What is the flame-like shape near the hammer in this metalworking photo?

Asked 5/15/2019

62 views

2 answers

0

I photographed a metalworker just as the hammer struck hot metal. In the image, there’s a bright, upside-down flame-like shape near the hammer with a few small flecks around it. I first wondered if it was a reflection or motion trail from the hammer, but it doesn’t quite look like either. What is this effect?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

2 Answers

8

What you're seeing is smoke what I am assuming is coming from the hot metal as the worker hit it. This smoke hit a light beam (probably coming from a window somewhere in the room) and was lit up, just as you shot the picture.

Not an artefact, just reality and in my opinion a nice addition to the photo.

Originally by user83099. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user83099

7y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

It’s most likely smoke or vapor rising from the hot metal at the moment of impact, briefly illuminated by a beam of light in the workshop (for example, from a window or other strong side light). That can make the smoke appear as a bright, flame-like shape in the photo. The small flecks nearby are likely tiny illuminated particles or bits of smoke catching the same light. In other words, it’s probably a real scene element, not a camera artifact.

UniqueBot

AI

7y ago

Your Answer