Lightning Never Strikes Twice

[macmomma55]

I took this shot May 7, 2010 with a Canon 50D. There was tornadoes and hail all night and when it finally calmed down I went out and shot this. I personally like it but I want to know what I could improve. Color? Focus? I didn't use a tripod because I didn't bring it with and i know that would have made it better ,but its the best lightning shot ive taken so far. What do you think? Is it in focus or not at all and What can i do to improve this shot in general?






Date Time = 2010-06-07 09:22:57
Exposure Time = 1.3"
F Number = F4
ISO Speed Ratings = 1600
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 28mm

[douglas]

Yas ,I think it would be better with a tripod, but if you didn't have it with you!
Try cropping some of the right side out. It doesn't add to the picture.
Just my 2 pennies worth!

[ajm057]

Good attempt and nice composition, I do not entirely agree with Douglas. The bottom 1/3rd of the image suffers badly from the wobbles. A 1.3" exposure is incredibly long for a hand held even rested on a rock and the lights in this area are distracting. So I would crop our only a small element on the right, but crop out all the lights in and below the trees. Hope U don't mind, but I have attached an example of what this does to the shot.

[macmomma55]

Originally Posted by ajm057

Good attempt and nice composition, I do not entirely agree with Douglas. The bottom 1/3rd of the image suffers badly from the wobbles. A 1.3" exposure is incredibly long for a hand held even rested on a rock and the lights in this area are distracting. So I would crop our only a small element on the right, but crop out all the lights in and below the trees. Hope U don't mind, but I have attached an example of what this does to the shot.

Yes I like that! ill keep playing around with it. i couldnt decide how to crop it because of all the extra stuff that means nothing but i do think the lights are a bit blurred. Thanks!

[macmomma55]

how far over should i crop on the right