On Saturday, February 9th, 2019 the 3rd Annual Fireman’s Ball was held at the SEL Event Center in Pullman, Washington. This event is put on by the Pullman Firefighters to raise funds to help individuals who are affected by emergencies.
I was asked to take photographs for the event. It was set up in two areas. One was to do “couples” photos and the other was just candid shots from the event.
My setup was the solid black background hanging free. It was illuminated with two light boxes. I didn’t have as much light as I would have liked. I didn’t use a flash just the light boxes. I used my Canon 6D with a 50mm prime f/1.2 lens. I wanted to ensure I had a good depth of field so I used f/8. Even with a speed of 1/60th of a second for the shutter I was forced to increase the ISO setting to 1000. Way higher than I would have liked but the best I could do with the other settings and the lack of lighting. I just need more light boxes or other lighting without the flash. I have been unhappy with the flash near the camera due to the shadowing I get on my backgrounds. Maybe I just need the umbrella flash system. Nonetheless they are not terrible but they are not as sharp as I would have liked.
This was also the first time to do real “couples” photos. So I see some things I would do differently next time. I allows people to get into their own poses. I didn’t scrutinize anything but I think I will give some helpful tips for the next time around and stage people better.
For the candid shots I was in a darker room. I used both the Canon 70D and 6D camera. The 70D had a 18-135mm zoom. The 6D had the 50mm prime lens. Both cameras had external flashes with a light diffuser. Both had ISO settings into the 1000-1600 range. I think overall the candid shots turned out as good as I was going to get them with the lighting at hand. Again I think I could have done better with my flash usage and I will work on that in the future. I tried to make my way around to the tables and get some candid couples shots there too.
The event went very well. Lots of people showed up and they raised money for the cause.
On Saturday afternoon I had a chance to ride along with Deputy Stevens from the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office.
We went to the WSU campus to do a couple photos of him with some of the campus in the background. We didn’t make it there until the sun was really setting. This causes some troubles with the backlighting and the lack of lighting for the foreground. I ended up shooting from a different angle so we didn’t get the campus as the backdrop as wanted.
I shot all the photos with my Canon 70D with a EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II.
On January 29th, 2017 at 0800 Lieutenant Rudy Fisher walked into Pullman Fire Station 32 (the Deuce) for his final time as a member of the Pullman Fire Department. 24-hours later Lt. Fisher would be given the flag that was flying over the station in a ceremony performed by the Pullman Fire Honor Guard. The flag was handed to Lt. Fisher by Chief Mike Heston.
Lt. Fisher along with Firefighters McPherson, Gibbons, and Krieger worked his final shift on the north side of Pullman answering calls for service.
During the day I had the opportunity to shoot some photos with Lt. Fisher and his wife, Lisa. We took the photoshoot to Station 31 to include the men working there. Captain Reiber, Firefighters Gollnick, Erickson, and Branson where covering the south part of Pullman.
All the members of both stations took part in the photoshoot. I have included a hand full of the photos.
At 0800 on January 30th, 2017 Lt. Fisher’s final shift came to an end. The Honor Guard marched to the flag pole, lowered the American Flag, folded it, and it was ultimately presented to Lt. Fisher.
Again I was on hand to take photos of the Flag Ceremony and the celebration that took place afterwards in the Deuce. This was a great opportunity for people to congratulate Lt. Fisher on his retirement. Several retired firefighters made their way to the celebration. I tried to get as many photos as I could with newly-retired Lt. Fisher and the people in attendance.
Nearly a quarter-century, on February 10, 1992, Rudy Fisher was hired as a city of Pullman Firefighter by the late Chief Pat Wilkins. When Rudy was hired the main fire station on South Grand was the career station. The Deuce was the reserve station. That all changed in 2005 when WSU stopped providing their own fire services and started to use the City of Pullman Fire Department. At that time the Deuce was made into a career and reserve fire station. At the same time Lieutenants were added to the rank of firefighters. Rudy was selected as one of the first three Lieutenants of Pullman Fire.
I had the opportunity ask Rudy some questions about his quarter-century run at being a city of Pullman Firefighter.
My first question is the typical question that many people ask. Why did you want to be a firefighter? He said “First of all I wanted to help others in a time of need. I wanted a challenge and I loved the problem solving aspect that this career choice offered every day.”
Of all the events, calls, and activities what one(s) sticks out in his mind? Rudy responded by saying “Infants and young children calls left the most lasting impressions on me. Creative activities by the student population are too numerous to list but did make me chuckle and / or scratch my head in amazement.”
Firefighters seem to have a favorite apparatus and Rudy was no different. I had a feeling that I already knew the answer before I asked, but I wanted to know what his favorite apparatus was. He said “The H & W (E32) was the first Red Engine in the fleet. It looked great and was very user friendly.” That was the engine we used to base the crew photos during the photoshoot. It also happens to be the engine Rudy requested for that purpose.
