Mortars for Dinner Photo

Photographer’s Note

Well, it's obvious I need to practice with the new camera. The horizon is tilted, but then what can you expect for one of those adrenaline shots!?On the other hand, the optical zoom is sufficient and the resoltion umpteens time better that the Sony to get a good pic at considerable range.

Anyway, I heard the thump, thump and ran for the balcony. I wished I would have grabbed the camera on the first trip. This is looking north from the Palestine Hotel at the bridges spanning the Tigris river. When I got to the balcony, I witnessed both impacts. Because I didn't have the camera, I missed a shot of the plume from the first mortar hitting in the river. Instead, this picture shows the expanding ripples in the water from the first round and the smoke from the second round that hit the bank. Not an exciting photo by any measure, but just trying to learn with a new cam as well as continue with my almost-daily updates but with current pics.

The range is maybe 500 meters at max optical zoom (3x). I cropped, reduced the size and saved at high quality in PS. I did nothing else as this is exactly what the near sunset looks like here. Wow, what a sunset!

More to come, I'm sure....

***

On a sad note. My Dad just IM'd me. Fox news is reporting that two children were killed in the impact that hit the riverbank. I've been here a long time and I fear that I will have know them. I will know tomorrow. I will try to find their parents tomorrow to offer whatever I can, although I know I can never be enough....

Vagabond, Guto, kajenn, elena has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

amitai (867) 2004-06-27 12:58

Unfortunately, from so much excitement you forgot to shoot the action. If it wasn't for your story, I'd never guess the bombs. Now this is only from a photographic point of view, your courage and readiness to shoot in this city will definitely show, just be careful, dead photographer takes no shots.

RGatward (19749) 2004-06-27 13:24

Yes, Amitai is right, the note is great, and t ecompo quite a nice view of the river, but not much to see to link them. Also, since you went into PS for cropping, why not correct the tilt while you were at it. Anyway, keep them coming (whilst taking care), in general your reportage on Iraq is great.

Vagabond (5797) 2004-06-27 13:25

Nice picture with glorious colours. God help you to stand against all difficulties.

I made the correction of horizon, nothing more ...

[workshop] [compare] +

kajenn (2325) 2004-06-27 19:49

A remarkably beautiful sunset contrasting a very realistic note. What could have been and what is! Vagabond's WS improved your image, taking care of some flaws, which are understandable regarding your present situation. I'm amazed you're able to think about the Scav Hunt at all, but also understand that you've got to live as "normal" as possible under these conditions. I've seen some of your stunning Baghdad pictures and I pray we'll see them keep coming - take care!

Cat (0) 2004-06-28 8:42

Bill, I hope this finds you well, and with better news in regards to the children you spoke of. I love your view of such a wonderful sunset, the horizontal lines created by the bridges are also quite interesting! Nice job, and isn't great to have new equipment to learn! As for the horizon line that can be straightened in your photo editing software.

I pray that your friends and their children are safe, and also for your safety. I look forward to your photographs and learning more from your experienc.

Please stay safe and God bless.

JonteW (182) 2006-05-04 10:00 [Comment]