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Lightbringer
2nd PlaceLightbringer
markwiley


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Fire and Ice (Advanced Editing VII)
Collection: Portfolio
Camera: Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM
Date: Jun 13, 2013
Aperture: 11
ISO: 400
Shutter: 1/80
Date Uploaded: Jun 13, 2013

Stannis Baratheon’s flaming sword

[Jun. 19th, 2013 11:56:26 AM]

That's my son, Jack, holding the sword. I knew I could count on my Jack's help -- especially when I mentioned the words sword and fire. I would have liked a more interesting full body shot of him doing something interesting with the sword. Unfortunately, we had no appropriate looking outfit for Jack to wear (armor, chain mail, etc.), so we just went with just his forearms.

Jack is 19. He recieved this sword as a gift when he was about seven. His best friend Max's mom took a trip to somewhere in South America. She brought back swords for both Jack and Max. I am not sure a) how you are allowed to board a plane with two four foot long swords as carry-on items (even if this was pre-9/11 and the decorative swords have no edge), or b) why Max's mom would ever think it was a good idea to give swords to a couple of knuckle-headed 7 year old boys. Jack's sword has hung in his room since then.

We wrapped a section of 1" x 2" lumber with a rag and, using thin wire, tied it to the back of the sword. It seemed like a reasonable idea to try to shoot this in our backyard rather than have Jack waving around a flaming sword in some more public place. However, when we stepped out the back door I could hear plenty of conversation over the back fence. They seemed to be having a backyard barbecue with friends. I didn't know these neighbors well, but I thought the 6' privacy fence and ring of tall cedars might shield us. However, when we doused the rag in lighter fluid and lit the sword it threw off a lot more light than I expected. After a few moments I noticed that the lively conversation over the fence had abruptly stopped. Then, from over the fence I heard, "Is there a fire over there?" I just shot back in a calm voice, "Oh, everything is fine over here" and we wrapped up the shoot pretty quickly after that.

Statistics
Place: 2 out of 24
Avg (all users): 6.6914
Avg (commenters): 6.0000
Avg (participants): 5.8182
Avg (non-participants): 6.8286
Views since voting: 2752
Views during voting: 274
Votes: 81
Comments: 9
Favorites: 1 (view)


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AuthorThread
06/25/2013 03:08:49 PM
Very nice technique and result.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/21/2013 02:05:05 AM
Congratulations Mark. Nice shot. The flame formations at the top almost echo the shapes in the hilt.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/21/2013 12:58:12 AM
Ha! Great story. Congrats on the continuation of the streak!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/21/2013 12:55:39 AM
Great concept! I bet your son loves this!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/21/2013 12:33:35 AM
Originally posted by Alexkc:

Congrats on the red Mark. Sword and fire are impressive!

Next time we can have a photo shoot together: you bring sword and fire, I bring the model and the outfit :)

That is a deal for sure, Alex.
06/21/2013 12:32:02 AM
Congrats on the red Mark. Sword and fire are impressive!

Next time we can have a photo shoot together: you bring sword and fire, I bring the model and the outfit :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/21/2013 12:27:42 AM
I gave you an 8, just the topic did not inspire me to comment :) Congrats on the Red!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/21/2013 12:04:31 AM
Well DPC is dying, you got one comment on a ribbon winning shot. I didn't vote on this, but I did see it, and thought it was very well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
06/14/2013 07:05:15 AM
My third favorite in this challenge
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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