464)
  • [2006-11-21 6:01]

Hi Chris,

Well captured natural fenomen,which most of us dont like so much as it destroys a lot of life,but as you say its quite imposing to see this kind of natur,you shown us well,

Regards,
Paul

Hello Chris,
I think that this is the first time I see a picture like this on TN and it is very interesting. Somewhere it is sad but I know that it is part of nature too... You had a great POV and this picture is quite impressive. You were in the hearth of the action and yes, it contrasts a lot with your previous post :). Well done and TFS,
Claudine

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1137 W: 26 N: 3879] (13882)
  • [2006-11-21 7:48]

Hi Chris

powerful image and a great note too! Lets hope next year you get some decent rain huh?

Cheers,

Paul

HI CHRIS
belle capture , ce panache de fumée de diverses couleurs est une bonne réussite
bien vu
bonne soirée
EDITH

Hi Chris
very sad picture. You have handled the smoke haze well. where was this taken from? Interesting point of view.
Regards and TFS.
Franscois

Hola Chris,
Una foto espectacular por el denso humo y la voracidad del fuego, muy interesante el comentario. Un cordial saludo

  • Great 
  • JPlumb Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 618 W: 158 N: 896] (2904)
  • [2006-11-21 20:18]

This is a very good shot Chris, and a very scary situation. Until recently I didn't realize or understand the issues with the dry climate here in Australia. I think a lot of people in the world are the same way. Work such as yours helps clarify this.

Thanks, John

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2006-11-21 21:55]

Hello Chris

Amazing POV.The shot is very thought provoking.Well done on the balance in the composition.The circle of life I guess,and from out of the ashes will rise a new forest.Time is the healer.TFS

Rob

Hi!
It's really a stunning image... it transmits you the power of fire. And the damages(?) it causes...
TFS and for the note, Enrico

Hello Chris,
seizing report of a natural drama, really frightening to look at. The diagional composition and the glimpse of a few weak rays of sunlight out of a smoke covered sky look very powerful, the perfect way to describe a phenomenon that makes us fell very weak and helpless.
Thank you! Best regards,
Peter

Hi, Chris.
It's a little bit different from other shots and that's why it's interesting. Rather powerful scene.

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF