Shooting a Man on Fire

[JimmySlo]

Kinda unique question...

I have the good fortune to photograph a stuntman next week whose specialty is fire. He is going to set himself ablaze and have a large object on fire next to him. Once he's lit, I'll have a good 3 minutes or so to take my shots. He won't be moving, so it will really be like a portrait of him on fire. He wants it shot at night so that none of the surroundings will be very visible.

Just wondering if anyone has experience with shooting large scale fire. I know to keep my shutter speed fast to freeze the fire licks. What might be a good speed to freeze it but not dim the light of the fire too much? Is there anything else I might need to know? Other than to keep a safe distance?

Thanks!
JIMMY

Wow, Jimmy, sounds like a very unique and cool opportunity! If you have the option to shoot somebodies fireplace over the next couple of days.. that would give you an idea of the starting settings. Or better, the night of the shoot, have him start by torching something else.. just so you can get the camera dialed in.

[zona5101]

this is a perfect place to employ some bracketing!

[JimmySlo]

Great suggestions both! Thanks!