For anyone thinking about becoming a firefighter Rudy suggests “You need to have thick skin, roll with the punches, adapt and overcome, be patient, and have a passion to help others.”
I asked Rudy to look back at the Pullman Fire Department he joined 25 years ago compared to today. I then asked what he thought was the most important/best change that had taken place. Rudy said “Transitioning from a BLS (Basic Life Support) service to ALS (Advanced Life Support) [emergency medical] service.” Rudy was there for the transition and saw the difference that a paramedic can make in the positive outcome when someone is in dire straits.
Finally I asked Rudy if there was anything he would like to add, say as words or wisdom, or give a farewell statement. Rudy closed by saying “I believe a person should stand up for what’s right and true. Be accountable for your actions. Learn how to think and not what to think. Treasure your friends and family as time goes by really fast. Never regret a day in your life: good days give happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons, and best days give memories.”
Thank you Lt. Rudy Fisher for your service to the City of Pullman and surrounding communities.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in the Officer seat of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in the Officer seat of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in front of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa on the jump seats in Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa on the jump seats in Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa on the jump seats in Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa on the jump seats in Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa on the jump seats in Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa on the jump seats in Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in the cab of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in the cab of Engine 32.
Lt. Fisher standing next to the Officer door of Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher standing next to the Officer door of Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher at the pump panel on Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher at the pump panel on Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher at the pump panel on Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher at the pump panel on Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in the cab on Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa in the cab on Engine 31.
Lt. Fisher, Captain Reiber, FFs Gollnick, McPherson, Gribbons, and Krieger. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher, Captain Reiber, FFs Gollnick, McPherson, Gribbons, and Krieger. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher, Captain Reiber, FFs Gollnick, McPherson, Gribbons, and Krieger. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher, Captain Reiber, FFs Gollnick, McPherson, Gribbons, and Krieger. Engine 31 in the background.
FF Gollnick keeping things light hearted.
FF Gollnick keeping things light hearted.
Lt. Fisher in the foreground with Captain Reiber, FFs Gollnick, McPherson, Gibbons, and Kreiger. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher in the foreground with Captain Reiber, FFs Gollnick, McPherson, Gibbons, and Kreiger. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31 with FFs Gollnick, Capt Reiber, FFs McPherson, Gibbons, and Krieger.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31 with FFs Gollnick, Capt Reiber, FFs McPherson, Gibbons, and Krieger.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31 with FFs Gollnick, Capt Reiber, FFs McPherson, Gibbons, and Krieger.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31 with FFs Gollnick, Capt Reiber, FFs McPherson, Gibbons, and Krieger.
FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31 with FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson.
Lt. Fisher on the step of Engine 31 with FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson.
FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Lt. Fisher, Capt Reiber, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Lt. Fisher, Capt Reiber, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher in the foreground with FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
Lt. Fisher in the foreground with FFs Krieger, Erickson, and Branson, Capt Reiber, FFs Gollnick, Gibbons, and McPherson. Engine 31 in the background.
FF Branson, Captain Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, and Erickson.
FF Branson, Captain Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, and Erickson.
FF Branson, Captain Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, and Erickson.
FF Branson, Captain Reiber, Lt. Fisher, FFs Gollnick, and Erickson.
Captain Reiber and Lt. Fisher.
Captain Reiber and Lt. Fisher.
Members of the Pullman Fire Honor Guard practicing prior to the Flag Ceremony.
Members of the Pullman Fire Honor Guard practicing prior to the Flag Ceremony.
Members of the Pullman Fire Honor Guard practicing prior to the Flag Ceremony.
Members of the Pullman Fire Honor Guard practicing prior to the Flag Ceremony.
Members of the Pullman Fire Honor Guard practicing prior to the Flag Ceremony.
Members of the Pullman Fire Honor Guard practicing prior to the Flag Ceremony.
The final shift board. Lt. Fisher with FF McPherson covering for FF Caessens, FF Gibbons, and FF Krieger.
The final shift board. Lt. Fisher with FF McPherson covering for FF Caessens, FF Gibbons, and FF Krieger.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa walk past the flag pole during the Flag Ceremony.
Lt. Fisher and his wife Lisa walk past the flag pole during the Flag Ceremony.
The American Flag fly proudly in the wind on the morning of Lt. Fisher's final shift.
The American Flag fly proudly in the wind on the morning of Lt. Fisher's final shift.
The Honor Guard salute the American Flag that is flying over Station 32.
The Honor Guard salute the American Flag that is flying over Station 32.
Lt. Fisher and wife Lisa stand near Chief Heston. They are observing as the Honor Guard folds the flag.
Lt. Fisher and wife Lisa stand near Chief Heston. They are observing as the Honor Guard folds the flag.
The Pullman Fire Honor Guard folds the flag that flew over Station 32 on Lt. Fisher's final shift.
