I would like to capture the flame out of a pistol being fired by a friend. For dramatic effect, I want to shoot at dusk. This will be low-tech, so timing will be the largest challenge.

I am thinking of a wide aperture, low ISO, slow shutter (like 1/2 second), and an exposure that, without the flame or flash would be quite dark, but not completely black. Maybe a touch of flash if the flame does not adequately light the subject, but I'd rather not. Maybe back-lit?

Any thoughts? Any experience? Any examples?

Thanks,
Jeff

Just need some good ole fashion timing. Expect the flame to be about twice as long as you would think.

pb, what was your shutter speed?

Here's the EXIF

Exposure Time 1/1600
F Number f / 1.80
Exposure Program Manual
ISO Speed Ratings 800

1/1600 is a whole lot faster than I would have guessed.

Thanks for the EXIF, Jerald. I agree on the shutter speed. But like pb said, "good ole fashion timing."

I have an old .357 revolver with a 6" barrel. It blows a little flame when using .38 special ammo. But it is impressive when using .357. I want to capture that.

If i were to do it again, id dial it back a stop to 1/800 to have more of a chance to get a flame during the day.

Yes all about the timing. I do a lot of Cowboy Mounted Shooting and the goal is to catch as much flame as possible. TIP: If you hear the gun shot you are too late.

and you had to completely anticipate. I'll at least be able to tell the person when to fire.

or just shoot on continious and have them just empty the mag

Knob Creek, Kentucky...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHBJyOoAqIo&feature=related

I like the music on this one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zch8T2ZGHfU&feature=related

pbjunkiee wrote:
or just shoot on continious and have them just empty the mag

good justification for the 1DX.

Has anybody ever done this in very low light, like around dusk?

Why not just go at it like capturing lighting or fireworks and open the shutter after the sound close the shutter. I would think it would be easier in low light as this would allow you to leave the shutter open longer without blowing the highlights, or just use a nd filter


Andy

Good thought, Andy. Kind of my approach but even easier from a timing standpoint. I hope we have enough ammo so I can try all of these.