4th of July Pictures First Time with 18-55mm, XTI

[desi_xti]

hey you guys and gals!

This is my first time in taking pictures. I learned all the settings and basics about shooting fireworks with Canon XTI 18-55mm. I took the pictures in RAW. I did some post-processing. I am not sure if my Post-processing was proper.

So please kindly give me some C&C. Thanks! looking forward to them!

1
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/10.jpg
2
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/11.jpg
3
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/12.jpg
4
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/13.jpg
5
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/3.jpg
6
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/5.jpg
7
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/6.jpg
8
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/7.jpg

[desi_xti]

more

9
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/8-2.jpg
10
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/9.jpg
11
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/2.jpg
12
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/Raju01/1.jpg

[desi_xti]

wow 40 views and not a single C&C? ..come on..please be kind and give me some inputs!

THANKS!

[3Dart]

most of your shots tilt to the right

[Lonnie]

I think #4 is superb.

As already stated, most of the shots to tilt, you need to straighten that horizon.

All in all I'd say you did pretty good considering the lens you were using. The 18-55 is not the lens I like to bring with me when I'm taking photos at night. I'd definitely look for angles where I could NOT include people, which I'm sure is easier said than done on the 4th.

The fireworks were exposed pretty well I though.

Now, what you need is a wider angle of the scene from #3 or #4 with fireworks going off above it. The fireworks blasts by themselves aren't interesting enough.

A tough environment for someone just getting started.

[midnight_rider]

You need to learn to hold that camera straight. For the shots on a tripod you need a level.

I did like some of the shots though.

[JJD.Photography]

The fireworks shots are nice!

#5 is my favorite. If the people were not in the shot I believe it would of been even better. IMO, I think the blur of people really hurt the shot especially when it's a nice city skyline.

[desi_xti]

thanks for the feedback! :) really appreciate it! i was wondering why is nobodying commenting after so many views! :oops:

well, i did use the tripod. and it was really crowded and i tried to find a good spot where there isnt many people. but i tried with what i could work with.

i managed to learn the settings and exposures for the fireworks.

now that you mention about tilting to the right..i may have not look at my leveler properly on my tripod.

what about the focus or the exposures regarding? i was shooting in the BULB mode with ISO of 100 and between F5.6 to F8.0 for about 4 to 8 seconds.

any comments on the setting? i was using the black mousepad to cover the shutters while taking the pictures with my remote.

[avwh]

#12 is a very good fireworks shot; the city skyline adds scale to it - very nice for a first effort.

A few of the other fireworks shots (like #6 and #8), I think a shorter exposure (2-4 secs) might have been better - it would give more definition, less "blur" or overexposure from the fireworks light trails, but that's just my personal preference.

[nicksan]

I agree with the others.
A lot of your shots are tilted. You can fix that in PS.
I like several of your fireworks shots.
Good going!

[desi_xti]

thanks!

so is it true that shorter exposure timing can make it less BLURRY??

i was looking through the settings...what is this "long exposure noise reduction"??

i hope someone can chime in and answer that for me..

also, in a situation like this, taking a picture of a city skyline at night from a distance..with this standard kit..what would be the ideal setting? i assumed ISO 100 and a tripod with automatic white balance and in bulb setting.

am i right? thanks! looking forward for some input! :)