No, I actually shot for this....of course, you don't know what will turn out best when you add some contrast to pull out what is very, very pale. Initially, I just wanted the mechanism for the challenge, then I saw the reflection, then I asked a Lincoln look-alike to pose in the background....but it was too cute by half.
There was no promise that this would work at all, so I am pleased that this came out as strong as it did.
Best Wishes, Traveller
Paul Alters
11-Jul-2010 13:57
I find this very interesting and a great find. Was the reflection a surprise that you discovered when downloaded it or was it part of your original composition?
Thanks, Bob. It is one of those 20,000 candle power WWII searchlights with the carbon burning stick for the fantastic heat and light. The face is, of course, thick glass, the rear, a large parabolic glass mirror....the reflected scene, after having been flipped since it was reflected upsides down in the mirror, is a US Civil War recreation....well, as accurate as can be recreation of many periods of History. Pretty fantastic, 10's of thousands of dollars are spent by hundreds and hundreds of people to created historical accuracy. Damned interesting...even if the people are a little obsessive. Best Wishes, Traveller