Fireworks

[henkbos]

My first attempt to take pictures of fireworks. Comments are appreciated. I can still do it again this week.

First picture is a combination of 2 shots (4 and 6 sec, F16, ISO100), blended in PS (mode lighten). Second picture is a combination of 3 shots (11, 15 and 11 sec, f16, ISO100), blended in PS (mode lighten). More tricky this time because of the smoke. Tried to blend the darkest picture as latest layer to correct that.
Sigma 15-30.

http://www.henkbos.com/web_pics/fireworks1.jpg

http://www.henkbos.com/web_pics/fireworks2.jpg

[jasenh7]

Wow....they look good.

Would you care to share how you blended the two together. I've got some shots I took but never got the blending correct and was never happy with it.

[G2Jim]

The first one is good. The second makes me wish I could see the top of the fireworks display, as well as more of the reflection on the bottom. Vertical orientation like the first would have been better, but tough to fix after the fact!

[Conk]

I agree with Jim about the second however it is still a great photo.
The first is also a great photo but is crooked.

[JohnMN]

Excellent photos henkbos. Would you care to share the EXIF settings that you used on your camera (if it is available) at the time if you don't mind? Tripod or hand held?

JohnMN

[slejhamer]

Henk,
In the first your horizon line is slanted. However I really like the pattern in that one, and the reflection in the second one. Good stuff!

[henkbos]

Thanks for the comments guys.

Thought the fireworks were too small in the first pic, so I moved in closer the second evening, missing the top. Once it started you are basically stuck. The horizon might seem tilted, but I was not perpendicular on the shore. Will see how it looks when corrected though.

The blending is easy. Open 2 pictures, convert to 8 bit mode, select all of the first picture, go to the second, select paste and a new layer with the second picture is created. Adjust the blending modes if necessary.

Good luck!

[thewhitenite007]

Doesnt look all that bad. They fireworks are nice and sharp and well defined. The area where they are taking of can be a little darker but everything looks pretty good.

[gsperling]

Any chance we can update the links? They appear to have disappeared!

[henkbos]

Done

[JenLJ]

I agree with the whitenight. Very sharp and lots of detail! Forget the fire works. I even love the horizon. Carnival or whatever's going on there ;)

[henkbos]

OK, I did try (and think I succeeded) to make the picture better. Distorted the right side to make the horizon level and streched the picture a little.

These fireworks were on the occasion of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Every evening. Problem was that the barge shifted location a little bit every evening, so it was a little guess work. Once it starts there is no time to shift location and you are more or less stuck with your setup.

http://www.henkbos.com/web_pics/fireworks3.jpg

[Leighow]

Magnificant. and the 2-up idea really works here.