How was this photo taken??

[ricktas]

flash maybe

The brightest subject is the flames, the flame twirler would have been quite dark, during the exposure if a flash was triggered to light the twirler, that would imprint the 'still' twirler.

[njg02]

Maybe rear curtain flash? Ive seen a picture by Barry Danial of a couple in a ballroom dancing comp. The number on the back of the guy was perfectly in focus and the dress, feet shoes etc were swirling about. Lovely effect.

Neil

[stoogest]

That makes sense Rick. I hadn't thought of that. Something to remember for when I (eventually!) buy a speedlight!

[dbax]

I reckon I'd punt for second curtain flash as well

[stoogest]

I'm going to have to google 'second curtain flash'...

[dbax]

second curtain flash is when you program the camera and flash to make the Flash fire just before the shutter (read curtain for simplicity) closes, rather than the usual firing when the shutter opens.

[NeilC]

Yep, definitely flash and a fairly closed aperture, so the ambient light from the flames on his face do not expose his face any more when the shutter is left open. Also DOF looks pretty good too to suggest that.

As for front or rear curtain, i guess it depends on which way he was twirling

[tangcla]

Is it too late to say that it was because of flash?

I like some of the stuff this guy's done.