Local Blacksmith

billseye

These are a few shots from a visit to the local Historical Society's teaching blacksmith shop in the main city park (Grape Day Park) of Escondido, CA.
[C and C welcomed]

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

M38A1

Very nice IMO. I love the use of light and shadows as you have done.

I was hoping to see one of the hammer striking the metal and sparks going everywhere. Now THAT would have been a cool capture.

billseye

M38A1 wrote: »

I was hoping to see one of the hammer striking the metal and sparks going everywhere. Now THAT would have been a cool capture.

Just missed it

Actually, the hammer didn't create much spark... the grinding wheel, however, was another story. Just couldn't get a good angle on it in the cramped room.

Thanks for the comments!

Richard

Nice set. I imagine the lighting was challenging, but you managed it well. I'm wondering how the first two would look in color--the fire and red hot iron might come through better, but I don't know how the rest of the scene would fare.

billseye

Richard wrote: »

Nice set. I imagine the lighting was challenging, but you managed it well. I'm wondering how the first two would look in color--the fire and red hot iron might come through better, but I don't know how the rest of the scene would fare.

Thanks, Richard. I really enjoyed shooting in this location. It yielded several cool photos and plenty of fodder for post-processing. Here's a similar crop of the originals for 1 and 2 in color. It felt like there were two many different colors competing with the subject matter for attention. I'd definitely want to touch up the lower right corner of #2. What do you think?

lizzard_nyc

Hi there,
Ok first commenting on the color vs b&w (it's not really b&w though is it?)
I prefer the monochrome, though the details/drawings on the furnace went unnoticed until I saw the color version--i like that little detail.

As to the series. I like it. I would have loved if you had gotten a smidge lower on the first shot to see his expression of concentration better, but I think that's just a nit on my part.
I do like your series though and your handling of the lighting conditions.

DonRicklin

I like every and all images posted! Great series!



Don

billseye

lizzard_nyc wrote: »

Hi there,
Ok first commenting on the color vs b&w (it's not really b&w though is it?)
I prefer the monochrome, though the details/drawings on the furnace went unnoticed until I saw the color version--i like that little detail.

As to the series. I like it. I would have loved if you had gotten a smidge lower on the first shot to see his expression of concentration better, but I think that's just a nit on my part.
I do like your series though and your handling of the lighting conditions.

Nope. Not really b&w. Monochrome with a slight hint of copper (thanks to Nik Silver Efex Pro).

The drawings on the furnace are chalk notes. I also really liked that detail. My first impression as I arrived was "damn graffiti!"

You're so right about the angle. Nit or not, it's a valid and helpful comment. Thanks for your helpful and encouraging comments!

OrvSal

I really like your shots! I lived in Escondido for 15 years and went to Grape Day many times and saw the displays on special days. Forgot the blacksmith was there, are they open now on any regular days? Thanks for sharing them.

billseye

OrvSal wrote: »

I really like your shots! I lived in Escondido for 15 years and went to Grape Day many times and saw the displays on special days. Forgot the blacksmith was there, are they open now on any regular days? Thanks for sharing them.

I think we just got lucky last weekend. The Blacksmith Guild is connected with the Escondido Historical Society. The city made a deal with the Bandy Family some time ago to buy the property where the shop was. Part of the deal was the relocation of the shop to Grape Day Park and run classes. Not sure of all the details, but they were friendly and invited a several photographers in to browse and shoot. Lots of fun!

Thanks for the comments!

By the way, if your interested there's a local San Diego DSLR forum online. They do monthly photo shoots at locations throughout the county then post in a gallery online. It's a good way to get out with some nice folks once in awhile. Check out the website here.

billseye

DonRicklin wrote: »

I like every and all images posted! Great series!



Don

Thanks, Don. I appreciate you taking a look and the positive feedback!

OrvSal

By the way, if your interested there's a local San Diego DSLR forum online. They do monthly photo shoots at locations throughout the county then post in a gallery online. It's a good way to get out with some nice folks once in awhile. Check out the website here.

Thanks for the link Bill, I'll have to check it out.