Making Of: It Came in Gusts

September 24, 2010 in Making of

The photo “It came in gusts” marks a time in my life, in which many positive changes happened. (It marks also a time in which I invented pathetic titles for my photos 😉 )

At that time there were many positive private developments after a rather dark phase.

Interestingly enough this awareness of life is reflected in this photo, although it was not intended. The photo arouses rather intuitively.

The story

At that marvelous early summer day a violent thunderstorm approached.

With a dramatic changing of the weather there is always the chance for a special photo to be taken.

I jumped on my motorcycle and drove into the fields.

At a young cornfield I stopped intuitively.

The lighting conditions were really exciting. I composed the best frame of this field for approximately one hour.

Under these sultriness thunderstorm air conditions suddenly a backwards coming wind was noticeable to me. The wind reached the airs of the ??rye and played with it. The play of the ears reminded me of undulations.

I had the idea to catch exactly these undulations. For this I screwed a grey filter in front of the lens. It gave me 2,5 sec for a time exposure that drew the ear in a diffuse way.

Now the only thing to do was waiting for the right light and gust.

Special light = Special photo

Here at the coast a thunderstorm mostly approaches against the wind.

My calculation came up: Dark clouds were gathering in front of me, beginning to cover the sun, while the wind constantly whistles from my back.

If a thick cloud covers the sun a special light is appearing in the transition.

That is valid in particular for thunderstorm clouds.

And a special light mostly results in a special photo!

I did not pull the trigger very often, because the thunderstorm approached fast.

Tricky were the changes of the light conditions. I had to control the exposure all of the time.

More by accident I discovered the attraction of an small underexposure about minus 2/3 stop. It gave the final picture intensity.

The thunderstorm was violent! On the return trip the rain penetrated my motorcycle clothes up to the pants. But it didn‘t matter – I got wet all of the time.

At home there were some contrast changes and tone corrections in the post processing of the photo. Nothing special.

The photo is a timeless piece of emotion to me that will not bore after all those years.

I hope you enjoyed this making of. If you have any questions please write them in the comment.

14 Comments

August 1, 2011 at 17:59

Jeormy

Reply

I come from the Midwest USA. The State of Missouri to be exact. It is why I knew that wasn’t corn. We have miles and miles of it here, as far as the eye can see. I have never visited Europe, but it is on my bucket list. I will make it eventually.

Photography is a passion and a hobby of mine. I used Google+ to follow as many kindred spirits as I can. Though I have not been brave enough to post any of my work there, I have greatly enjoyed looking at others work. Truly awe inspiring and humbling.
1. August 1, 2011 at 18:10
  
  olaf
  
  Reply
  
  It is a wise decision not to publish photos. I kept most of my work of the last 4 years secret and it feels great. I talked with Jim Brandenburg about this and we agreed sometimes it is important not to share to feel that something is really yours. This is important – especially on Google plus… 🙂 Keep on shooting a feel inspired… Greetings from the less important country to travel to. Go to Scotland…
August 1, 2011 at 06:48

Jeormy

Reply

You do know that is not corn right?
1. August 1, 2011 at 17:33
  
  olaf
  
  Reply
  
  Oh Jeormy. Sorry for my french. In Germany we say „Korn“ for wheat, rye and barley and I intuitively I translated it wrong. It is, of course, rye! Thanks for the help…
  1. August 1, 2011 at 17:38
    
    Jeormy
    
    Reply
    
    I’m truly embarrassed that I didn’t look into your background and realize that English may not be your native language. I offer my most humble apology.
    
    It is a magnificent capture.
    1. August 1, 2011 at 17:42
      
      olaf
      
      Reply
      
      My German friends and also my wife always complaining about my bad English. I had to go to GB or the USA … 🙂 BTW. I will be in Scotland in 3 weeks.
      1. August 1, 2011 at 17:46
        
        Jeormy
        
        Even I would need a translator in Scotland . . . lol.
      2. August 1, 2011 at 17:53
        
        olaf
        
        hehe, I know what you mean. I have bought Irvine Welchs Porno and didn’t understand a word. You are from a country with lots of pub culture? GB?
July 24, 2011 at 01:26

woodysg1

Reply

Beautiful photo and love the process involved to capture it!
September 27, 2010 at 20:26

Bernd Limbach

Reply

Olaf,
since I know your German blog, I enjoyed this photo a lot and wondered how you did it. So, now I know. Thank you very much for sharing how to take a photo like this.

Bernd
September 27, 2010 at 09:20

Kim

Reply

I too feel its a very intense and striking capture.
Never get tired watching it.

Very well done.
September 25, 2010 at 12:15

janbpunkt

Reply

You made an awesome picture!
I really like it 🙂
Pingback: Photo Hash
Pingback: OlafBathke