Midnight Fire

*Leaf Fan* · 07-15-2009, 08:27 AM

I'm still learning a lot about photography, so this was quite a challenge for me. This was a residential fire near my house, it started at just before midnight, so I walked into the park behind my house (in my pajamas) with my camera handheld and took a few pictures. Here's what I considered the best one.

In retrospect, I should have taken my tripod, but not sure how that would have helped, all I could have done was reduce the shutter speed, but the smoke was rising rapidly.

Anyway, any suggestions about what I could have done better are much appreciated.

Handheld, K20D with DA*16-50

*Nachodog* · 07-15-2009, 12:50 PM

I think you did great for 1/15s and being in your pajamas. The colours are really compelling and dramatic.

My only advice for you would be to give it a closer crop. The two lights on either side are a bit distracting and can pretty easily be removed.

This is what I came up with from the photo you posted. I tweaked the contrast slightly as well.

I only spent a couple of minutes on this, but I'm sure you can come up with something better with the original file.

*Leaf Fan* · 07-15-2009, 02:36 PM

Thanks..........

RonMexico · 07-17-2009, 06:56 PM

Come on baby, light my fire.

hahaha.

*Leaf Fan* · 07-19-2009, 07:53 AM

BTW, it's been ruled as arson and two 19 year old boys have been arrested and charged. $10,000,000.00 in damage, somewhere in the order of 50 townhouses in various stages of construction burned down (a few were ready for occupancy within 6 weeks). Nobody was injured in this fire - thankfully.

*Ash* · 07-19-2009, 08:27 AM

Cool image capturing a sombre reality for some poor neighbour...