Explosions of Light by abirkill

Explosions of Light

Another photograph from last night's Celebration of Light fireworks competition in Vancouver.

This photo shows the number of boats watching the show, as well as the crowds of people on the shore.

Quite a lot of manipulation has been done to this -- this is two photographs blended together, one from just before the fireworks began to expose the background correctly, and another exposed for just the fireworks.

The two shots were actually taken with different framing and different lenses -- as long as your tripod doesn't move, you can align photos perfectly using Photoshop's Align Layers function. I then set the fireworks layer to use the 'lighten' blend mode, which will only let parts of the image that are brighter show through -- in this case, just the fireworks and the reflections.

A small amount of cloning was required to tidy up some trails from boats on the water.

There is actually a fairly major flaw in this, in that the boats where the fireworks are reflected are black, and the boats beyond that are white. Surprisingly, I don't actually find that too problematic or distracting in this shot -- what do you think?

Best viewed large!
I have loved this series -- fantastic work. I wouldn't have noticed the "major flaw" if you hadn't pointed it out and, even after you point it out, it still doesn't bother me at all. Great photo!! I bet you're capturing it better than just about anyone else there.
August 3rd, 2012  
@rockinrobyn Thank you! I need to find another location for Saturday's finale I think, three different viewpoints would be good!
August 3rd, 2012  
Whoa Alexis!.....Thats some serious work you put into this shot!....It is just magnificent and i would never have noticed that flaw & even now i know it makes no difference to the quality of it!.....Brilliant job! : )
August 3rd, 2012  
Another fav!
August 3rd, 2012  
Terrific shot. Thanks for your comments and views.
August 3rd, 2012  
Jim
Amazing job processing. The exposure of the boats within the light of the reflection on the water is great. Teh whole thing came out fabulous
August 3rd, 2012  
Impressive processing. Beautiful shot!
August 3rd, 2012  
this is a really amazing image! it would never have occurred to me that it was a compositve - and even after you pointed it out, it looks pretty darned seamless... i wouldn't have noticed that "flaw" if you hadn't said anything, and really, i don't think it detracts from the image at all!
August 3rd, 2012  
Wow! Absolutely stunning!!!!!-- FAV :)
August 3rd, 2012  
I only live a ferry ride away but have NEVER seen the show. You've done an incredible job capturing their beauty and the excitement of the event.
August 3rd, 2012  
WOw, this should be in the Vancouver Sun. Your photos are MORE exciting than those in the news daily.
August 3rd, 2012  
amazing image - really dramatic capture of the fireworks, with that amazing background
August 3rd, 2012  
Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing your secrets to the image too! Fav!
August 3rd, 2012  
wow, thanks for sharing how you did this, quite amazing
August 3rd, 2012  
Nice shot! Love the glow on the water & all the people gathered to watch.
What is the red line on the hill - car light trails?

I think the 'major flaw' is one of those things that only you will ever notice & that's because you know it's there...
August 3rd, 2012  
Another wonderful shot Alexis! I wouldn't have noticed the "flaw" if you hadn't pointed it out. I would tend to think the boats backlit by the glow of the fireworks would naturally appear darker to the naked eye (lens?) than would the boats in the dark areas.

The thing that I am getting a major kick out of is that you can see all the little tiny lights of the camera phones being held up by the people on the beach! :D
August 3rd, 2012  
Also, if you are still trying to decide where to set up on Saturday night, there are some great ideas here: http://vancouver.about.com/od/summereventsjunjulaug/tp/Vancouver-Fireworks-Where-To-Watch-Vancouver-Fireworks.htm

Hope you have a great time! :)
August 3rd, 2012  
Stunning!
August 3rd, 2012  
Brilliantly processed! I wouldn't have picked all the manipulation if you didn't mention it :D
August 3rd, 2012  
Nia
Fantastic shot. Don't know why I haven't been following you, but corrected now. I have seen your comments many times and just really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and to do so in a way that is understandable for those us with a desire to learn and understand photography. Thank you.
August 3rd, 2012  
Wonderful shot(s)! :) I think only a serious photographer or photo manipulator would have noticed your 'major flaw'. They might scratch their heads for a moment, but no casual viewer would ever see a flaw. It's stunning!
August 4th, 2012  
brilliant - another fav
August 14th, 2012  
saw it few years ago, the best fireworks ever!
September 3rd, 2012  
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