First lightning capture...

SystemSystem Registered Users Posts: 8,186 moderator
edited July 22, 2006 in Landscapes
Loop-BoltsIMG_5292.jpg&

I've been trying to layer in a properly exposed "city" but my PS skills just aren't there yet.

Comments

  • STLMach1STLMach1 Registered Users Posts: 152 Major grins
    edited July 21, 2006
    I can certainly relate to a lack of PS skills. I have that problem as well but that is still an interesting shot. Though a bit dark, the ridge in the background and the watertower are nice touches. The shot is very dramatic and menacing in appearance!

    I like it! - Michael
  • SystemSystem Registered Users Posts: 8,186 moderator
    edited July 21, 2006
    That ridge is a cloud! That was shot in Chicago yesterday.

    Thanks.
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited July 21, 2006
    Interesting catch. If your doing layers the your PS skills are better than mine. I should really address this.

    Was this with a 'lightning trigger' ? Im surprised that there are no leaders (smaller fingers) coming from the bolts.
  • SystemSystem Registered Users Posts: 8,186 moderator
    edited July 21, 2006
    gus wrote:
    Interesting catch. If your doing layers the your PS skills are better than mine. I should really address this.

    Was this with a 'lightning trigger' ? Im surprised that there are no leaders (smaller fingers) coming from the bolts.
    It was done manually. At higher res / larger size there are leaders etc visible. I have a crude layered version that I've just about exhausted my skill set on that I'll post later today so you can see what I've done (and not done).
  • AfterImageAfterImage Registered Users Posts: 113 Major grins
    edited July 21, 2006
    There ya go!
    That is actually a decent shot and not to be sneezed at!
    Lightning can be tricky to capture well and the longer exposure times vs. the sudden brightness of the strike can lead to instant blow out. Although dark, your lightning bolt is very crisp which is an achievement in it's own.
    When I used my 35mm Minolta to shoot and there was a strike early in the exposure I would hold the bulb open a little bit longer just to expose the scenery a bit more. I don't yet have a remote bulb for my digital so I am at the mercy of the timed exposure method. :hack

    If the strike was a weeeee bit closer or happened after a slightly longer exposure it would be very hard to fault. Keep rolling the dice and eventually everything will line up for you in terms of distance, brightness and exposure time!
    I learned your love for life,
    I feel your presence...
    I remember

    SLAMA Photography
  • SystemSystem Registered Users Posts: 8,186 moderator
    edited July 21, 2006
    Here's the two layers at the best exposures merged into one image.

    Loop-Bolts-layers-%A9-IMG_529.jpg&
  • AfterImageAfterImage Registered Users Posts: 113 Major grins
    edited July 21, 2006
    BRAVO!!!

    I wish I had the photoshop skills needed to work that magic.
    Good stuff!
    I learned your love for life,
    I feel your presence...
    I remember

    SLAMA Photography
  • erich6erich6 Registered Users Posts: 1,638 Major grins
    edited July 22, 2006
    It looks like you could even bring up the exposure a bit more for the city. There's still good detail there. What was your equipment setup?

    Erich
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