the sparklers were burning a hole in my imagination

Seth and Lexa got me sparklers a few weeks ago. Even though we used up the nice ones playing atop the city, I still had fifteen or so left in my room. Every time I saw them, I wanted to play with them. But it's no fun to play alone. Tonight I dragged Doug outside to play with me.

We had to get the obligatory 'laugh like sparklers' shot. I'm obsessed.

Once we got that out of the way, I told Doug he could draw whatever he wanted. He decided to draw me a cupcake (because I'm his cupcake).

And a goldfish, because he "loves me like a fish". (Don't ask.)

He also was cute enough to write out I heart Brenda but unfortunately my camera was set to a 2 second exposure at the time so I didn't capture part of it. Sorry!

And then, in true Doug fashion, he decided to issue me a challenge:

composite of three shots
camera set to bulb mode
f/8 aperture, ISO 200
light trail made with flash set to second curtain, 12 sec exposure

Doug actually asked if we could make something like this. I wasn't quite sure I could do it because there's no way to make a long exposure exactly like a shorter exposure with a huge burst of flash. I know I did not do the best job assembling the composite. I am too tired to spend 4 hours meticulously masking out the differences in tone between the asphalt illuminated by flash and the asphalt illuminated by ambient light. I still think it is super awesome and I cannot wait to do more of these.

I already have a few ideas.

we stood atop the city and created light

After sitting through a movie that turned our minds inside-out and sideways, we needed a release. I packed sparklers and my tripod for just such an emergency. I grabbed them out of the car and ran up four flights of stairs to the top of the parking garage. But it just wasn't high enough; I wanted to be able to see all of the city unfolding below me. So I rattled my way up the stairs of the fire escape, still gripping my tripod for dear life. And there, atop the city, I opened my tripod and shot the lights unfolding beneath me.


Then I climbed down and set up my tripod once again. We passed out sparklers and took turns in front of the camera, painting with light.

First Doug.



Then Seth and Lexa.



Then myself.




We twirled and danced and got caught up in the magic. The breeze threatened to blow out our sparklers but still we played, far above a city that takes itself too seriously. It was magical and wonderful. And the view was absolutely breathtaking.