Tunnel Vision
This image brings back great memories! I was with a couple of friends out photographing in Eastern Idaho and we hiked down to this tunnel. It was light when we arrived and the scenery in the area was great. We shot until dark, and then some more. We then realized that none of us had flashlights and it was pitch black. No moon out and away from the lights of the city. We stumbled our way out and finally made it back to the truck. It would have been quite funny to watch us. It was all worth it, though. I also learned to keep a light with me at all times, because you never know when you might need it.
Back to the image. As it was getting dark, the tunnel became quite interesting. I could see a faint light at the other end and the wood trusses created an interesting pattern. The only light available was my Canon 580EX camera flash. I decided to send one of my friends into the tunnel and pop the flash. I ran a test and determined where and with what power to use the flash, then I locked the shutter open and we went to work. We used 8 flashes inside the tunnel and when my friend returned we popped the landscape twice, skimming the light across the surface instead of blasting the light directly into it. In all, the exposure was about 3.5 minutes.
Learning to use and control the light that is available to you is very important as a photographer. It will allow you to make creative images in places and at times that others cannot because they lack the necessary knowledge and skill. It will open new doors for you to explore, and if you are at all like me, you like exploring new ideas.
Recent Comments