beginner help?

[dara]

HI all
I snapped this over france last night, place was littered in thunderstorms but as you can see its not the clearest, dirty window was a bit bumpy, I have no idea what im doing etc etc.
Was wondering what could be done to maybe clear it up a bit, I have GIMP2 installed.
These are the shots I'm most after so trying to learn how to save them some bit!!

Thanks
Dara

[windrider86]

sadly I am not so sure this could be saved. Cant really tell what it is and since its so dark, I dont think any detail can be brought back into it.
sorry

[xxpinballxx]

Upping the exposure and apply some noise reduction and then see if its worth any more time.....
Im guessing the noise is going to be untolerable....

Not really nothing there...just did it and it is harldy decernable!

[ocnsprt]

So Im not sure exactly how to take a shot like this, when you have very limited light obiously and are shooting into the sky, but I did try and bring a bit more defintition and color to the shot you got, here is an example

[dcclark]

Sadly, the photo seems to be far too underexposed -- I can't see ANY detail in the dark areas, which means that nothing you can do will bring any more detail into the picture.

In general, lighting situations like that are HARD. It's best to use your fastest lens (f/1.4 is good if you can), and perhaps even a high ISO, just so that you can get enough light in. If not, a long exposure is necessary, and then the clouds get blurred. That can be a cool effect, but often not what you want.

[xxpinballxx]

thats about the same I got when I tried it.....
I think the way to take this shot would need a tripod and shoot on bulb or just a very long exposure.