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Rangefinder Magazine
January 2004

Rf Cookbook by Fernando Escovar
Fernando Escovar’s Waterfall of Fire

Water Fall is the term used in the F/X (special effects) world for sparklers that trickle downward. The effect used in this photo comes from pyro specialist “Pyro Pete,” a master in the pyrotechnic world. Pete helped me create this photo by placing 16 sparklers on a line. The sparklers were all wired together so that they would go off simultaneously when we said the word.

The shoot was for BenchWarmer trading cards and calendars. Each year BenchWarmer takes a hundred of the hottest models in the industry and prints them on glossy annuals and cool collectible cards. Since these shoots began in 1991, they have included up-and-coming models and actresses, including Tracy Bingham and Cindy Margolis. The photo shown here was used as a Chase card in the card set named, “Hotties.”

Back to the shot: I draped a 12x12 black Duvetyn in the background, four feet behind where the sparkler “waterfall” would drop. I placed the subject three feet in front of the sparklers.
Using my digital camera (Canon-EOS 1DS with 70–200mm lens, ISO set at 100), I dragged the shutter to 1/30 sec. so the sparklers would show up on the photo, streaking through the frame.

For lighting I kept it simple. I used two Photoflex medium Multidomes on each side of where I was shooting—at about five feet off the ground.

The sparklers only last for 15–20 seconds, so I told the model, “When it’s go time, give me some good movement.” And she produced.

I got off about 10 pictures. When shooting special effects with flame or sparklers, you feel the heat. There is a startled reaction for a second, and then your voice inside says, “Go! Shoot! Shoot!”

INGREDIENTS
• Camera: Canon EOS 1DS
• Lens: 70–210mm
• File Size: Large, 11.0 megapixel
• Film Speed: 100 ISO
• Exposure: 1/30 at f/8.0
• Lighting: 2 Norman strobes in Photoflex Medium Multidomes
• Hardware: Mac G4, 15 inch monitor, Lexar Card reader, 1 GB SanDisk CompactFlash card.

 

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