Photo Challenge – Burning Rubber

Burning RubberWhile not posting about it today, I DID take this yesterday so it counts for the August Challenge. I had been planning it for about a week, but finally had the time to get outside for a few shots. Luckily, since I had been thinking about how to direct the light, it wasn't that hard. Items needed
  • One camera
  • One tripod (or something else to hold the camera)
  • One lighter
  • One flashlight
  • A little bit of aluminum foil
  • One vehicle of choice
The Setup DSC_9213 The setup was fairly simple. I waited until dark and placed my son's toy school bus outside the front door. I decided to keep it relatively close to the house because I wanted to have a little ambient light so that the bus would be visible. Instead of using my tripod, I just placed it on the rocker automan and proped it up with a towel. We're talking hi-tech here. Spared no expenses. The Flames DSC_9215The flames were created by dragging a lighter behind the tires. Voila! Really, the only thing to watch out for is the spead of the drag. I had to play around for a few minutes to get it right. The Headlights DSC_9217 The headlights were created with a small Mag flashlight. To direct the light, I wrapped a aluminum foil around the tip and compressed it around my finger. In technical terms, this is called a snoot. I call it a cheap way to make the light go where you want it to go. DSC_9221Then, holding my hand over the end of the flashlight, I placed it right above the headlights and removed my hand. When that headlight was done, I covered the light, moved it over to the other headlight, and repeated the process. Final Specs Nikon D70 Nikkor 18-70mm AF-S f/8 30 second exposure JPG large/fine I should probably admit that I had to do a little Photostop on this one. While looking at the LCD display, I didn't notice my toes in the photo. Sooo...out they went using the clone stamp.

Responses and Conversations

Way cool, John, glad to see you came through! Now, when you mention “vehicle of choice” would that be your choice, or does your son not mind you burning down his toys?…


Well…er…he was in bed. So he didn’t have much of a say in the matter.


Coolest. Picture. Ever.

Seriously, this rocks! That’s for the specs, too. Makes me realize how doable this really is.


Great work! I wondered how you got the headlights, thanks for explaining!

Definatally amazing.


[...] Photo Challenge – Burning Rubber [...]


[...] Taking or Making – Do you take or make photos? I have to admit, other than a recent photo, I’m more inclined to take photos lately. Photodoto has a great article discussing the differences between the two types of photographers. He feels it comes down to intent. I hope this article turns more makers into takers. [...]


I love it! Great shot, great control of the light. That is freaking cool.


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