Hot metal...

[Bearface]

I've always been a fan of machinery and engineering, so whenever I have the opportunity, I like to try and capture the movement, the precision and even the gracefulness that I see in such things. This one was taken recently using a Canon 5D with a 70-200mm f4L (@70mm). The shot was hand-held for 1/80th sec @ F4 and at ISO 1250 - it wasn't too bright in there



Others will possibly disagree, but I feel that by converting these types of image to mono, distractions are minimised and the picture flows more smoothly. I also think it adds a more timeless feel, making it far more difficult to "age" the shot you're viewing. Sure, it doesn't work for every shot, but I'm increasingly drawn towards strong black and white images and it's becoming the main influence for nearly everything I shoot in my own time.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Ian]

Re: Hot metal...

Hi Tim, the technical quality of the image is very nice indeed - can almost feel the bare metal and the grease, even the heat of the steam. But as a picture, it doesn't really have that must interest to hold my eye. It's basically some anonymous machinery - and that's coming from a self-confessed petrolhead

Ian

[lumix]

Re: Hot metal...

I have a completely different view of this image. I was immediately drawn to it and have for once in my life looked at the content rather than the quality of the image. I want to know more about the machine. Steam driven? what dose it do? what are the components that we are viewing? They look like some sort of cam action. Had me looking for some time just trying to work it all out. Great image I'm going back for another look.

[Bearface]

Re: Hot metal...

...the technical quality of the image is very nice indeed - can almost feel the bare metal and the grease, even the heat of the steam.

Thanks. The steam and the sensations of movement and heat were the elements which attracted me, so I'm happy with your initial thoughts.

But as a picture, it doesn't really have that must interest to hold my eye. It's basically some anonymous machinery - and that's coming from a self-confessed petrolhead

Fair comment. It's certainly not much more than the sum of it's parts.... ......so I have to admit that it's appeal might be limited

[Stephen]

Re: Hot metal...

Hi Tim, the technical quality of the image is very nice indeed - can almost feel the bare metal and the grease, even the heat of the steam. But as a picture, it doesn't really have that must interest to hold my eye. It's basically some anonymous machinery - and that's coming from a self-confessed petrolhead

Ian

I kinda understand what you say about anonymous machinery, but I don't personally see this as a problem. I feel this is a case where the 'technical' quality works well for the subject content. Had there been loads of light enabling faster speeds or greater depth of field, a different image may have resulted.

What I SEE in the image is the chatter of cams, the clicking of pushrods, the whirring of cogs, the hissing of steam. I SEE the smell of the grease and the heat of steam. Frankly I think it was a lucky shot

[Ian]

Re: Hot metal...

I kinda understand what you say about anonymous machinery, but I don't personally see this as a problem. I feel this is a case where the 'technical' quality works well for the subject content. Had there been loads of light enabling faster speeds or greater depth of field, a different image may have resulted.

What I SEE in the image is the chatter of cams, the clicking of pushrods, the whirring of cogs, the hissing of steam. I SEE the smell of the grease and the heat of steam. Frankly I think it was a lucky shot

Hi Stephen, I know what you mean and I think Tim has done a technically terrific job. But as he also concedes, it's a very subjective kind of shot and it will either click with you or it won't and it, sadly, didn't for me.

Ian

[Tinka]

Re: Hot metal...

Hi Bearface,
superbly photographed, detailed and processed, a great image for an engeneering mag or manual, It certainly has a timeless appeal although a very limited appeal, perhaps you could do a series, showing the complete engine and the sum of its parts?

[Bearface]

Re: Hot metal...

Hi Bearface,
superbly photographed, detailed and processed, a great image for an engeneering mag or manual, It certainly has a timeless appeal although a very limited appeal, perhaps you could do a series, showing the complete engine and the sum of its parts?

Thanks

I can definitely see a series based around shots such as this one, because the machines themselves are so large and feature almost endless detail and activity. In this case I grabbed only a handful from virtually the same angle, but for a series I'd need to be in a position to set up a tripod and take my time. It's definitely something I'd be up for, however