Long Beach, CA on July 4th (not the fireworks)

[PostShawn]

I went down to Long Beach to try to see the Fireworks over the Queen Mary but I was far away. I saw them but I had much more fun trying to photograph the atmosphere rather then the fireworks. It's a little bit experimental but mostly Urban/Street (or sea) stuff. Please give me some C&C. I want to get better since I am just starting out. This was my first night shoot with the 20D so any advice greatly welcomed.

1. Shutter Speed: 1.6 - F/2.3 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4001.jpg

2. Shutter Speed: 4.0 - F/5.6 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4002.jpg

3. Shutter Speed: 4.0 - F/5.0 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4003.jpg

4. Shutter Speed: 4.5 - F/6.3 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4004.jpg

5. Shutter Speed: 2.5 - F/6.3 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4005.jpg

6. Shutter Speed: 15.0 - F/22 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4006.jpg

7. Shutter Speed: 4.0 - F/2.8 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4007.jpg

8. Shutter Speed: 3.2 - F/11 - ISO: 100
http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/images/4008.jpg

All were shot on the 20D with the Sigma 17-70 lens. I now realized I probably should have tried a little more with a 200 ISO too, maybe 400 in some areas. I did 200 on a couple shots but it didn't really seam any better. I did do a little post, mostly just levels slightly, some color but not too much, and sharpening.

Thanks for looking. These images and the Fireworks I did manage to capture are HERE. (http://filmpost.tv/LongBeach4th/index.htm)
- Shawn

[BillsBayou]

The exposure is nice. don't worry about the ISO on these, they came out fine. I like photo 3 the best.

[Sp00ks]

Very nice, sharp, good lighting. I like them all and especially the reflections on the water.

[PostShawn]

Thanks for the compliments. I wasn't even sure about #3 but something was telling me that it was a good one. I think it's because it's really the only one that directs your eye to a certain point in the picture. The others just go across or are all over.
Also the reflections weren't that obvious looking in the water in person. I guess the long exposure brought them out nicely.

[Wes]

I think they all work well, very nicely done. That motorcycle cop just doesn't seem to have much to do, does he?

Wes

[Jkim13]

great pictures!! I'm there probably once a month. Cant wait until my camera gets here on Monday =P The place looks better in your pictures than it does in person

[jestergx4]

that area is my local hangout. Awesome pictures!!!

[TexKen]

Very nice. I really like night photography and the stunning lighting it can provide.