Photograph of a small fire near the premises of the USMA University in Panama City, Panama. (Credit: ©Omar Upegui R.)
My next photography test was to “Shoot three transiently textured surfaces. Suggestions: rippled water; clouds; billowing fabric; smoke. Remember, choice of moment here, as well as lighting.”
I had the opportunity to shoot a small fire that was taking place in a small lawn in front to the Universidad Santa María La Antigua (USMA). It was a perfect event, because it was easy to capture the small flames devouring the dry grass leaving behind nothing but smoke and a black barren surface. The emission of bluish smoke could be seen resembling a soft mist. As Mr. Langford said, it was the “choice of the moment.”
I would like to point out that the light in the shooting area was just perfect. The sun was setting down and was emitting a soft orange light which gave the brown grass a gorgeous look. It was about 5:45 p.m. in Panama City, Panama. Since USMA is a couple of block from my house, it was easy to be there at a moment when the existing light was ideal to shoot photographs—the surroundings had a comfortable mood.
Through the lens of my Birthday camera, I was able to freeze a moment in time—the activity of a small grass fire. The fire was like a large hand moving forward devouring all it could find in its path and turning it into nothingness. It left only smoke and blackness. I was lucky to be there at the right place at the right time. That was my test. You be the judge if I passed it. Good Day.
Fire does have a way with landscapes and in the end the result is better than the environment was before the fire began.
I still feel sorry for things without wings or legs and feet. They are pretty much stuck there and have to endure the fire and some are fatal. But on the other hand that carbon makes a kind of fertilizer that enriches the soil.
I would think, though, the soil in Panama would be super rich.
I think you did a good job capturing the small grass fire.
Hi Abe:
The type of soil varies in different parts of Panama. In Panama City, we have the red clay soil which is not good for planting.
Chiriquí has the best soil in the country. It’s almost like ground coffee; soft and dark black.
Hello Omar!
I may add that even in many areas of Chiriqui, peasants used to practice slash and burn agriculture…
Regards,
AS
Hi AS:
Yes, that’s true, even though it’s restricted by law. When those “quemas” are made, vital minerals and oxygen in the soil are lost. Instead of enriching the soil, it degrades it.
I understand our farmers also do it because it’s cheaper to get rid of the weeds by burning the land instead of paying laborers to cut them with “machetes”.
Many people in Chiriquí also burn their garbage outside their patios. I never knew why, since there is a sanitation company that takes care of the garbage.
God Bless,
Omar.-