Fire Truck

[Saturation]

The Fire Dept. responded to a call at the apt. building I live in last night so I ran out there with my camera and got a few shots.
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2034/firetruckagain800oj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2628/truckthingys800wl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[redone]

i really like the second shot, i actually said oooohhhh out loud LOL

[Saturation]

Btw, can someone teach me how to avoid or fix the ultra bright or blown out spots from lighting? I'm tired of losing detail from it. For example the gauges and knobs towards the top of this shot.
Here is the original of one of the shots above. Is there a method in PP that could be done? If you would like the RAW original version to PP and show me I would be glad to email it to you.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3752/orig800tq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[redone]

i understand the question you are asking about the blown out highlights from a technical standpoint - and which I can't help you on as it is too advanced for me lol, but might i just say that i think it works in the edited version because it looks like the truck lights are lighting up the sidewalk (not sure if that is what you are going for or not).

[Wazu]

Hmm, take two photos at different exposures and put them together?

[kuebaldy]

The building is on fire and the first thing you grab is your camera?

[Biko]

Btw, can someone teach me how to avoid or fix the ultra bright or blown out spots from lighting? I'm tired of losing detail from it. For example the gauges and knobs towards the top of this shot.
Here is the original of one of the shots above. Is there a method in PP that could be done? If you would like the RAW original version to PP and show me I would be glad to email it to you.

Its part and parcel of night shots as you are dealing with a large tonal range from bright white light to black. Best shoot from a decent tripod and take a series of shots at different exposures and then use layers in photoshop to bring up detail and reduce highlights such as bright lights. shooting RAW is the way to go for this as have much more control and can adjust WB. Helps to use a small amount of shadow/highlight is PS as well. If no tripod can be better to underexpose slighly to compensate for bright lights and bring back detail later in PP, but you may produce a grainier shot.

Your shot; If you adjust exposure in RAW and the use layers will bring back some detail, only problem you have is there isn't much detail in highlights and if you adjust chances are they will appear grey and unnatural.


EDIT

If you would like the RAW original version to PP and show me I would be glad to email it to you.

Saturation, if you have a shot where the highlight look ok but rest looks underexposed, if you can make 2 images the underexposed one and another say +1 exposure and stick on webspace I will have a go at it if you want.

[Sp00ks]

The building is on fire and the first thing you grab is your camera?

I don't see any fire. No flames, no smoke.

I really like the second shot. Great Post process.

[Ianfp]

I like your original #2 photo - I think it is great!

[Sonic Infidel]

Agree that #2 is very nice.

On #1, try cropping to make the truck more of a dominant subject. It could also stand to be lightened up a bit.

[Dale Siscoe]

Nice work, as far as the second one, I am unawares of a way to remove the light splash.

[milleker]

I love fire response shots, something about those big trucks and lights make me feel like a kid again. These are great! Be sure to send them to your department!

USUALLY Fire department guys love visitors and a chance to show off their equipment to the public. Most stations give points to the volunteers when they bring someone in for a tour - enough points and they get special perks, like riding in the front of their truck for instance. Anyone interested in the fire equipment (and those who even aren't) go down to your local station with your camera, introduce yourself and ask for a tour. Of the few I've been on I always got the feeling that they appreciate someone from the public being interested in their work!

[asysin2leads]

I especially like #2. I've spent many a fire at the pump panel. My advice to you would be get with your local FD and ask about any antique apparatus musters in the area. A lot of FD's have antique fire apparatus and love to show them off. I already have 5 antique apparatus parades scheduled this summer that I will be taking my camera to.

My best advice for fire scenes is to stay out of the way. I know that it sounds like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many times I've had to run off photogs, including local news. It's obvious that you weren't in the way in your shots, but just wanted to throw that in. If you get some good shots, share them with your FD. They will appreciate it and they might remember that the next time you show up on scene and start snapping shots.