So don’t try this at home. Well at least not without supervision of somebody who knows what they’re doing, fire’s dangerous and if you’re not careful there’s a good chance you’ll singe all your hair off. Or worse. Trust me, burnt hair isn’t a good look.

Anyway with that out of the way I spent the bank holiday weekend at Fire Gathering. Awesome event just the right size and with loads going on, from live music to massage, circus skill and obviously fire. I have to admit to being a touch proud when Sam and I started the fire on the Saturday night. With so many talented spinners, jugglers and dancers I think everybody was scared to be the first to light up. Us being us, Sam and I decided to break out the paraffin anyway and get the spectacle under way. Before I could say “ouch that’s hot” I was surrounded by a mass of fire and decided to bow to the super talented masters. Probably a good thing – I like my hair…

More photos after the jump…

So I did manage to steal Sam away during some quiet time for a bit of an experiment with fire, smoke a river and lots of flash. These photos were some of the most challenging I’ve taken. The back two flashes are actually located on a particularly difficult to reach tree branch.  I had to set them once then hope I got it right. I also love the smoke but it was really difficult to get it as far back as I wanted. The smoked pellets I was using aren’t waterproof and since this is shot in a river it’s almost impossible to get them far enough back! Anyway I like the outcome but the learning experience was far more valuable!

Of course I can’t finish without showing you some of the rest of the festival. It’s not all fire, we can’t forget the fancy dress, sports day and all the crafts…

Right anyway I think I best sign off and head to bed. I’m off up to the Peak District tomorrow for an engagement shoot. Let’s hope the weather holds out! Photos to come!

Alex