Bob Crum

It was the weekend of (S) Science, (T) Technology, (E) Engineering, (A) And (M) Math. Combined with a touch of Punk. A party of the other kind. A funtastic Festival.

Defining Steampunk is a challenge considering the many interpretations. For help, I called upon the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

“Steampunk is an inspired movement of creativity and imagination. With a backdrop of either Victorian England or America’s Wild West at hand, modern technologies are re-imagined and realized as elaborate works of art, fashion, and mechanics. If Jules Verne or H.G. Wells were writing their science fiction today, it would be considered steampunk.'”

Mechanics and gadgets, jewelry, weaponry and Victorian costumes prevalent at the venue. Machines from a running Model T dump truck to a Fairbanks & Morse magnificent engine that made a “popping” sound every three seconds. To round out the activities, participants were treated to a ride on the Fillmore & Western train pulled – of course – by the #14 steam-powered Baldwin iron horse.

Upon entering the land of STEAM on Main Street, downtown Fillmore, I was greeted by a magnificent machine. I circled it a few times before 'making' the photo. I was seduced to push 'the' button. Without warning, I was instantly thrust into a time-warp portal that transported me back to wherever-it-was in 1844. An interesting place where I was greeted by Colonel Deviance and his Aerial Bugler. I could return – I was told - to the present only if I played Kiss a Gundam in C sharp with the bugle! To my delight, I hit every note and promptly returned to the present. I wonder how many Fillmore residents we lost!

The Western and Victorian-themed costumes were masterpieces of creativity. Most impressive were the many jet-packs worn by both men and women. Many pieces of head gear included clockwork gears. One lady's hat clock gears actually rotated. Fascinating apparel and accessories.

Such fluid events pose many photography challenges. Rules of composition take on dual priorities. Compose a fascinating subject to reasonably fill the frame is generally the first and foremost priority. But there isn't a photographic rule that I don't often break. Sometimes it's a good idea to show the subject within the context of the surroundings. When time and circumstances permit, I'll shoot both perspectives just to eliminate 'should of' thoughts. During post processing, the best of the two photos is usually apparent and the final decision is made about which one to print or publish.

Shooting events like the STEAM Festival is stimulating. Activities included the bearded potter demo, steamy tech build challenge, Steamistas hosted make and takes, costume contest, beard & mustache competition, the Doctor Solar show, and music by Poplock Holmes All Stars on the Gypsy Wagon Stage.

But such events are also problematic because I capture photos in RAW file format with the camera in manual mode. While RAW image files permit a wider post processing latitude it does require constant and fast camera setting adjustments because everything is continually unfolding in different light! C'est la vie.

At such events, I prefer to capture candid photos. The County Fair is such an example where I seldom pose anyone. But there are times when a candid just isn't feasible. Necessity dictates appropriate action... step in and ask to pose the subject. In every instance when I asked someone to pose the response was: Yes... I'd be delighted. From jewelry to jet-packs - from elaborate attire to exotic accessories - every outfit a marvel of creativity that begged to be photographed. Oh such fun!

Send comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com