Pillar of Flame

A family bonfire gathering in rural Shueyville, Iowa, held about twice a year, always makes for good nighttime photography. The event held on the evening of Saturday, August 1, 2020 was a good example of that. Weather conditions at this time of the year were ideal: 72 degrees with 70% humidity and light winds. This image looks south (center) at 9:19 pm CDT. A nearly full moon is hidden behind clouds at left. 6 second exposure at f/8, ISO 320, 18mm focal length.

Hot smoke rises skyward from the large bonfire at 9:27 pm. This image looks west and is a one second exposure at f/8, ISO 800, 18mm focal length capture. Nikon D7200 DSLR camera.