[Keltic Ice Man]

Hi there

This time last year saw dreadful floods in Carlisle. In amongst some dreadful shots I came across this one that shows the depth of the water, and that pedestrian crossings can still work even with 3 foot of water around them.

The rain was still coming down when this picture was taken, and little did we know that so many more houses would be devestated by the floods, and that the power would go out across the city for a number of days.

Although a lot of the houses are now repaired there are still about 200 families living in other accommodation waiting for the building work to finish.

Hope you like - any thoughts

Allan

PS This was taken opposite the Carrs biscuit factory in Carlisle - Some of you may have heard of them they make Carrs Water Biscuits. - quite apt for a flooded city.

[Warspite]

Terrible event for those affected - obviously, shame that some are still struggling to get the repairs finished.

A very good perspective - really shows how high the levels were, especially with that pillar box in the background. Also the red glow from signal box glowing in the water while all around is so grey gives it a sense of activity.

Its actually a very good capture IMHO of an unfortunate event.

[Boon]

Remember Carlisle well, the wife and i were there in the autumn and we loved the place, its such a shame about the flooding, nice picture too by the way.

[Kimmett]

That is a very good capture, almost ironic, the road crossing not knowing what is going on around it...

one question though, is the exif information in the picture right?

Camera Model: FinePix S602 ZOOM
...
Focal Length: 46.8mm (35mm equivalent: 1182mm)
Exposure Time: 0.050 s (1/20)

[Arkady]

But... it's not sharp. Can't tell if the point of focus is on the water to the near-side of the first post, or if it's camera shake. Deffo a bit soft though.

[Kimmett]

from the exif info I posted, I was thinking that it was camera shake, thats why I asked. I'm not sure how many people can hold a camea at 1182mm with 1/20sec exposure!

[Arkady]

hahahah! That'll be it then!

[Venomator]

Agree with earlier posts - Interesting shot of a very unfortunate event !

You have to feel for those that do suffer at, and beyond such times ?

But someone will always capture it somehow and (camera shake aside) this is a well thought shot illustrating the scale, but not the location. I like !

[Arkady]

Originally Posted by Venomator

You have to feel for those that do suffer at, and beyond such times ?

I just laugh and reach for the camera...
Does this make me a bad person?

[Venomator]

Originally Posted by Arkady

I just laugh and reach for the camera...
Does this make me a bad person?

Nope - but I do believe we've done that thread to bits ???

Anyway ... if we all reacted the same no-one would take the good pics !

[Keltic Ice Man]

Originally Posted by Kimmett
from the exif info I posted, I was thinking that it was camera shake

Hi Guys

Yep - you're quite right - It was definate camera shake - My fingers were frozen, my feet were wet, the rain had icicles in it and I was and still am quite a novice to taking pics.

Tripod aside (it would have got very wet)- Would I have been better using a flash do you think?

Thanks

Allan

[Arkady]

No -flash wouln't have made any difference at all, if the effective focal length was 1200mm-ish as you say.
So what if your tripod gets wet? Is it made of mild steel? A good alloy 'pod will happily sit in water for hours longer than you will.

If you use it in salt water though, strip it down and rinse well with fresh water before drying it thoroughly.
It's just a tool, use it.

[Keltic Ice Man]

Hi Arkady

At 3 foot of water with a current I've got a feeling my tripod may well have had trouble staying put, but point taken

As to the exif info I was probably (though couldn't swear to it) using my 2* telephoto lense - so the figures may be wrong.

In terms of what was I focusing on - well it was the first post, but the shadow pool in front seems to be more focused.

Allan

[Arkady]

Not having a dig mate - trust me.
My old Boss would have said to me - "get yer waders on and so what if you catch pnuemonia!" This from a man who took a bullet in the head chasing a happy-snap and thought it funny (so did the rest of us, but that's another story).
I just revert to Army-Teacher mode sometimes.

Cold is a bu**er, I know - I photographed the Army ski champs in Norway 2 years ago and photography is the last thing on your mind at -10C.
Sometimes the logistics behind the shot are more important than the shot itself - photography being the easiest part of the equation.

[Keltic Ice Man]

Hi Arkady

Not a problem - really appreciate all the help and advice (from everyone). It gives me areas to concentrate on, and helps me to "see" better photos.

Allan