PHOTOGRAPH INFORMATION

These photographs were taken yesterday in Centralia, Pennsylvania, where the Philadelphia-area photobloggers got together for a group shoot and some lunch. We had a great turnout and an amazing time talking, hiking, gawking and taking pictures.

Centralia is a ghost town now - it was once a thriving community but was consumed by an underground mine fire that started in 1962. You can read the extraordinary story here: http://www.offroaders.com/album/centralia/centralia.htm

The major motion picture "Silent Hill," a horror film released last week in the U.S., was made in Centralia. You can read more about the film here: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/silenthill/index.html

We were cursed with gorgeous spring weather - not a cloud in the sky - so the atmosphere wasn't exactly spooky! But this just begs for another trip in rain or snow, which I'm guessing causes quite a bit more fog and smoke as the cool precipitation hits the warm ground. The earth is noticeably very warm - you can actually feel it through your shoes in many places.

These were my two favorite shots of the day. I'll post links to my fellow photobloggers' sites as soon as I get all the information together. Special thanks to everyone on the trip for a spectacular day! I really enjoyed everyone's company and look forward to the next outing.

Post-processing: Shot with the Canon EOS 5D and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens with circular polarizer. First image: 51mm, ISO 400, shutter speed 1/100s and aperture f/7.1. Second image: 34mm, ISO 400, shutter speed 1/1250s, f/8. Multiple curves adjustments for contrast and saturation, color balancing for tone.

Another reminder to nominate your favorite photoblogs in the 2006 Photobloggies! The nomination process ends Monday, May 8th at midnight EST.

Thank you for visiting Durham Township!

"Eric at Dawn" is superbly done. Wonderful sun-lit smoke line drawing the eye to your subject, amazing palette and beautiful exposure. You're always taking great photos, but this is my favorite of late.

I agree the one "Eric at Dawn" is really a masterpiece. The way the light hits his face is awesome. I cannot find anything in this shot that isn't perfect.

You have definitely entered the realm of digital art. Really incredible!

These are both cool shots. And I had actually heard of Centralia previous to reading this post. I would definitely appreciate more photos of this interesting place.

Hi Kathleen, I've been a lurker here for several months and I've been enjoying your work, although too shy to comment. However, I had to stop and say great work on these. This looks like a wonderful place to visit. Love the motion and the colors. very dramatic!

I read an article about Centralia a while back and wondered if you would ever shoot there (being in PA, and all) and low-and-behold..

It's incredible to think; that fire was buring when JFK was alive. Great shots, and I know what you mean about boring cloudless skies... AZ has quite a few of them.

Both are outstanding shots, really nice atmosphere in 'Eric at Dawn', looking forward to when you go back in different weather conditions.

I'm fairly new to photography and it's people like you that give me inspiration to keep at it.

Thanks, and keep it up.

"Eric at Dawn" shows wonderful mood and great lighting. Colors as always unique and superb.

I love these moody shots! Especially the second one.

While the top shot has a simple quiet, reflective feel to it, the bottom shot feels stronger. Everything was done right: good composition, fast action, interesting POV, sharp focus, and amazing light.

very very nice shot :)

Great work, Kathleen! I particularly like the tonality of Eric. These two really capture the feeling of the place. It's a shame you can't smell that awful smoke through your web site. Or maybe not. ;)

The mist in the top shot has a very eerie quality! Beautiful.

Such a beautiful series. The light is truly amazing in the top image. It is as if the viewer is peering into a dream...................

show your face at last :)

Too brilliant shots... I think the lower one has a slight edge over the upper, but I would like to have seen the whole person (the crop isn't too bad, and I might be wrong :P )

Oh wow, I saw that film the other day. Creepy. Nothing like the game as there was no fire in the game. Good film though and very atmospheric. Thought it was snow at first.

very nice! :)
i love this "raw" feeling you put into your pictures.
One really feels there living the moment! :)

Lovely!

"Robin leaping" is my favorite. The shadow through the smoke really makes this picture.

Excellent!

really neat photo. i really like the first one, the smoke has added much more to the story :)

It seems that you had a really great time. I like the shadow play against the smoke, it adds some great feeling to the pictures.

That second shot is WONDERFUL!! I love the shadow play.....

Wow, both of these turned out so beautifully. It was great to meet you and the other Philly photobloggers this weekend. Of course, I'm a little more partial to the first one :) I'll sit in thought for you anytime!

Great lightwork here. I have to say that I am impressed...:) Excellent!

Amazing pictures.

I can't get enough of the serenity of the first image.

What a beautiful, atmospheric set of images.

Very dramatic, tonal, moody. The super-hot highlight balance on "Eric at Dawn In Centralia" does wonders for the impact.

And as for "Robin Leaping...." Is that Robin's shadow, or did you capture a Gorilla in the mist?

I like your compositions on both shots. Thanks for sharing.