Submitting images to newspapers involves finding stories and pictures that the editor will find interesting. As the newspaper I submit to (The Southern Star) is based in Skibbereen, West Cork, it likes images that show Irish traditions, farming, etc. It was with this in mind that I ventured to Leap on Sunday last to photograph a Christmas Tree throwing competition and old time threshing.
First up was the Christmas Tree throwing, which was in aid of Cancer Connect. I wanted to give an idea of movement and how fast the tree left the throwers hands. For this I'd have to use a slower shutter speed than normal and shoot from the side of the thrower. However, the shutter speed couldn't be too slow, otherwise the thrower would have been blurred, which I didn't want.
A participant lets rip during the Christmas Tree throwing competition. Nikon D3s, 24-70 f2.8, SB900 Flash. 1/200, f4, ISO 1000.
I'm pleased with the above image, it shows the look of determination on the young man's face and also the movement of the tree, whilst all other elements of the picture remain nice and sharp.
Next up was a quick hop over the road to watch the old time threshing. Leap & District Vintage Club put on this demonstration, with member owned tractors and the threshing machine taking centre stage.
The wheat is placed into the threshing machine. Nikon D3s, 24-70 f2.8. 1/160, f4.5, ISO 1000.
I took a number of pictures to try and show the whole process of threshing, from the machinery to the people involved. The passion the club members have for their machines is truly evident, hundreds and hundreds of hours are put in to restoring tractors and the like.
Just like the Christmas Tree throwing, I wanted to show the movement of the threshing, and this next picture shows that very well, as the straw comes out of the back of the machine, ready for bailing and use as bedding or animal feed.
The straw exits the threshing machine at speed. Nikon D3s, 24-70 f2.8. 1/20, f10, ISO 400.
A shutter speed of 1/20th of a second was used for the above image, hand-held, so there's life in this old dog, yet!
For those photographers amongst my readership, why not get out this weekend and shoot something traditional? You never know, you might come up with a gem...