On my second visit to the California Steel Industries plant, one of the walking furnaces was in operation which made for a truly awesome sight. A huge door opened at about 5-10 minute intervals, and each time a glowing 20 ton slab of steel was pushed out onto a massive conveyor which moved it into rollers that would squeeze it down to a more manageable size. The noise was primally disorienting, as we made our way through the plant, passing over and under machines the size of buildings moving in a giant choreography unknown to me. Of course, I had skilled quide who kept me out of danger, and my assignment wasn't to photograph the operations, but the men and women who build these massive machines. The attached photo is an example. Photos like these are challenging to pull off because there is no way to control the situation. Challenges include: multiple lighting temperature sources, low available light, no way to stage personnel, and a dangerous environment. Just the sort of situation I love. This scene required a long exposure, fortunately, welders by nature of their vocation, are steady subjects. With the use of mirror lockup, a two second timer, eyes in the back of my head, and a little luck, it all comes together. Of course, as with wildlife photography, it helps to study your subject. I watched the workers go through a few cycles of their craft, so I could predict the sequence, and time the shots occordingly. At least this location doesn't include a face-full of biting flys. I should be returning in about a month or two when the new furnace is running, which will make for some interesting photography. Stay tuned.
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