The Pullman Fire Honor Guard folds the flag that flew over Station 32 on Lt. Fisher's final shift.
FF Gollnick prepares to march the flag to Chief Heston.
FF Gollnick prepares to march the flag to Chief Heston.
FF Gollnick salutes Chief Heston after handing the flag to the Chief.
FF Gollnick salutes Chief Heston after handing the flag to the Chief.
Lt. Fisher with his wife Lisa being presented the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift by Fire Chief Heston.
Lt. Fisher with his wife Lisa being presented the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift by Fire Chief Heston.
Lt. Fisher with his wife Lisa being presented the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift by Fire Chief Heston.
Lt. Fisher with his wife Lisa being presented the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift by Fire Chief Heston.
Lt. Fisher with his wife Lisa just after being presented the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift.
Lt. Fisher with his wife Lisa just after being presented the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift.
Lt. Fisher with the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift.
Lt. Fisher with the flag that flew over Station 32 on his final shift.
Captain Foster with Retired FF Dragoo.
Captain Foster with Retired FF Dragoo.
FFs Branson and Erickson with Lt. Fisher.
FFs Branson and Erickson with Lt. Fisher.
Retired Captain Whitman with Lt. Fisher.
Retired Captain Whitman with Lt. Fisher.
Retired FF Dragoo with Lt. Fisher.
Retired FF Dragoo with Lt. Fisher.
Crew Leader Oppegaard presented Lt. Fisher with a gift from the C-Shift Reserves.
Crew Leader Oppegaard presented Lt. Fisher with a gift from the C-Shift Reserves.
Retired FF Wesson receives a hug from Palouse EMT Annie Pillers.
Retired FF Wesson receives a hug from Palouse EMT Annie Pillers.
Retired FF Wesson with Lt. Fisher.
Retired FF Wesson with Lt. Fisher.
Palouse FF Marv Pillers with Lt. Fisher.
Palouse FF Marv Pillers with Lt. Fisher.
Palouse EMT Annie Pillers with Lt. Fisher.
Palouse EMT Annie Pillers with Lt. Fisher.
WSU Police Officer Kirshner and Lt. Fisher.
WSU Police Officer Kirshner and Lt. Fisher.
Retired FF Wesson and FF Sugden get a laugh re-living one thing that Wesson was known for: cutting a donut in half and only having half of it.
Retired FF Wesson and FF Sugden get a laugh re-living one thing that Wesson was known for: cutting a donut in half and only having half of it.
Lt. Fisher with his parents and mother-in-law. Engine 32 in the background.
Lt. Fisher with his parents and mother-in-law. Engine 32 in the background.
Captain Reiber and Lt. Fisher.
Captain Reiber and Lt. Fisher.
Lt. Fisher with his parents.
Lt. Fisher with his parents.
Captain Foster with Lt. Fisher.
Captain Foster with Lt. Fisher.
Capts. Reiber and Foster with Lt. Fisher. Engine 32 in the background.
Capts. Reiber and Foster with Lt. Fisher. Engine 32 in the background.
Assistant Chief Scharnhorst with Lt. Fisher.
Assistant Chief Scharnhorst with Lt. Fisher.
FF Nuttman and Wehrung with Lt. Fisher.
FF Nuttman and Wehrung with Lt. Fisher.
FF Heebink and Gollnick with Lt. Fisher.
FF Heebink and Gollnick with Lt. Fisher.
Retired FF Dragoo, FF Gollnick with Lt. Fisher.
Retired FF Dragoo, FF Gollnick with Lt. Fisher.
Lt. Fisher all smiles with his donut and Capt. Reiber.
Lt. Fisher all smiles with his donut and Capt. Reiber.
With the help of a couple friends I have been testing some new equipment and methods for removing the green screen and cast for portraits.
Equipment List:
– Canon 70D dSLR with Canon EF Lens 50mm 1:1.89 STM lens
– Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT flash
– Manfrotto 294 Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Head
– Impact Background Support System – 12′ Wide
– Prism Backdrops by Ravelli 6×10′ Chromakey Green Muslin Backdrop
– Life of Photo 12 x 12″ Inch 18% Gray Reference Reflector Card
– StudioPRO 3200 Watt Double 24″x36″ Softbox Lighting with 14 45W light bulbs
Each set of two photos is a before and after editing with Lightroom and Photoshop. The first set is my friend Jeff. My settings for the camera were iso-100, f/8, 1/25 sec.
The second two sets are my friend Patrick. My settings for both sets were iso-100, f/5, 1/125 sec. An indirect flash was also used on both of Patrick’s sets.
The third two sets are my friend Riley. In the first set my camera was set at iso-100, f/5.6, 1/125 sec. The second set was iso-100, f/5, 1/125 sec. An indirect flash was also used on both of Riley’s sets.
Green screen and cast removal methods are from the Photoshop Mama video series on youtube. The first of the series can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2IIfMjf_iI
