ok try again - my 1st fireworks photos

[ctgoldwing]

sorry if I offended anyone's sensibilities by posting it in the wrong forum originally.
I would appreciate any constructive criticism on how to make these better.

original post:
This is my first real attempt at shooting fireworks. In comparing my pix to others I see on the forum, it seems mine are underexposed. I shot most at f16, some at f22. All with a 10D, 24-70mm set at 24, remote bulb & on a tripod. Exposures were between 1-3 seconds.
It just seems that there is more 'life' in the other shots I see here. . . .
Any advise? shoot at f8 next time?

http://www.molaver.org/fw.htm

btw I wish I could have positioned myself so there was something else of interest in the pix besides the fireworks themselves. Alas this was a small neighboring town & vantage points were very limited.
Jerry

[Don Ellis]

Hi Jerry,

I think you did very well -- especially for your first time. You should probably narrow your collection down to one page, but it’s nice to see the entire group.

If you’d like a little more life -- and I stress “a little” because I think they’re good -- try this technique:

1. Set your Eyedropper Tool to “5x5 average” and set a black point somewhere in the dark sky. You’re getting a little light diffusion that lightens the background slightly. Setting a true black for your background will make the fireworks stand out.

2. Alternatively, duplicate your layer, set blending mode to Soften, and set Opacity to 50%. Does nearly the same thing as the black point.

3. Boost overall Saturation by 10%.

4. Unsharp Mask very, very slightly.

Since I don't use a DSLR, I don't know if f8 would improve your shots.

I think your comment about “something else of interest” shows a lot of insight into the sort of compositional elements that can separate "fire in the sky" shots from truly interesting fireworks photos. Having said that, yours are some of the better ones in the void. Now go choose one page of favorites. :)

Cheers,

Don

[ctgoldwing]

Thanks Don!
I guess everyone assumes that everyone uses PS - not! I am just a hacker & find that PSP is fine (and simple enough) for me. I understand what you were saying about the manipulations & think I can learn to do them - hey that's what it's all about, isn't it?
& you are right on the mark about the quantity, lol.
In looking at other posted pix of fireworks it just seemed they were more vibrant (?)
There is always next year! As a matter of fact I think one of the local baseball farm team has a fireworks show after every game. hmmm.
Thanks again!

[Don Ellis]

Hi Jerry,

You're welcome... I don't assume everyone uses Photoshop, especially at its retail price. But it comes with many cameras and I figure those that are using another program can probably figure out the steps from my description or ask for more information. It worked in your case. :) Ignore the soft light approach of #2 and just set a black point, slightly saturate and sharpen.

I think your photos are quite vibrant. I did think the minor modifications I mentioned helped them that last 5%.

I know what you mean about learning quickly... the one and only time I shot fireworks, I had 20 minutes to learn. I took 70 pictures and kept two and considered myself lucky.

One of these days we'll have more fireworks in Hong Kong harbour and I'll try again. For the moment, we're occupied with half-million-strong marches in support of our freedoms.

Cheers,

Don